---
The sense that direct attack would cost more than he had expected. He told it all with the careful balance of a man trying to make himself look neither incompetent nor cowardly and achieving both.
Mihos listened without interrupting.
That was worse than interruption.
Because it forced Dickoff to keep walking deeper into his own humiliation without the relief of being stopped.
When he finished, Mihos tapped one finger once against the arm of his chair.
"You wrote that he has many people around him."
"Yes, Young Master."
"How many is many?"
Dickoff hesitated.
Mihos saw it and smiled without warmth.
"That kind of hesitation is why your lineages remain merchants."
Dickoff bowed his head again. "At minimum, Elena the head maid. The bird. The twin sisters. Several maids who are not as harmless as they appear. Possibly more hidden strength within the house. And…" His throat shifted. "There are rumors now. About other support."
Mihos's gaze sharpened. "What support?"
