Annan followed Philos's underling in secret to see the Rat King. Confined to a pit under something close to house arrest, the Rat King had far more guards watching him than the contestants they had assassinated earlier.
Annan approached through a Mousehole, emerged beneath the Rat King's feet, and hid in the enormous shadow he cast.
"We finally meet." Annan looked up at the giant figure.
The Ratfolk who had led him there ran to the Rat King's foot and pressed against it, becoming a Relay Rat to convey his words. "Lord Annan, please forgive me for being unable to pay my respects for now."
"There's no need for ceremony between us."
Annan had little time, so he got straight to the point. "You should know the plan. Next, I'll stage an attempt on your life to clear you of suspicion."
"I'm ready."
Even through the Relay Rat, Annan could feel the resolve and conviction that marked a member of the Blade of Freedom.
Annan turned to make preparations, but the Rat King suddenly called him back.
"What is it?"
"Please stop."
The Relay Rat conveyed the Rat King's plea. "If I cannot truly defeat my opponents in the Bloody Battle, then I do not deserve the trust you, Lord Little Smo, and Free City have placed in me."
Annan raised his head and studied the Rat King.
Not only was he clearheaded, he could reason clearly and was loyal to Free City... God knew what Little Smo had taught him.
After a long moment, Annan decided to honor the Rat King's choice.
"All right. To be honest, even if you hadn't said anything, I was planning to stop."
Annan stepped forward and patted the Rat King's hide, thick as a City Wall.
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself,