Sir Philip, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Rochester and the new master of the former Crassus estate, had recently been cultivating a relationship with Crown Prince Randolph.
Rumors quickly spread that a confrontation had occurred between the crown prince and Michael during a recent military meeting, resulting in Prince Randolph storming out in anger. Seizing the opportunity, Philip, who had long envied Michael's meteoric rise, approached the prince and succeeded in befriending him.
With the rhetorical skill inherited from his mother, who had captivated the Duke of Rochester, Philip found the task relatively easy. His exceptional eloquence and polished social skills pleased the crown prince, and the shared animosity toward Michael served as a convenient bridge for their camaraderie.
