"How was my performance?"
Unlike the relaxed Annan, Reynaldo looked deeply troubled.
His fears were coming true: Annan's standing kept rising. He had even won Clo's favor, forcing him into direct contact with the King and the Council Chairman.
Annan was the soul of Free City. If he was caught, everything would be over...
Reynaldo didn't know about the Sorcerer Protection Association's Crystal, so his thinking was understandable.
Most people agreed: it wasn't so much that they saw potential in Free City as that they valued the power behind it.
Given Free City's relationship with the Empire, they always assumed the Montreal Golden Family stood behind the war. It was simply Montreal fighting Montreal, with Free City serving as the Empire's Gray Glove.
Annan's arrival in New Royal City only made them more certain. "See? Even Annan came to New Royal Capital in person and put himself at risk. What more proof do you need?"
By sheer accident, that belief made them more loyal to Annan. Choosing between a fleet and a battered little boat was no choice at all.
"The Kingdom's number-one enemy is right here in New Royal Capital, and the King and Council Chairman both think highly of him. Don't you think that's cool?"
"Cool?"
"It means exciting."
"I don't think so, and I don't understand... You're risking Free City. Why?"
Annan smiled. To him, the answer was obvious.
Annan got out at the Forked Road and returned to the Purification Court.
As soon as he reached the entrance, he saw Martin sitting on the Steps, knees drawn up and chin propped on his hands, looking deep in thought.
"What's wrong?"
Martin asked, "Aunt Susan didn't make apple pie today, did she?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Then where did the apple pie you gave me come from?"
"Take your time