"Yes... this was all because of my stupidity."
Hawthorne said only that before falling silent.
Ever since becoming Chairman of Congress... no, from long before that, he had always been conscious of his image, making himself appear wise, strong, and dependable.
Even before Ezra, Hawthorne had forced himself to hold on, never allowing even a hint of helplessness or pain to show.
But now, before Seraphina—this "senior" who surpassed him in age, experience, and accomplishments—Hawthorne finally revealed some of his true emotions.
Firelight danced in Seraphina's eyes as she watched Hawthorne without speaking for a long while.
The fireplace crackled, filling the room with warmth, yet Seraphina felt only waves of cold in her heart.
At last, she raised her eyes and looked openly at Hawthorne. Though her voice was slightly low with age, it was exceptionally clear.
"Niccolo, all these years, I always thought you had something against me... that you wanted to curb my influence, even secretly supporting those efforts to undermine my reputation."
She gave a bitter smile, her face full of self-mockery.
"I was angry over it, and I thought of striking back, but... Lila, and many of my old friends, all believed that while you might be somewhat petty, you were an impeccable leader when it came to official affairs."
"I formed many unfair suspicions about you, but for the American Wizarding World... I thought it was for the peace of the American Wizarding World... so I chose silence and endurance."
"But I'm sorry. In private... it was difficult for me to tell others that—I supported your actions."
Those complaints and grumbles made in secret had seemed like nothing more than helpless venting at the time. Who could have known in whose hearts they would plant the seeds of opposition to the Chairman of Congress?