Night fell.
The bustling Commercial Street was packed with people, trapping Francois on his way back from the south.
"Lord Francois, is Meteoric Iron City this lively too?"
"Of course. This is Lord Annan's eighth Magic Film, after all." Francois looked away and answered Richard, who had waited for him at the Teleportation Square.
It took the carriage more than ten minutes to inch its way to the City Lord's Mansion.
A servant led them to the meeting room. Seeing several people seated around the round table, Francois asked, "Have I come at a bad time?"
"Your timing is perfect."
Annan stood and warmly pulled Francois into an empty seat, then looked at the man who had followed him in. "Our honorary director?"
"Lord Annan, greetings." Richard hurriedly bowed.
"Richard found me and asked me to take him back to Meteoric Iron City."
"You still need to recover..."
"They were only scratches. I'm completely healed!" Richard was still young and earnest enough to roll up his sleeves to show Annan.
Annan smiled gently. "I mean, after what happened to you, you need some time to rest."
"I don't want to rest. The rulers of Meteorite City allowed an Evil Dragon to attack the Gold Depository. As director, I can't abandon my post!"
Annan said nothing. Instead, he turned to Francois. "How did the negotiations go?"
"They denied it, but admitted their negligence let the Evil Dragon slip in. They're willing to compensate us for our... losses."
"You agreed?"
Francois sneered. "How could I? With so many eyes on us, agreeing to that wouldn't just be a slap on my backside. It would be a slap in your face."
"Hmm?"
Setting aside Francois's impertinence for the moment, Annan said to Richard, "You heard him. There's still plenty to argue over with