The rumors mostly revolved around the Blue Dragon, the Ogre, and the Orc.
The Blue Dragon's existence could never have been kept secret—Annan knew that. Even if everyone swore to say nothing, "I only told a friend" was enough to set all of Breeze City talking.
There was nothing wrong with the King of the North knowing a Blue Dragon aligned with the Evil Faction, as long as it did not parade through Breeze City. But
the Adventurers' Association and the Mercenary Guild had briefly posted bounties on the Blue Dragon, which Olmedo had withdrawn in his capacity as City Lord.
The rumors about the Ogre and the Orc, meanwhile, came from the misunderstanding that Annan had a particular fondness for Foreign Races.
Annan frowned at the unfair accusation. "I don't even like Ogres or Orcs."
So you're not going to clear up the part about having a particular fondness for Foreign Races? Olmedo wondered.
In any case, Annan had led a fairly restrained life, and The Mage Tower's Fall backed him up. Look, Jack sacrificed himself for Rose, and you're saying he liked Foreign Races?
At most, the people of Breeze City discussed how the King of the North bore no dislike for Foreign Races, which improved how Foreign Races and Halflings saw Annan.
"Who do you think is behind this?"
"Gema."
Annan couldn't think of any other enemy. He might as well blame Gema whenever someone caused him trouble.
"Oh, and help me investigate the history of Star-Moon Bay. I suspect Gema wants my territory for more than one reason."
Annan planned to spread word in Breeze City that Gema was Ratfolk. He might not be able to provoke Augusta, but surely he could provoke Gema.
"And help me buy a thousand Gold Narls' worth of food and