Free City's intelligence machine sprang into action—which meant Annan turned on the charm and asked the Tartun Empire, the Stuen Ratfolk, the Rikaner Kingdom, the Dimon Kingdom, and other powers for information.
He also gathered intelligence on how the powers of Middle Earth were responding, especially the Empire.
After all, western Middle Earth was the Empire's territory. Even the mildest nation would not tolerate yearly incursions by Ratfolk and demons, let alone an empire famed for its barbarians.
The Tartun Empire had endured it for so long that Annan wondered whether it had some unspeakable arrangement with the Ratfolk.
Beyond that, patrols along the Duchy's border had to be stepped up, and the city walls had to be raised as high as possible before the Ratfolk arrived.
After all, besides the influx of refugees, Free City would have to step in if the Duchy collapsed at the first blow.
How long Free City had to hold out would depend on when the Empire came to its aid.
What if the Empire never did? Annan was certain it would. The Montablinlock Duchy was its vassal. If the Empire left it to die, its dominance over Middle Earth would be shaken.
To put it bluntly, if the Empire stood by while the Ratfolk pushed south, threatening both it and its vassal without lifting a finger... that would be the real trouble.
Even Free City could then carve away a share of the Empire's authority and begin its own rise.
But Annan hoped that day would never come. Couldn't everyone stay alive, make money, and develop magic together? Why all the fighting and killing?
Annan first sought out Gale and asked the Stuen Clan for intelligence. Ideally, they could find out who was in charge of the Rat Nest in the north. Like