Raphael Earhart
My mentor carefully explained the role of the Circle Knights in the process of selecting the next Patriarch, as well as the hidden power struggles among the different factions within the family. She revealed that she had officially expressed her support for my candidacy and had already voiced it in previous Circle meetings.
It wasn't difficult to deduce that the pressure from other Circle Knights was a direct consequence of her decision. Some sought to test my abilities, others aimed to undermine my reputation and weaken my faction's position, and a few simply enjoyed observing my reactions.
As Alea spoke, she occasionally averted her gaze, and at certain moments, a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. It was intriguing to see how the realization of her own responsibility for the situation made her appear slightly guilty. For a moment, I was tempted to tease her, but I restrained myself.
— …That's the situation, — she concluded.
