A holy goddess draped in gauze walked across the lake, her bare white feet treading the ripples to the shore. A battered knight knelt with his head bowed. Soft hands lifted his face, revealing firm, handsome features.
The goddess of the lake looked like Olmedo, and the knight looked like Annan.
Annan woke in bed the next morning. What a strange dream...
Knock, knock, knock—
Someone called through the door. "Young master, the lady asks you to come down for breakfast."
Another Oddities way to address him.
Annan activated the Cleaning Spell on his Mage Robe to smooth its creases, then followed the old maid to the Restaurant.
"Please, sit."
Princess Sails spoke as she stirred her vegetable soup with a spoon.
"Thank you, Princess Sails."
Annan sat beside her, tucked a napkin into his collar, and picked up his knife and fork to enjoy the lavish breakfast.
"Emma told me why you came to the Royal Capital." She wiped her lips. "Clo slighted a noble loyal to the Royal Family. He was wrong, and I'll speak to him."
Annan gave a shy smile and said nothing.
"I have to go out. Take your time."
Princess Sails nodded to Annan, rose, and left the Restaurant.
After a short while, Annan finished his meal and came to the Study, only then remembering that the lady of the Manor had returned.
"The lady said you may use her Study," the maid told him.
"I'd rather not. Could you bring me some books, though?"
From morning until evening, Annan left his bedroom only to eat. At breakfast the next day, Princess Sails asked him as though he were a younger relative who did nothing but hide at home, "Haven't you gone out these past few days?"
"I don't have any money." Annan set