At the evening gathering, Annan told everyone the bad news.
Mr. Fast had been invited too—by Portal. Annan had never been one to change his tune for no reason. His attitude had shifted because "Faster, a warrior who used his muscles more than his brain and had recently taken up fishing," had suddenly become "Mr. Fast, a member of an organization that had once crossed countless planes and had a history of his own."
"You should try contacting Fronning. That elf minister values you," Ingrid advised, speaking for Gemstone City.
"I agree," Olmedo said.
The Duchy of Keating was a purely commercial nation. Staying on friendly terms with it would earn Gemstone City more money.
"I'd like as many friends as possible." The envoy delegation's contempt as they left had changed Annan's mind. "But only some friends are fit to become partners."
"What? Stop making it so complicated." Crouched on the dock, Mr. Fast did not even look up. "I must keep my body and mind at peace and become one with nature..."
"I said I've changed my mind. We're going to choose our allies carefully."
"Sorry I'm late."
Andrew Luna walked in with Martin, who worked at his tavern. "Where are our new allies?"
"They've already left."
"So nothing came of it? I thought this was a celebration." Andrew Luna frowned.
"The Nobles can't stand seeing Annan hand Gold Coins to commoners," Francois complained.
"Just as I thought."
Everyone looked at Martin, who had spoken. When the envoy delegation arrived, he alone had been ordered to stay home. At least the Goblins knew what they should and should not do, but who knew what Martin might say...
Returning to the earlier discussion, Francois said, "The envoys' attitude isn't surprising. To those hidebound Nobles, everything Annan does is incomprehensible."
No