"If I don't come back tonight, tell the Mage Tower and the Street Sweepers immediately that Augusta Olmedo is colluding with the Ratfolk."
"You're still going when it's this dangerous?" Francois asked with a frown.
"Because it's the way to get answers."
Augusta Olmedo didn't know Annan knew he was behind it all—and that was Annan's advantage. With the Ratfolk plot in Breeze City foiled, this was the perfect chance to observe Augusta Olmedo's reaction.
"Do you need us to come with you?" Michael asked. Annan declined.
After meeting Agawar, the Tower Master of the Mage Tower, Annan had gained a clear, firsthand understanding of power. He had no means of standing against an Epic Mage.
That evening, Annan arrived at the Olmedo Family residence.
Looking in from the gate, he saw meticulously trimmed shrubs and branches that seemed to reflect the manor's owner: rigid and devoted to order. It raised a new question. Why would an orderly, inflexible member of the Old Nobility turn to Chaos?
A carriage bearing the Olmedo Family Divine Emblem pulled up before Annan, but it wasn't Olmedo who stepped out.
"Cousin!"
Martin jumped down from the carriage, his Gemstone Sword at his hip, and warmly embraced Annan. The buttons across his chest barely held.
"You've gained weight."
"You should address me with respect!"
"What should I call you?"
"You should call me... uh... call me..."
Annan shifted his gaze from Martin, who was practically drooling as he thought, to the Butler opening the gate.
"Lord Annan, Master Martin, the master and Master Jeffrey are waiting for you in the Restaurant."
Annan and Martin followed the Butler into the residence and reached a Restaurant lit by dozens of candles.
Augusta sat at the head of the table, with Olmedo beside him. The atmosphere was as