"Silver City... Eirlyn's territory?"
At the last moment, Annan heard a desperate shout carried by the prayer.
They had helped him quite a bit during Everyone's Singer, and a Commercial Street had opened there and was still under construction. They were practically allies.
Familiar surroundings would make things easier. Annan turned to make sure the Princess was still asleep, then rose gently and left the garden.
The lights were still on in his Eldest Sister's and Olmedo's offices. Annan stopped a passing maid. "Has Olmedo gone to sleep?"
"No. The Deputy City Lord asked for another cup of coffee just now."
Annan nodded and pushed open the door.
"You really should get some rest."
"It's not time to rest yet." Olmedo did not look up. "Hundreds of reports come in from the Commercial Streets every day. I have to find the useful information and assess the situation."
"Your health matters. I'd hate to see you fall ill."
Olmedo paused and pressed her lips together, as though drawing a tiny breath. After a long moment, she said, "Hmph. Don't try the lines you use on other women with me."
"I've never said that to anyone else." Annan sat down on the sofa.
"You mean you just stand there without saying a word, and they cry out that they want to marry you?"
"Um... yes, actually." Annan scratched his head.
He had no idea why noble ladies he had never met liked him so much. Was it because of the Magic Film?
"Don't worry about me. I'll rest when I'm tired."
Olmedo had a heavy workload, but she was surprisingly energetic. Her elders had placed high hopes on her since childhood, and she had set her heart on becoming a capable City Lord. Handling official business did not feel like a chore