Aldrich saw the awed reactions around him, noting just how much influence a potential, not even legitimate Fortune of Council member could have. He capitalized on this moment.
"Thanatos and I hold far more influence than meets the eye," said Aldrich. "What you see is just the tip of the iceberg."
"Then it is true? The rumors?" said Gerard suspiciously, tugging at his ragged white beard. His extending monocle zoomed in on Aldrich.
"What rumors?"
"That Thanatos comes from a hidden organization. How else could he have managed to gather so much power? So many troops? All without anyone noticing? That armor of his alone means he has a high class Alter that nobody knows about making equipment for him." Gerard pointed at Aldrich. "You too then, have to be from one of these organizations.
I can't sense any AC count from you, but I've heard that Thanatos didn't show any either. Is that new tech too? Are you Thanatos's handler? What are your motives? Who are you?"
