Ratko did not have an illustrious background. His family could not be traced back to the foundation of the kingdom - not even to the foundation of the House Kazbirati. But that was what made him so trusted by King Bozhidar, and now, King Nikolai.
He had no previous allegiances nor previous grudges. A clean slate.
Of course, it helped that the man was skilled both martially and with arithmetic, but that was due to a pure stroke of luck - and Kazbirati support.
So, when Vitale told Ratko to return to his office as if the king was not fighting for his life in the Crypt, he naturally resisted.
As one would expect, though, the alchemist got his way, and for the best, really. Ratko was the axis of Castle Mechi. While it was the case that the staff was divided into various different jurisdictions, at the end of the day, they all answered to Ratko.
