Mmmmm Tutta Ombra is strong and Cole has the cunning to wield it efficiently and more creatively than Johanna did but his potential just isn't feated for the kind of front loaded damage that a first class executioner would provide so he's close but always just a notch below. He's well aware of this and doesn't mind, only griping that he should've trained more when he has to face Stratham during the big uprising that threw the Chirch into disarray (and subsequently loses, leading to his capture and execution)

Almonde finds out about his church-mandated side job first and doesn't judge him for it despite how badly he wanted her to since he reveals it during a particularly low emotional point. The heart to heart convo between them and Almonde's assurance the the rest of the guys won't string him out for it wither if he lets them know actually saves him from potentially "turning" and it's that earned loyalty that makes him ultimate sacrifice himself for Almonde (and Mik but mostly Almonde lol). Stratham LIKELY would've taken issue with Cole not saying anything sooner and find some way to justify church sanctioned assassination anyways. Mik would just shrug and tell him that the fact that its eating him on the inside means Cole clearly takes no pleasure in it and just did what he had to do though Mik would also pull rank and find some way to get Cole's activities summarily cut short behind the scenes

Thank you!