ill intentions now recognizable

The courtroom buzzed with a low hum of tension, the atmosphere steadily unraveling like a coiled spring. Rephradre stood tall, his composed demeanor unshaken even as his words drew subtle gasps and murmurs from the gathered audience.

His ability to maneuver through the minefield of accusations and counter-arguments was nothing short of masterful. Every suggestion he raised seemed to diminish Father's standing further, each phrase dripping with implications of incompetence and mismanagement.

"While I understand the Patriarch's perspective," Rephradre said smoothly, his tone polished yet pointed, "one cannot help but wonder why these measures have not been implemented sooner. Delay, in matters of governance, can sometimes be the greatest failure."