Annan was ready to shout, "Olmedo sent me!" the moment he was exposed. Then, while the Council Chairman was caught off guard, he would smash the crystal and activate every amulet—including the one the Council Chairman had given him.
"You mean this?" The Council Chairman raised the Staff. Annan nearly mistook it for the start of an attack.
Annan studied the Staff. No mouth had appeared on it. At this point, he had no choice but to feign surprise. "Council Chairman, it's talking to me again!"
The Council Chairman was silent for a moment. "You're too tired."
"Is that so? I think I need some sleep too... I'm terribly sorry to have disturbed you."
Annan said goodbye to the Council Chairman and left the Lounge.
Had he fooled him...?
"He actually lied to you. Little Annan has learned some bad habits..." the Staff lamented. Then it noticed Irwin was still staring at it. "What's that look for? You don't suspect me, do you?"
"You've broken our agreement before."
"You can't blame me! You told me to look after little Annan, and I couldn't help myself. Whenever I see him, I think of little Olmedo. My poor Olmedo, waaaah..."
"Stop crying."
The Council Chairman murmured and looked at the chessboard on the table.
"It seems your little Annan came for it."
"I failed. That cunning uncle of yours was hiding in the Lounge, like a hunter sitting beside a tree stump waiting for a foolish rabbit to run into it."
Olmedo was not surprised. "Then don't take the risk."
"That's what I thought too."
Victory was on their side now. There was no need to take another risk.
They needed an opening to bring down Clo. It might come when the Cavalry from the Southlands reached the gates, or when