They split up to handle the preparations.
Francois contacted Katarina and Klein; Michael went to the Mercenary Hall and the Adventurers' Association to recruit guards; Annan led the Special Envoy cavalry back to the Manor to rest, then told the Ogre and the Orc they would leave tomorrow.
"I like sweets," the Ogre said out of nowhere. When Annan looked over, he added, "But I wouldn't mind broadening my tastes."
Annan studied the Ogre's thick, unblemished hide and considered getting him a suit of armor. For now, though, there was only time to rush out a Leather Armor cuirass to stop stray arrows and blades.
Then Annan went to the Study to prepare a reply for "home." He couldn't say nothing. Once word reached the Ossulund Territory, his sisters would demand to know why he hadn't told them.
Annan drafted a vague account of what had happened, but instead of giving it to the Fire Crow, he began a second letter.
Messages took about a month to travel between Breeze City and the Reeves Family. The longer Annan delayed, the better prepared he would be.
The second letter warned "home" that Ratfolk attacks in Breeze City were frequent and plots against him kept surfacing. They must not trust any message that did not come by Fire Crow or give the enemy an opening—
Augusta Olmedo's seemingly prophetic arrangements forced Annan to warn his two Sisters. For all he knew, a message claiming "your brother is dead, and an impostor is masquerading as him" had already reached the Reeves Family.
When Francois arrived, there was a trace of loneliness in Annan's eyes. "We can't hide it much longer."
"Annan... my lord. You don't understand nobles."
For the first time, Francois addressed Annan with deference. "Even the greatest glory decays, and the