At that moment, inside the Chaos Cult's secret stronghold.
While wandering through the underground hall, Annan even spotted newspapers.
The Empire Times, Voice of Freedom, Critical Moment, and other papers sat on a rack in the restaurant, all with recent dates.
Annan picked up the Empire Times and Voice of Freedom and saw the Empire's response: the State Religion would not let the matter rest and would send the Judgment Hall after the Chaos Cult.
To him, this was likely another show the Judgment Hall was putting on for the Chaos Cult. As long as the cult stayed hidden under the Empire's nose without moving, there was nothing to learn about them. Only when they stirred would it be easier for Albeck... and Annan to gather intelligence.
Annan got up to fetch some other newspapers. He had just sat down when a Ratfolk came over and laid a claw on his shoulder.
"Get your filthy claw off me."
The claw withdrew awkwardly.
Annan kept reading. The Empire had vowed bloody revenge, but most people thought it was all talk again.
After all, when the Expeditionary Army and the forces of Chaos had reached the border, the Empire had mobilized, only for the whole affair to fizzle out. Nothing had happened.
People did not doubt the Empire's strength, but they did believe it had no desire for all-out war with the forces of Chaos.
The Empire's true intentions lay hidden beneath that calm surface.
Then Annan caught a strong musky scent, unlike the fragrance of flowers.
He looked up and realized the one sitting beside him was a female Ratfolk.
Washed and dressed, her Leather Armor replaced by a floral dress, she looked like an oversized plush Doll.
"My beautiful lady, I was only joking." Annan slipped an arm around her