"Lord Tadel asked me to bring back three Eternal Magic Stones."
Irilanze took out a bag of Elf Crystals. These shimmering, dreamlike elven creations were worth enough to cover the Eternal Magic Stones and still leave a profit of two or three thousand gold coins.
After Tadel told her people what she had seen in the human Empire, many of them became interested in Magic Films. She simply wanted to share the films with her people, but she hadn't realized how much influence they could have.
Annan had no reason to refuse. The entire Elven Royal Court was obviously worth far more than two or three thousand gold coins, but if he opened up the market now, they would have a much harder time refusing the fourth Magic Film...
Besides, the Elven Royal Court could have copied the films onto Eternal Magic Stones without telling him at all. This was a show of respect—or elven pride, if you preferred.
"I'll have Ingrid prepare them for you." Annan asked Abby, who was outside the door, to notify Ingrid. Still holding on to the Elf Mentor, he hesitated before asking, "Do you have to go back?"
Irilanze was no longer as dangerous or possessive as she used to be. At least Annan no longer had to worry about her devouring him when they were alone.
"What do you think?" Irilanze's voice turned syrupy again.
"I... I'll leave it up to you."
A dangerous glint flashed in Irilanze's elven eyes. "Then I'll—"
"Am I interrupting you?" Ingrid appeared in the doorway.
"Your timing couldn't be better." Annan, a lamb facing a Gray Wolf, felt safe again.
Ingrid frowned. "Sorry, I don't want to join you."
"That's not what I meant..."
Annan hurriedly let go of Irilanze and gestured at the purse on the