Tadel agreed to search the Elven Royal Court for clues. Since the Elder's interest depended on whether they could find a solution, Annan also told him about that night's battle.
"We're close to the Old Ancestor, so if we form an alliance, the Elven Royal Court will be close to her too."
"I know. She... was once hailed as a Legendary Mage who would become a god within three hundred years."
Annan hadn't realized the Old Ancestor was so formidable. "Then how was she affected by the Gods' Curse?"
"The Gods didn't inflict the Curse. They allowed it to happen. I can't tell you more."
"Why does everyone say that..." Annan complained.
"Who else said it?"
Annan idly studied the gemstone ring on his hand. "Lady Deepwinter found a Secret Treasure. She said knowing what was inside wouldn't be good for me."
"She's right. Secret Treasures don't contain only riches. They can also hide unspeakable things, or a Curse."
"This world sounds dangerous..."
Just then, hurried footsteps approached and stopped at the bedroom door. A knock followed.
Annan said goodbye to Tadel, got up, and opened the door.
"I filmed it!" Evelyn held up a Magic Stone, brimming with excitement. "This issue's headline will be 'Rikaner Kingdom's Assassination Attempt Fails'!"
"Make sure you mention that one Legendary died and another was wounded."
"Mm!"
Evelyn had come for inside information. She asked a few more questions, then hurried back to the Newspaper Office while inspiration was still flowing.
Late that night, Evelyn looked up from her finished article.
After checking the empty Newspaper Office, she locked the front door as usual, waved goodbye to the Guards outside, and headed home.
Magic Streetlights illuminated the clean road. Few people walked the cool, late-night streets; only Coastal Street in the distance remained lively.