Annan set the Magic Lamp in place so its gentle glow reached every corner of the Cell, then left the Dungeon with Maria.
Iron Maiden sank into the bed, lips pursed as though savoring the sweetness of the Apple Pie...
"I thought you wouldn't be able to resist unlocking her manacles."
"A trick like that won't fool a Sorcerer."
Annan was the one who deceived women, not the other way around.
Even a dragon as shrewd as Illymoyas had obediently handed over her treasure, and Iron Maiden's attempt at temptation had been clumsy.
As Annan emerged from the Dungeon, he ran into one of Reynaldo's trusted aides, who handed him an Invitation Letter.
"Who's it from?" Annan asked, lowering his head to tear it open.
"The Council Chairman."
Annan looked up in astonishment.
It was indeed signed by the Council Chairman, inviting Annan to a banquet the following evening.
Unable to fathom the Council Chairman's intentions, Annan hurried back to the Official Residence with the Invitation Letter.
"Has the Council Chairman held banquets before?"
"Rarely, but he has." This time, Reynaldo was the one urging Annan not to overthink it.
There would be plenty of guests, including many important figures. The Council Chairman might not know anything at all. Perhaps he was simply gathering the New Royal Capital's prominent people.
"I count as an important figure?"
"You're a rising star." Reynaldo tried to sound casual.
Annan remained uneasy. He had only just come from Iron Maiden's Cell... Had her Misfortune affected him after all?
There was a simple way to check: find out who else was on the Council Chairman's guest list.
Reynaldo said he would investigate.
With time to spare, Annan looked over the list Peacekeeper Milburn had confessed to and picked someone he disliked.
"Purification Court business. I