A lot of people were watching Annan's every move, so he took Deck back to the Purification Court first.
They had arrived in time, and the Blade of Freedom members were worth more alive. Deck and the others had only suffered superficial injuries.
When Deck learned that the man who had captured him was the notorious Purification Court Head, he spat. "Kill me. We won't tell you anything!"
"Heh heh. You don't seem to understand where you are. This is the Purification Court, the burial ground of the Blade of Freedom!"
"M-my lord, please don't frighten Boss Deck..." the middle-aged man who had rushed over said.
"Do I look like I'm frightening him?"
Deck stared at the man gravely. "You didn't escape either?"
"Lord Ann—Young Miss Olmedo is on our side." The middle-aged man caught himself before revealing Annan's identity.
"Impossible!"
The Purification Court Head, who hunted down and killed members of the Blade of Freedom, was on their side? It would be more believable to say he was Annan Reeves!
"Yes, that's the look... That look of hatred when you can't kill me... Heh heh!" Annan let out a strange laugh. "Of course he's 'on our side.' He's the one who sold you out!"
Maria shot Annan a puzzled look. He met her eyes and signaled for her to stay quiet.
"Prepare the Torture Rack for my guests. Hmm... I recall the Purification Court has a punishment called Salt Purgatory?"
"That's right, Court Director. We stuff the prisoner's eyes, nose, mouth, and backside with salt, leaving him to die in a hell of thirst. What remains is a complete, dehydrated husk."
"Excellent. That sounds perfect for these Blade of Freedom members. Heh heh."
Maria wanted to tell Annan that laugh did not suit him at all. But since he