Why don't we form a political alliance? You can use your backing to help me ascend to the position of Patriarch.
After I reach the top, I will also give you some of the Patriarch's powers to manage."
"Deal."
"Then it's agreed, Madam Patriarch Griffin."
...
The cooperation ended with the former Patriarch leaving in a somewhat undignified manner.
But clearly, because of the tacit agreement between him and his wife, the previous Patriarch, although willingly stepped back in the end, also felt he lacked the qualification to sacrifice everything for the Empire.
The patriarchs of the four families learned the "Empire Prophecy," which only past patriarchs are privy to, from him.
The former Patriarch's thoughts were quite straightforward and not entirely aimed at him intentionally.
He simply believed that if someday Tal would abandon the Empire's interests for personal and family gain, someone had to stop him.
