"How is the orphanage I arranged for coming along?" After a moment's thought, Elliot asked.
He had previously considered rebuilding a new orphanage, but with one trouble after another, he had not asked about it again.
"It's been built, but..." Conrad looked troubled. "I'm afraid we currently have no one to keep it running."
This was the Sterling Family's predicament.
The Reforging Flame was under strict supervision by the nobles, almost completely isolated from the family. The family's original intelligence network and the personnel stationed in various places could no longer be mobilized.
But this was not much of a problem for Elliot.
The believers in the Hearthfire District had grown in number, and with the temporary agreement reached with the nobles, nothing major would happen in the short term, at least. It could count as a stable base of support.
Although their high-level fighting strength could not compare at all to that of the Reforging Flame, a True God Church, there was no need to go to war yet. Having the Communion's people fill in would actually be more suitable.
After considering it for a moment, Elliot raised his head. "Give me some of the family's emblems or tokens."
Surprise flashed across the old butler's face, but he quickly regained his composure. He summoned a servant and gave some quiet instructions, and soon several servants returned with an enormous chest.
"Emblems, uniforms, and standard-issue weapons for the outer guards. These are for the maids and manservants... These are for your trusted aides; they grant access to most areas. This... is for the butler."
Conrad's finger stopped over a gold collar pin, small and exquisite, identical to the one he wore.
Elliot picked up the collar pin and examined it closely, then nodded and casually tossed it to Conrad. "Move