Ralph did not answer him immediately.
He only stared at Teclos from across the table, then rubbed his face in frustration, tapping his fingers against the wood.
"The Count," he repeated quietly.
Teclos nodded.
Ralph leaned back in his chair and let out a slow breath through his nose.
"You do understand what you're saying, right?"
"I do."
"No, I mean really understand." Ralph looked Teclos in the eyes with a piercing stare. "This isn't some merchant or a gang boss. This isn't even some idiot noble. We're talking about the Count."
Teclos stayed silent.
Ralph continued, his voice laced with concern.
"It's the ruler of this whole city. The man has a good reputation, and people like him. Hell, I've done work under his supervision before with the mercenaries, and even our captain adores the man."
"That doesn't mean he's innocent."
"No," Ralph admitted. "But it means accusing him without proof... is dangerous."
Teclos's hands tightened on the edge of the table.
