Once the Incubus realized the Ratfolk High Priest was in the Rodent Clan, he behaved himself. He no longer dared to run around or step out of line. If he got caught and killed, Lady Biross would have no grounds to demand an explanation.
When the scheduled contact time finally arrived, the Incubus fled back to the Quarry and stood in an open area. After making sure he was the only Ratfolk within a hundred meters, he wailed inwardly, Lady Biross, why didn't you tell me the Ratfolk High Priest was here? You scared me to death!
You didn't know?
How would I? Annan Thing never told me.
Annan Reeves didn't know?
Biross found that strange, but then she remembered Lilith had said Free City was a separate operation. They might not know about this. Annan Reeves had probably sent the Incubus over only because Lilith had ordered him to.
Did Lilith send you?
No, but she's been watching the whole time.
Biross recalled Evelyn saying Lilith was waiting for news. That meant Lilith wanted information, right?
In that case, she needed to reassess the situation in Free City. Annan Reeves was a puppet, but he had some autonomy. At the very least, there were things Lilith knew that he did not.
The Incubus asked cautiously, Lady Biross, what should I tell Annan Thing?
From now on, bring any information you uncover to me first. I'll tell Lilith anything important myself.
And this time...
Pass the information along as usual.
"High Priest Stuen!?"
When Annan heard the news, his stomach sank.
It wasn't a projection or an illusion, either. High Priest Stuen was there in person. It was as if the Emperor of the Empire had gone to the Far North. Even if nothing had been happening there before,