"Before we left, my father told me something."
Gema looked out the window, the moonlight softening the blood-red hue in his eyes. "The only ones who can strike back at the Northern Frontier now are the Empire, the Dimon Kingdom, and you."
"Your father thinks highly of me." First the praise, then an entire Family. Annan was curious why Gema's father had so much faith in him. "So you chose me?"
Gema did not answer him directly. "The Empire looks down on us. The Dimon Kingdom needs our help. But in Free City, we can help build it and grow alongside it!"
He held out his hand. Annan looked at it and said helplessly, "Let me make one thing clear: Free City has plenty of rules. Don't think I'm singling you out when you run into them."
Gema smiled faintly. "When I was younger, I was foolish and full of myself. I'm still not particularly clever, but at least I'm not so full of myself anymore."
"Then welcome to Free City."
Annan shook Gema's hand, drawing a line under their old grievances.
"You're one of my people now!" Annan clapped Gema on the shoulder, beaming.
Something seemed to occur to Gema. His expression turned odd, then he smiled and let it go.
"Gema, do you think the remaining Two Kings feel the same way?" Annan meant the two who had refused.
Though they had declined, they were willing to maintain good relations with Free City. Whether they feared being swallowed up or simply could not bear to look back on a place of painful memories, he did not know.
"They might hesitate to join Free City. But if it comes to retaking the Northern Frontier... I think they'll answer if you call."
"Are you sure?"
Gema froze. "Even when they