When Annan arrived, he had brought a large group of people and a load of goods. When he left, it was just him and Irilanze.
The merchant caravan remained in Wilhelm. Entering Wilhelm required a pass, after all. But now that Annan had an anchor point, he could come back whenever he wanted.
They boarded a merchant ship bound for Maple Island and Middle Earth. Annan had intended for the two of them to share a Third-Class Cabin; even that cost ten gold coins per ticket. Instead, Irilanze paid out of her own pocket to upgrade them to a First-Class Cabin.
Annan winced at the expense. Even if she had money, she couldn't spend it like that. He almost wanted to snatch her Magic Ring and wear it himself.
Still, they got what they paid for. At twenty-five times the price, the First-Class Cabin really did offer the best view of the sea and the deck, along with the best service. The serving maids were pretty enough, but they paled beside Irilanze.
"I brought everything with me. The money I've saved, the Potions I've gathered, the Spells I've researched..."
Annan sat by the table, chin propped in his hand, watching Irilanze inventory her treasures like a squirrel.
"Anything else?"
"And... the elders of my clan told me to take good care of you."
"I'll take good care of you... wait, what?"
Irilanze had brought everything she owned. She had, in effect, entrusted herself to Annan. That trust was both weighty and precious.
All Annan could do was try his utmost not to let her down.
Once Irilanze reached Free City, she had four options:
She had been a mentor at the Mage Tower in Breeze City. Besides becoming the owner of the third Mushroom House, she could continue as a