It was always amusing how easy it was to see through the Council. Ultimately, the people at this table did not have seven different opinions. They all listened to their leader and he was easily swayed if one could give logical reasons.

Councillor Medarda had a voice like gold and an ulterior motive like oil. If one swam in it for too long, they drowned.

Heimerdinger was the first to cast his vote. A bright, white light rose above him and made his small figure glow in the darkness.

Medarda was the second, of course, because it had been her idea.

The old Kiramman was the third to show her support for her former protégé. Even though he was no longer in her service, she wanted good relations.

Your (E/C) gaze travelled over your shoulder to your father. He and Salo ran a rather less legal endeavour in terms of trade.

Wine was a coveted commodity, but the Nexions were picky. Poor quality didn't sell well unless one bribed one or two experts to improve the results. The worst batch was sold over there at a luxury price.

Profit in both pockets. Stronger control of the hexgates would make this matter more unpleasant. Or even impossible.

The young man still lacked a voice.

Bolbok seemed fond of the idea, but their species was once nearly wiped out by the power of the arcane. And House Talis traded with this very power. Soon perhaps even more so than at the moment.

Salo was too vain and scared to jeopardise his own position. He was a coward with too much money. He would definitely not cast a favourable vote.

But you already had plans in your head on how to take advantage of Councillor Talis. So you leaned close enough to your old father's bony shoulder for him to notice.

Torn from his thoughts, he turned his head, the hair of his beard already turning grey with age.

"What do you want, boy?", he asked with bated breath, his rough sailor accent as thick and familiar as your own reflection.

"I know you have no confidence in my abilities.", you whispered to him with a smirk.

A sarcastic snort escaped him.

"Then what am I supposed to trust in, boy?"

Your eyes narrowed as you looked at mister Talis. Then they moved on to the man sitting slumped and frail in the chair next to him. His body threatened to tear him apart. But his mind burned with ambition to become immortal.

"To the fact that I am a cunning bastard of your blood, father.", you laid a hand on his arm.

"He could destroy us."

"Or turn us to gods."

Your father thought again. If there was one thing that tempted Hoskel, it was the prospect of more. More money, more power, more influence. Abundance was what ran through his veins.

You had known this side of him since you were born and had learnt to exploit it for yourself. Not that that was necessary. He adored you.

And you could say a lot of things about him, but not that he was a bad father. Still, you could read the hesitant doubt in his old eyes.

He loved you, knew that you would carry on his bloodline when he was gone. But it wasn't time yet, and he didn't ask you to throw yourself into a world of betrayal and intrigue before it was really necessary.

However, you knew that practice makes perfect. And this practice could even bring benefits that would last for decades.

If not centuries.

With a slight exhale, your gaze briefly wandered to Salo. The blond man had averted his pretty eyes and seemed to be busy taking notes. He was thinking, and at that moment you realised that he might invest in House Talis after all.

A thought flashed through your mind. If your father's business acumen wasn't enough, his pettiness was.

"Just think, father.", you whispered into his ear. "If we choose him, he will owe us a favour. And we could use that to put Salo out of business."

A twitch ran through the back of his neck. You could see how his fingers froze on the toy and thoughts flitted across his bearded face. Then he exhaled deeply, placed the metal thing on the table and raised his hand.

Glistening white light illuminated him.

Smiling contentedly, you retreated into the shadow of your father, as was expected of you. But you weren't standing in his shadow.

You were his shadow.

And everything he did had been influenced by your advice and ingenuity for years. The vote tipped and it was decided. Four of the seven councillors allowed Jayce Talis from the same house to join their ranks.

Salo, Bolbok and Shoola abstained from voting in favour. Still, it was enough. An eighth chair would soon be placed at this table and you wondered what the future would look like.

"Very well.", Heimerdinger's small voice filled the space between those present.

Surprise mingled with confusion and displeasure. Now it was time to smooth things over. Salo would not simply accept the fact that your father had voted in favour of admission.

Shoola played a small part in your business, she owned the houses of Piltover. Her trade was the dwellings and buildings to be constructed. As long as you didn't want to buy anything, she would be of little use.

You still weren't exactly sure what Bolbok's business was, but they would be easy to outdo as they seemed to live in the memories of the past.

"Don't make me regret this, young one.", your father grumbled over his shoulder as the members rose one by one to welcome Jayce Talis with respect.

Mister Talis walked around, shook hands and got carried away with a few words. Pride and reserve mingled in the green of his eyes.

As he passed you, you caught his gaze and tilted your head with a smile. His breath stumbled in his chest and without reaching out to you he walked on.

"Like a hare running from a wolf.", you smirked to yourself.

Your father snorted.

"How rude not to shake hands with my own son.", he growled. "Maybe this was all a bad idea."

You unabashedly hugged your old man.

"Don't worry, I won't take it personally.", you breathed a quick peck to his bald head. "You've taught me to stand above it."

Snorting but also beaming with pride your father sucked in a sharp breath and tried to hide the bright flush that glowed on his cheeks.

"Ya got this grace from your blessed mother.", he tried to sound huffy.