CH328 Alex, the Student of Politics
***
Eleanor shook her head as Zora's laughter faded.
Still, she answered Alex's earlier question.
"The Alchemy, Forgesmith, and Runesmith Associations existed long before the Craftsman Association," she revealed. "The latter was founded by other artisans who felt undervalued by those three. They gained the backing of several Empires and organisations that wanted to curb the overwhelming influence the three Associations once held."
"When the Craftsman Association was established, the three older Associations were nominally placed under its authority — which is why most people, including you, apparently — believe it governs them. In practice, though, the three are essentially independent."
