President Phelan had just learned from a trusted aide that Annan Reeves was behind the Oskulas Mercenary Company. He set out to confront him, only to find no one at the Golden Palace.
"Lord Annan Reeves left a little while ago. He went to the Black Reef Tavern."
President Phelan changed course. On the way to the Black Reef Tavern, he gradually regained his composure.
He examined his own actions. Had he ever offended Annan? No. At most, he had said a few unkind things, but Annan could not possibly know about those.
Did anyone close to him have a grudge against Annan? Certainly not. Three days ago, hardly anyone in the Phelan Trading Company had even heard his name.
If anyone had a grudge against him, it was the Grand Lord, with whom he had clashed and argued. Why would Annan Reeves suddenly target the company?
There must be something I'm missing!
"Turn around. We're going back to the Manor."
President Phelan rushed back to the Manor, where quite a few of his fellow company members had gathered. The sight of them made his blood boil. "Can you do anything besides complain to me? Bring out your private troops and every trump card you have! If we don't take back Coal Mountain, we're all finished!"
He had the Gatekeeper drive those fools as far away as possible. If they had even half the nerve of Skarlu's people... Well, then he would never have become president.
Inside the Manor, the Butler approached him. "Sir, everyone outside is saying Mr. Annan Reeves is responsible. Could this be a misunderstanding? He was here just this morning..."
"What? Annan Reeves came here?"
The Butler told him how Mrs. Phelan had invited Annan and the Lord's wife over earlier that day.
A roar filled