The mystery of Princess Sails's murder was only a side matter. Annan left it to Terry, telling him to investigate without alerting anyone.
His attention remained on Khaelberos.
The Kingdom had five Legendary figures in the open: Agawar the Betrayer; Irwin, the Council Chairman; Elvey, who had been wounded in the assault on Free City that left one dead; McKnight, commander of the Dragonheart Knights' Order; and Miraji Vista, Chief Mage of the Royal Mage Corps.
There had once been more in this generation, but not every Legendary figure agreed with the Kingdom's actions. Some left; others were killed, like Mel, the Eighth Holy Grail Knight, and Perkins, the Fifteenth Holy Grail Knight.
Including Khaelberos brought the total to six. On Free City's side, only Skeleton King Leonäfa was willing to fight.
Old Ancestor might lend a hand if Free City fell into danger, but she could not actively help Annan.
One more Legendary Mage could, to some extent, decide the war. As long as Khaelberos stayed out of it, Annan would still have a considerable advantage. If he sided with Annan, Annan could announce a full-scale assault tomorrow, without waiting for the Blade of Freedom.
But the letter Annan had sent might as well have vanished. There was no reply.
Annan did not know whether it had failed to reach Little Bat or whether Little Bat had received it and simply did not care.
Maybe he doesn't believe what the letter says?
Given Little Bat's importance, it was worth taking another risk.
This time, to be safe, Annan intended to go in person.
It was not as though he planned to expose Little Bat as a member of the Blade of Freedom on the spot... Wait. Why not?
More importantly, whatever Little Bat's attitude, Annan could get away safely.