"Liliana Ya Lore."
The Magic Mirror spoke the name in a cold voice.
"I don't think it's very accurate..." Annan committed the name to memory. "Let's try it anyway, though I'm not holding out much hope that the secret treasure is in Star-Moon Bay."
Gema's grip on the Magic Mirror tightened. He couldn't understand how a spoiled brat like Annan had managed to push him around...
"That's all you wanted to ask?"
Annan thought for a moment, then asked hopefully, "Who's the most beautiful woman in the world?"
"Enough." Gema put away the Magic Mirror, his face expressionless. "I've shown my sincerity. Where's yours?"
"Let your Magic Mirror lead the way."
Ingrid opened the door and led Gema and the old Butler out.
"Annan, if the secret treasure is here, we could keep it all for ourselves..." came a whisper from the shadows.
Annan looked in surprise at Della, who stood beside the curtains. "How could you think something so devious?"
"I..."
As Della's gaze darted away, Annan said, "The secret treasure belongs to the entire Northern Frontier, not to me..."
The real reason behind his righteous words was simple: Annan had plenty of ways to make money, but the farther that secret treasure stayed from him, the better. It was a hot potato. If it was here, he would hand it to Lady Deepwinter. If he couldn't reach her, he would pass it to the Reekan Royal Family. If they did nothing, he would go to the Holy Temple Council and donate it.
Give Annan ten years, and he could achieve everything he wanted. He had no need for a double-edged sword.
On the way to the "toilet where the secret treasure was buried," Gema saw just how prosperous Star-Moon Bay was.
Merchants unloaded grain, ore, and Living supplies,