They didn't ask about money.
They asked about decisions.
"What is power?"
"Responsibility," I answered.
A man shook his head.
"Too idealistic."
Another asked:
"What is weakness?"
"Emotion without control."
That got attention.
Then came the hardest question:
"What would you sacrifice to win?"
Silence.
I answered carefully.
"Comfort."
Pause.
"Not my values."
They exchanged looks.
One finally said:
"Interesting answer."
I didn't know if that was good.
Or dangerous.
Nora's fear.
Nora waited outside.
Her face showed worry.
"How did it go?"
"I don't know yet."
She grabbed my hand.
"I don't like this world."
"I don't either."
"Then why stay?"
I answered honestly:
"Because running gave us nothing before."
She nodded slowly.
"I trust you."
That trust mattered more than any council approval.