"Likewise, Lord Annan Reeves."
Ambassador Franz Koch was a plain-looking man. Standing among the officials behind him, he was hardly distinguishable as the one in charge.
But no rule said an ambassador had to be handsome.
Besides the guards, the delegation had a scribe recording everything.
Annan had someone on his side too—Evelyn stood nearby, holding a Magic Stone.
Annan led the imperial envoys to the Embassy where the Elven Royal Court's envoys had stayed. He offered to let them rest, wash away their fatigue, and join him for dinner that evening.
Ambassador Franz Koch declined. "We rested on the Magic-Powered Train. Time is short. Let's get down to business."
An official from the Ceremonial Affairs Department stepped forward and said that violated the protocol for diplomatic visits.
"I don't work for your Ceremonial Affairs Department. If you want to follow protocol, stay here." Ambassador Franz Koch was a man of action.
The Finance Department officials voiced their agreement. Annan felt a little helpless; Olmedo had already told him the Ceremonial Affairs Department was on their side. He smoothed things over. "Then let's call it a surprise inspection. That's the best way to see the real Free City, isn't it?"
The envoys also asked to split up.
Any other lord might have panicked, but Annan was unfazed. He had Olmedo accompany the other envoys while he personally escorted Ambassador Franz Koch.
To his surprise, Ambassador Franz Koch took a keen interest in the Industrial District.
The Golem Factory fascinated him in particular. He passed quickly through the assembly workshop but lingered at the Assembly Line.
Annan understood the appeal. Watching parts pass from hand to hand and become finished components on the Assembly Line could make anyone lose track of time.
It was like crouching by an anthill as a