North gave her a flat look. "You learned how to think differently because of Billion. You also had an entire galaxy supporting your growth. You can't expect every powerful person you encounter to immediately understand the same things you do."
Steve nodded. "Most people don't suddenly change their worldview just because someone stronger tells them to. Those two girls had existed as the consciousness of this galaxy for who knows how long. Their entire existence was tied to this place. From their perspective, surrendering to you wasn't simply losing a battle. It meant giving up everything they were."
Vivi fell silent for a moment.
She seemed to consider his words seriously before muttering, "But I would've treated them well."
North smiled faintly. "I'm sure you would have."
