Connor listens intently to what Helen has to say before speaking up again. "I agree about actions speaking louder than words... to a point, your actions will mean nothing if you can't weave in and out of the various social circles within court, you will always have nay-sayers who will talk down on you and your family. Granted, you may have those people anyway; Mr. Heinrich as an example."
The haunt pauses for a moment, thinking on whether to even comment on Helen's claim of physical prowess. "It isn't about being formally trained, it's about survival. I fought scrappers back in the day who could give me a run for my money. If what you say is true, you have as much claim as I do on that point." While this may hurt his chances at getting voted in to whip, he believed it also showed that he doesn't lie to family, at least not here.
"As for allies. The Priscus having allies does not mean that WE as a family have allies. While I doubt Priscus Durant would turn her back on her ally's clan, it isn't an impossibility. I did see you talking to Seneschal Jack during my first court in the domain, that is a powerful ally if he can be secured; I'll admit that talking to him more is on my to-do list." He laces his fingers in front of himself as he continues. "I do agree with most everything you've stated tonight, I won't be upset in any way should you win. As for why I want the position. I view it as a way to prove myself to the family and to the domain as a whole, a 'trial by fire' of sorts. For most of the other reasons, it doesn't really matter who gets it, as long as they're competent." He unlaces his fingers and makes a small open gesture with his hands. "As for this being a preliminary August meeting, it was one of the things on my agenda for this meeting, it just took longer than I anticipated to get passed it, but I agree that we should move on unless anyone has any other questions."
The haunt listens as Helen speaks on the Kowalsics. "I think as a whole, we showed strength during the... event. It will be hard for anyone to say we didn't face the humiliation with grace. That is what it was though, a humiliation not just of Mr. Kowalsic, but of the Nosferatu clan as a whole. The term 'Kowalsic' may very well be used against us when it comes to our status in Court, no matter how close we were to them. As far as lost assets; I can't speak on that... the court of his punishment was our first meeting."