The Auxiliary Legion had never seen this side of Annan before... but they rather liked it. They had expected him to act as stiffly as any noble.
After ordering his men to gather evidence on the Purification Court, Annan went to the Branch Court Head's office.
"Young Miss Olmedo..."
"Branch Court Head, sir!"
Annan straightened his chest and clicked his boots together like a knight loyal to the Kingdom.
"No need to be so formal. Your uncle and I go back a long way." The Branch Court Head invited Annan to sit. "Youth is wonderful. You never seem to tire... but you should rest now and then."
"Reporting to the Branch Court Head, sir! We! Do! Not! Rest!"
The Branch Court Head smiled indulgently. "Excellent. It seems your arrival at the Purification Court is a 'good thing'... Do you need any help?"
"I do. I hope you'll have the other Inquisitors cooperate with my investigation!"
"You've only just arrived... You should get along with your colleagues."
"The only relationship I need with Blade of Freedom members is one that sends them where they belong!"
The Branch Court Head stopped trying to dissuade him. He watched Young Miss Olmedo leave, then shook his head and muttered, "Why did you have to cross him... He's killed more Blade of Freedom members than anyone in the Purification Court..."
Annan returned to the church's second floor, once home to the choir and now serving as an office.
"The Branch Court Head seemed decent enough," he told his men.
"You won't think so after you see this."
An Elite Ranger handed him a report. Annan opened it and discovered that the man behind the Inquisitors' attempt to put him in his place was the Branch Court Head he had just met.
Annan's expression turned grave.