Free City was full of cheer, solidarity, kindness, and passion—and every bit of it made the Incubus deeply uncomfortable.
She had lived in the Abyss for hundreds of years. She was used to its harsh environment and ugly demons, its scheming and sudden betrayals, its pride in selling others out. Then she was dropped into a place full of smiling faces. It made her sick to her stomach and threw her cycle out of whack!
Annan had noticed the sour-faced Ratfolk at Femi's side, but he did not speak to her yet. Instead, he personally led Femi and Albeck to the Banquet Hall.
With so many members of Hellfire to accommodate, the banquet had spilled out onto the streets. The whole of Free City buzzed with excitement.
Francois hurried about outside while Annan and Albeck stood on the Banquet Hall's second-floor terrace, looking out over the lively streets.
"Mr. Albeck, it's been a long time."
"Your Excellency Annan, I never imagined we'd meet again under these circumstances." Albeck's smile was bitter. A year ago, he had seen Annan as a little brother who needed looking after.
He had never expected their positions to reverse in just one year.
Annan glanced at the Blackwatch soldiers mingling with Hellfire's troops and said reassuringly, "You're still here. The Legion Commander is still here. With these soldiers as your foundation, the Blackwatch Legion can be rebuilt."
"Perhaps..."
Albeck was pessimistic. When Annan pressed him, he explained, "We made a mistake. Montreal Mountain will reconsider whether the Blackwatch Legion still deserves its Imperial Guard status."
Besides its eight Royal Guard Legions, the Empire had countless other legions waiting in line. The Blackwatch Legion had squandered an opportunity. Accident or not, the other legions would not give it another.
Albeck could already imagine the storm awaiting