[ Well, he's right about that, and that particular sacrifice is one that he'd make over again without hesitation. He wanted everything to be well for his people, and while part of him knows that he had no way of controlling what happened after he was gone, he still wouldn't change a thing. That small voice in his head still tells him that sacrifice isn't what makes a capable ruler, but he tries to ignore that and focus on Bayek's words instead. ]

You're right, that is not something I would have agreed to. [ As Pharaoh, he would have had to lead and make decisions for his people, but at the same time, even if this means he might have been a naive ruler, he still would have wanted them to have some measure of autonomy. Perhaps now he's looking back on things through a more modern lens, thanks to his time among the living in the modern world, but he can't see a point in living in a world where someone else dictates how other people get to live their lives. There should be guidance, yes, but not rigid restrictions. ] I wanted better for them.

[ Atem's eyes travel to Bayek's hand and what's left of his middle finger. The significance is still lost on him, but clearly it means something to the other man.

And as he continues to speak, that thought that maybe Atem is far too naive to have been fit to rule returns. In light of what Bayek is saying, he wonders if maybe his own ideas are too foolish to be practical. ]

I see. [ He turns those words over in his mind as he attempts to process and understand them. ] I see why such a thing wouldn't be possible.

[ But even as he says that, he continues to ponder the possibilities and how a Medjay with a public position would work. ]