Annan stood before the Steps of the Judgment Hall, squinting against the harsh sunlight.
His companions stood at the foot of the Steps in the sun.
"Welcome back."
Francois pushed to the front and greeted Annan with an ancient, distinctive gesture. Annan, who did not recognize him, ignored him.
"Sorry I had to have you arrested in such a hurry. They were already making their move when I received word, so I had to get to you first." Footsteps sounded behind him, and Olmedo emerged with a warm smile. "Thank you for trusting me."
"Who are they?"
"Let's get back to your Manor first."
Olmedo climbed into a carriage bearing the combined crests of the City Lord's Mansion and the Olmedo Family. Annan took the carriage reserved for one of the Twelve Kings of the North.
The two Carriages pulled away from the Steps of the Judgment Hall.
"We really did misunderstand Olmedo..."
Michael, who had climbed in with Annan, began by telling him what had happened over the past few days.
Not long after Olmedo ordered Annan's arrest, Viscount Bleu Regan came forward and declared that the real Levis was dead and Annan was an impostor. Fortunately, Olmedo had already sent his men to arrest Annan and settle him in the dungeon.
That was when they realized Olmedo had another reason for arresting Annan, and they began cooperating with his arrangements.
The Countess had also been working behind the scenes and found a way to contact them. But as a woman whose husband had just died, she had decided it would be inappropriate to appear in public, so she had not waited for him outside the Judgment Hall.
"Viscount Bleu Regan..."
Annan knew who he was. He had passed through the Viscount's territory on his first trip to Breeze