What did Irilanze see?
Poor, helpless Annan was huddled on the sofa, his head lowered in fear, his eyes timid and brimming with tears. And that hateful blonde woman had him pinned down, about to force a kiss on him—
"We're talking," Olmedo said, looking back.
"Is that how you talk?"
Annan raised his head. Olmedo's golden hair brushed his face, tickling him into a frown. He caught a hint of fragrance, too.
Their position did look rather intimate.
"Are you wearing perfume?"
"Perfume?"
Olmedo looked a little uncomfortable and released Annan's shoulders. "No."
Irilanze leaned against the doorframe as if her strength had left her. Pointing at them, she said, "You dare flirt right in front of me. When I'm not here, you two... you two—"
"You've misunderstood. There's nothing between Olmedo and me."
Annan caught a strand of Olmedo's hair that had fallen across his face. Was she actually shedding hair?
The Elf Mentor wasn't listening. She pointed at Olmedo. "I thought you liked women!"
"Liked women?" Olmedo froze.
"Back then, you disguised yourself as a man and went on dates with women."
"I had no choice. I had to present myself as a man in public."
"You'd better be telling the truth."
Olmedo had no choice but to explain. "I was only helping Annan."
"That's how you help him? Climb into his bed and let him take out his urges on you!?"
"What?"
"Excuse me?"
Annan was having trouble following her. So was Olmedo.
Looking as though she'd been betrayed, Irilanze said, "If you're bold enough to get intimate with him now, you'll be sneaking into his room tonight!"
At the corner, Head Maid Abby appeared with hot drinks. She turned on her heel and hurried away.
You're talking about yourself... Annan thought.
"What I mean is..."