"We understand the folly of striking a bargain with a tiger, for one will only end up being devoured. To say nothing of the fact that if we become too entangled with the Tower of Secret Silver and word gets out, not only the Royal Family but also the Church Court would brand our clan as traitors. The Eastern Territory would be plunged into chaos, and its people would suffer terribly. That is absolutely not something our clan wishes for."
He looked at Murphy, his gaze frank. "Those rumors may have been deliberately spread by the Tower of Secret Silver to sow discord between our clan and the other powers of the Kingdom. Or perhaps they are merely the speculation of those who wish for nothing more than to see the world in chaos. But please believe me, Governor, while the Peric Clan may have its grievances with the Royal Capital, we would never gamble our clan's survival and the peace of the Eastern Territory on an illusory and infinitely risky future."
