In a secluded palace within Sodela Palace in Empress Borough.
Owen's avatar and Alvin, disguised as Zaratul, arrived here once again under Vera's escort.
This time, besides Abner and Vera's old acquaintance, the Black Saintess Medea, George III had another man at his side. He had a broad, square face, black hair, blue eyes, a high nose bridge, a thick beard, and a rather solemn expression.
His appearance was not unfamiliar to many Loen citizens, as it was printed on the front of ten-pound notes. Of course, even those who had never possessed a ten-pound note in their lives could see his statues or portraits in places like Memorial Square.
He was Loen's founder, its Protector, its first king, William Augustus I.
He was also a Sequence 1 Hand of Order.
After a brief exchange of courtesies, both sides went straight to the main matter: signing the alliance agreement.
Abner picked up the drafted agreement and read it carefully. Though it contained many provisions, there was really only one core transaction.
Zaratul and the Secret Order would support George III's advancement to Black Emperor and, when necessary, help the Loen Royal Family fend off enemies seeking to sabotage the ritual.
In return, Loen would support Zaratul's bid to become the Fool or Error and provide its full assistance in dealing with Amon.
As for the other clauses, they were merely the usual rights and obligations between allies, such as regularly exchanging intelligence. They were not worth much attention.
Overall, Loen was treating Zaratul and the Secret Order as equals in this alliance. They were indeed showing considerable sincerity.
"But unfortunately, I'm a traitor... No, it's that I'm not actually Zaratul at all!" Abner mused inwardly, then nodded to George III. "No problem. I can sign this agreement."
Hearing that, George