News about Annan reached Golden City before he did.
Annan Reeves did have close ties to the Empire. There were even rumors that he was an illegitimate son of the Montreal Golden Family... but he was also very rich.
According to the intelligence, Free City had commercial streets all over the world, earning him millions of gold Narls each year.
Grand Lord Raymond simply could not resist the temptation to take a bite out of Annan's fortune.
There were also rumors that Annan fancied women of foreign races, noblewomen, and other men's wives and daughters. Those were hardly worth mentioning. Compared with the tastes of many nobles, Grand Lord Raymond thought Annan was still green.
But being green had its advantages.
Grand Lord Raymond summoned his eldest son, who would also inherit the Broken Mountains if nothing unexpected happened: Elvis Raymond.
"Prepare a banquet for our guest. Send invitations to every noble with a beautiful wife or daughter."
"Annan Reeves? Why, Father? Isn't he our enemy?"
Grand Lord Raymond stared at his son, his narrow eyes devoid of affection. "Elvis, I won't say it twice. If you can't do it, I'll have Kilian do it!"
"...I'll make the arrangements, Father."
Elvis Raymond lowered his head.
Meanwhile, Black Widow, disguised as Annan, was strolling through the streets with Kilian.
"Where are you taking me?" Kilian asked.
"Don't be impatient. You'll know when we get there," Black Widow said, continuing to wander as if without a destination.
Winter was almost here, and many shops had begun selling coal. Smooth, gleaming lumps lay piled in baskets beside wooden signs reading "1 silver per basket."
It was not cheap, but plenty of people were buying it. Many shops had already sold every basket they had set outside. After all, people could freeze to