What's even more worrying is that he hasn't firmly determined his own label.
If he were 100% committed to Mahdi, the Empire might not do much to him... at least leave a side for the Empire, unlike the brotherly communication channel he has with Ian.
But on the surface, it appears that his connection to Mahdi is merely incidental due to his relationship with Ian, not reaching that level of rapport.
This makes people think differently, even considering him as merely an opportunist, which they look down upon.
—When others say you have ties with the exile appointed by the Imperial Emperor, you better truly do have such ties.jpg
This, indeed, is one of the embarrassments Yisen Gard has faced recently.
The trip to the Exotic Species Research Institute, Yisen Gard, Ian, and Anfa all had exchanges with 'Mahdi Ravine' and were clearly members of the same team.
