She'd hoped he'd had slightly more in mind than just power is crap. But if he does, he keeps it to himself. Maybe that's all he has to say; with the way he talks, maybe he really does think power is just an illusion, something one person tricks everyone else into believing. It's a depressing thought, but she can't entirely deny it. The fact that there are better ways doesn't mean people will take them.

There's something else, too, the way he uses himself as an example, that's itching at her. If you wanted to pretend you were a self-important bum, what would you do? Pondering over how much of Byerly's act is just that--an act--is going to take more than one night.

So all she's left with is his advice as applies to her. Believing in her own strength hasn't convinced others in the past, but they've always learned better. So, solemn-eyed, she asks, "What if I already think I am?"