Apart from shock, all Annan felt was excitement.
Annan looked out at the streets, which seemed to be under martial law. No wonder the Old Ancestor agreed to come with me.
To warn anyone foolish enough to make a move?
Whether the attack had been staged or genuine, even the most moderate advocates of surrender now had a reason they couldn't ignore to fight.
Judgment Hall, upper levels of the Dungeon.
Albeck had woken. A circle of people stood around him.
A closer look would have revealed nearly half the Empire's cabinet among them.
After Albeck finished explaining the Ratfolk, the imperial ministers fell silent for a long while. Then a deep, muffled voice asked, "What about the Demons?"
The outline in the Gray Mist standing beside Albeck spoke. "Annan should have told you what the Demons are doing. They're building a wonder in the Snow Mountains to turn them into a foothold for the Abyss."
Once the Demons had a secure fortress, they could launch a full-scale invasion from the Snow Mountains.
But compared with that, the threat the Ratfolk might pose was even more terrifying...
Just then, Gandhi hurried in and whispered in the Deputy Chief Judge's ear, "Annan Reeves is here."
In the enclosed Dungeon, however, everyone heard him.
"Have him wait outside," the Deputy Chief Judge said.
Gandhi hesitated. "No one dared stop them. They're on their way here."
The Deputy Chief Judge turned to look at him. So did the imperial ministers.
"The Old Ancestor is with him," Gandhi added quickly.
The Old Ancestor's legend needed no retelling. To the Empire, she was like a living god, the guardian of its bloodline.
As for why that guardian favored Annan... never mind that.
Call it Annan throwing the Old Ancestor's weight around if you liked.