***********
Scarlette Overland existed as a contradiction to that principle.
Some within the guild argued that her connections alone disqualified her from remaining a member. Levin had opposed them outright.
Scarlette had been part of the guild long before power ever sought her out. She had no interest in political influence, no desire to entangle herself in noble affairs. Levin knew this better than anyone. Aside from necessary interactions with the royal family and the Marquis, Scarlette deliberately kept her distance.
That disagreement had nearly fractured the upper council once.
Scarlette herself had ended it—coldly, directly.
Ericka could still remember her words, spoken without hesitation.
