From receiving the Elven Envoys to negotiating compensation, Annan had passed the Ceremonial Affairs Department's problem to the Finance Department. The good news was that Ceremonial Affairs would thank him for taking it off their hands.
The bad news was that the Finance Department would remember who had brought them the trouble.
"Which side is your emperor on?"
Annan didn't mind offending the Finance Department. It wasn't as though they paid him.
"On the side of getting things settled," Janice said meaningfully.
"I see."
A few dozen minutes later, in the Palace banquet hall.
The Ceremonial Affairs Department had clearly kept its signature touch while entertaining the Elven Envoys: an endless succession of banquets. But when Annan thought about it, what other respectable way was there to relax? They could hardly take the envoys to a Tavern. What if, after mingling with its lively patrons, an envoy fell in love with the lives of ordinary people like Rose had? Though perhaps that wouldn't be so bad.
"I'm heading back..."
Annan said it to the blue-haired Elf approaching him.
"You only just got here." He deftly handed Annan a glass of Hawthorn Juice, the drink that looked most like something an adult would have.
"I mean I'm going back to my territory."
The blue-haired Elf stopped. "Why?"
"Because of you, I've offended the Finance Department. Right now I'm like a grain of sand. Every extra day I stay here is another day in their eyes."
The blue-haired Elf glanced around at the human officials attending the banquet.
"Let's talk on the balcony."
Annan hesitated. He worried the Elf Mentor might get handsy out there. If anyone saw, he really would become the stereotypical Sorcerer.
"I'm sorry. We didn't realize."
Annan heard the quiet apology after following the blue-haired Elf onto the