A Night of Sudden Wealth, Yet an Overwhelming Emptiness: Little Rich Bro Has a Date Tonight

"Ivankov sent word. He's settled in Borisgrad under the alias 'Baghramyan' and is preparing to carry out the task the Wolf Woman gave him. In his letter, he thanked you for teaching him how to stay alive around the Wolf Woman, and said he'd come back to see us when the time was right."

Aboard the airship returning to Transia from Ice Bay, Old Huo was enjoying a dwarf cigar in the VIP lounge's smoking room. He spoke quietly to Crow, who was reading beside him:

"That guy's got a bit of a 'chosen by fate' feel to him. When I heard he'd escaped Treasure Bay, I thought he was as good as dead. I never expected him to come through."

"Uh, you're a little slow on the uptake. The moment I learned Ivan had slipped out of Treasure Bay without anyone noticing, I knew Andre's Thorn Nightwalkers had to be involved."

Crow didn't look up from his book. As he read through the Aztec myths, he said:

"Actually, this outcome is for the best. At least with a government job, he doesn't have to worry about being hunted down later. The first step in the Wolf Woman's productivity reforms is to free the country's serfs. That means she'll be dealing with rebellious nobles for a long time to come.

"In a situation like that, Ivan's abilities will be put to the best possible use.

"I just hope he'll show some restraint whenever he uses those tricks of deception. But since Lady Dutna is watching over him, we don't need to worry too much about his safety.

"Speaking of his brother Anton..."

"Mm, that guy's got some 'talent.'"

Old Huo blew out a smoke ring and joked:

"You have no idea how much trouble Anton gets into. Ivan gave him