"Please forgive my earlier discourteous test, but it was necessary..."
Betura York suddenly rose and apologized to Annan.
"You..."
Annan looked up in surprise. He was about to speak when something occurred to him.
The Third Prince was the one backing Aidan. Could they be on the same side?
"His Highness the Third Prince wants to work with me?" Annan ventured.
"Yes," the young Executor admitted.
"Why? Just because I helped Aidan and the Third Prince?"
"Yes."
Annan tried a different question. "If you don't mind my asking, what can I do?"
An ambition Annan had not seen before flashed in Betura York's eyes. He said each word distinctly: "Break the established order."
"...I'm afraid I can't help with that. I sympathize with what Aidan did, but that doesn't mean I agree with it. I can't accept his mistakes just because he suffered." Annan shook his head. The Third Prince must have misunderstood him.
"I see..."
Betura York seemed far from disappointed by Annan's refusal. He merely said, "His Highness had one more message. Whatever your answer, he hopes it won't affect your relationship."
"I feel the same way."
Who could turn away someone who had brought them a pile of gifts?
If the Third Prince had been a Third Princess, Annan might even have made a few sacrifices.
With both tasks the Third Prince had given him complete, Betura York bade Annan farewell. He planned to leave for home the next day.
After seeing Betura York off, the Head Maid Abby came in with Maria.
"Gale came to see me just now."
Maria took a seat, her tail curling around her waist on its own. "She asked how many Ratfolk she could bring without making you angry. I suggested a hundred."
"That's too few."
They had dozens of li