"His Highness the Third Prince is grateful for your aid to the Kingdom. He's waiting here to meet you in person."
Eldest Sister and Olmedo knew the Third Prince was serving as regent, but Annan had never paid attention to government affairs.
"You're too kind. The Grand Marshal and I fought side by side, after all."
Annan immediately turned warm and welcoming, leading them into the Mountain-Ring Palace Gardens as though he were their host. Considering he had been here just over ten days ago, that was fair enough.
As they approached the garden entrance, two gold-armored guards crossed their muskets and barked, "Demon, halt!"
"She's a Free City citizen. Would you like to see her Citizen ID?"
The War Envoy stepped forward to negotiate. Seconds later, the muskets lifted.
Annan turned to Rus. "Congratulations. You're probably the first Demon in history to set foot on Montreal Mountain."
Rus swelled with pride. She wished Evelyn were here to put her in the newspaper—
"Come on, smile."
Just as that thought crossed her mind, she heard Annan speak from beside her. She flashed a radiant smile rarely seen on a Demon's face and turned toward him by reflex.
"Click."
Annan made the sound with his mouth, captured the moment with a Recording Magic Stone, then tossed the stone to her.
"There. Keep it safe."
Rus caught the Magic Stone, her bright smile softening into a tender one.
Many years later, one afternoon, she would sit in the Living Room with a dozen or so black-haired, black-eyed children with Incubus wings sprawled before her. As she told them how Mom and Dad had first met, Annan's voice would come from the kitchen, and they would exchange a smile...
"Hehe... Annan... my Annan..." Rus hugged the Magic Stone and giggled to herself.
"She's