"I can help you in other ways, but not with this," Annan said gently. "I hope you understand..."
"I do."
After being forced into political marriages twice, Colette certainly understood that pain.
Annan's refusal made Colette's gaze grow warmer. "I'll find a way without your help."
"That's good."
Annan stepped onto the stage and put away the Magic Stone. The Princess's problem was settled, and so was Colette's. As for the Red Witch... once he gave the City Lord's Mansion their portraits, he probably wouldn't need to worry about her anymore.
Now he could wait for the celebration in peace.
"Did you invent that?"
Colette watched Annan retrieve the Magic Stone.
"What do you think?"
"It's... novel. Could I have one?"
"I only brought this one, and I still need it. The Theater will start selling them in two days, though," Annan said, turning her down.
Even his own daughter would have to pay, let alone Baron Valencia's.
"Two days... I see." Colette really seemed to want a Magic Stone.
That was another 100 Gold Narls in revenue.
After saying goodbye to Colette, Annan watched her carriage disappear down the Street. Then he turned to his subordinates, who were whispering things like "The City Lord's brought another girl around" and "Another good girl has fallen into the Sorcerer's hands."
"The Theater opens in two days. Don't you have work to do?"
"Yes, my lord!"
The workers hurried into the Theater.
A Bat landed on the windowsill.
"You've been exposed."
The Princess approached the open window with elegant steps and spoke to the Bat hanging from the frame.
"Squeak, squeak..." the Bat cried.
"That knight saw through your identity."
"Impossible!"
The Bat darted into the room and took the form of the Goateed Man in a Black Cloak.
The Princess