While Seiya received his proclamation of rewards…
The Blackwoods and Strahlfangs on the other side of the hall exchanged significant glances. They had already begun coordinating, providing resources not only to Seiya but also to Jin Strahlfang and, more discreetly, to Klein.
Jin was below with his faction, watching the platform with a dark expression. He had transferred to another school after the Goldcrest revolt problem.
His family had lost their older brother, the heir, so now he stood at the front of the succession line. The weight of that responsibility showed in the tension of his shoulders, the way his hands clenched and unclenched at his sides. His family had been severely fined for supporting the Goldcrests as well, but they remained prominent despite the monetary losses because they had many people, extensive networks built over generations.
