...no, still confused.

'But superiors are not bound to such a thing. They ask loyalty from their inferiors, and should be granted it. If they make a decision, it is because they are the best informed to make it, and so it should be followed.'

He looks down at the table-top, his brow furrowed still. In thought, of all things. It is most disagreeable.

'At least, that was the way it was in my time.'

This is mutter, sullenly put forth, as if a concession that it may not be the only option for running a system.