Running into the Stuen Ratfolk in the Broken Mountains was a pleasant surprise for Annan.
Yes, a surprise.
After working together for some time, Annan and the Stuen Ratfolk weren't exactly close, but they certainly weren't enemies. And their talent for gathering intelligence was astonishing.
After all, rats were everywhere: attics, gutters, walls, floors... They got into everything.
They might even have overheard every word of his plotting with Wilson.
"You know about tomorrow's trial, don't you?"
The Ratfolk Elder neither confirmed nor denied it.
"What evidence does the Grand Lord have?"
Annan didn't know whether there were rats in the Golden Palace, but the Ratfolk Elder definitely knew what went on inside—
"What can you offer?" the Ratfolk Elder murmured.
"Don't get greedy. Isn't Cat and Mouse enough?"
No child could resist watching the mischievous, lovable Tom and Jerry romp across the screen with their exaggerated antics. As those children grew up, some of that affection would naturally carry over to the characters' real-life counterparts.
Just as a generation raised on Magic Films would naturally feel fond of Free City.
"Cat and Mouse was payment for our last exchange, not this one." The Ratfolk Elder wouldn't budge.
"Do we really need to keep such close accounts?" Annan spread his hands. "You traded intelligence on the North for Cat and Mouse. However you look at it, you came out ahead."
"Annan, you're a clever thing."
"Uh... thanks."
"You should know there's no point persuading me. Hundreds of elders like me stand behind the Holy Race."
Annan didn't believe him. He only wanted a little intelligence. Would that really involve the entire Stuen Clan? The elder was clearly angling for a benefit of his own.
All the better. As long as the Ratfolk Elder had selfish desires, Annan was confident he