The banquet was the exact opposite.
The Skeleton King was enjoying himself with the important guests, while Annan stood bored by the window beside Wolna, with whom he had briefly spoken.
"You don't seem to like banquets," she said.
"There's not much point to them."
People either traded favors or bodily fluids. That was all banquets were for.
"I don't think they're so bad..." Wolna folded her arms. "This one is dull, sure, but the banquets in Vinnie City are fun."
"Have you heard of Magic Film?"
"What's that?"
"Something new I invented... It's more lifelike than a stage play. I'm planning to unveil it at the Flower Capital Festival."
"The Flower Capital Festival... I don't know if I'll have time to go..." Wolna glanced at her clan leader, who stood with the Skeleton King. "Our family lives by the Pabliche River. We'll be heading back after this."
Annan didn't know where the Pabliche River was, but he knew it was far away. "If you come to the Flower Capital, look me up. We should get going now."
"All right." Wolna hesitated, gazing at Annan's cheek. "Won't you stay a little longer?"
"The Princess is waiting for me in the Flower Capital."
"All right."
Wolna leaned in, apparently intending to say goodbye with a kiss on the cheek. Annan dodged her and returned to the Skeleton King under her reproachful gaze.
"Shall we go back?" the Skeleton King asked, lowering its head.
"Mm."
If they set out now, they should reach the Grand Cemetery by dawn.
By then, the Crimson Princess would have just climbed into her coffin to sleep, giving him plenty of time to weave his lies.
The Skeleton King said goodbye to the nobles one by one, then returned to the Tomb with Annan. To Annan's envy,