The young king looked half asleep as he studied Annan. "Have we met?"
"During the Royal Procession, I was keeping order with the City Guard."
The Purification Court Head's heart settled. At least Annan hadn't revealed himself...
"I don't remember." Clo gazed at Annan as if committing his face to memory. "I've heard about you. You really hate the Blade of Freedom?"
"The Blade of Freedom and I are mortal enemies!"
Clo was pleased with Young Miss Olmedo's spirit, something he himself lacked. "What reward do you want?"
"Your Majesty, I need no reward!" Annan drew himself up. "But if you need me, please give me more authority. Let me root out the Blade of Freedom hiding deep within the Kingdom, feeding on its people, and send them to Hell!"
The words were so fierce that the Purification Court Head couldn't tell whether Annan meant them or was hinting at something else.
Either way, saying that in front of his mortal enemy was far too bold...
"Really?"
The young king sat up a little straighter. Ministers who knew him understood that this was as close to earnest as the indolent king rarely got.
"Yes! I'll find them and drive them out without mercy!"
"Councilor Ita, what position does our promising Young Miss Olmedo hold now?"
"I appointed her acting Purification Court Branch Head, Your Majesty," the Purification Court Head said quickly.
"Do you think that's appropriate?"
"That... depends on whether Your Majesty has other plans..." The Purification Court Head couldn't read the king's intentions.
Clo slumped back against the Throne as though he had no bones. "Since you like hunting the Blade of Freedom, I'll give you a chance."
"I'm listening, Your Majesty."
"Find ten officials within the Kingdom, and the branch is yours. Find a hundred, and I'll hand