Later, Annan and the others gathered in the Council Hall.
Annan brought only Illymoyas, Francois, who was temporarily serving as the "Recorder," and Ingrid, who was there to play the bad cop. The Ratfolk Elder brought two Ratfolk Priests and two Champion Rats.
The Old Clan Chief brought only Illymoyas's Parents, who remained in dragon form. Fortunately, the Council Hall was large enough that it still looked spacious with two Blue Dragons inside.
The three parties sat facing one another, with row upon row of empty seats behind them.
There were also representatives from Golden City: Lady Melanie and Wilson, sent by the Raymond Family.
They represented Golden City's old and new powers.
Lady Melanie looked as though she had just cried her eyes out. Her remaining makeup had smudged into a smoky mess, and she sat alone in the observers' gallery.
"To make the Alliance Pact binding, we should sign a Contract. Any objections?"
"Doesn't matter to me," the Ratfolk Elder rasped.
"How about a Dragon Clan Contract?" the Old Clan Chief said.
Annan gave a soft cough, and Ingrid took her cue. "To avoid any conflict of interest, the party providing the Contract should belong to none of our three factions."
"That makes sense. How about asking a Devil to witness it? The Ratfolk Elder might feel more at ease that way." Annan seized the chance to bring the Ratfolk Elder into it.
"Me? Whatever," the Ratfolk Elder said.
Annan wanted to use this opportunity to tie the Blue Dragon Group to Free City while sending his Devil friend a generous gift.
The Old Clan Chief had no objection either. Devils and Blue Dragons both belonged to lawful evil, after all.
Annan eagerly took out the Parchment Scroll to contact Beludona and tell her the good news.
Thick