"If you'd found a human partner like a normal person, you wouldn't have been kissed like that..."
Idelia sighed at the matching bite marks on Annan's cheeks when he returned.
"These are... wounds from an attack."
Idelia didn't believe his lie. "Who attacked you?"
"A wanted criminal."
"You're saying you went to welcome the nobles of the Southern Kingdoms into the city at the False Princess's invitation, got attacked by a wanted criminal, and ended up with two sets of teeth marks on your face?"
"Yeah!"
Idelia didn't press him. Annan threw on a gray robe and went to the City Guard's mage for free treatment. Otherwise, he would have to miss tonight's grand banquet.
There would probably be plenty of women at tonight's banquet...
Annan hadn't gone out of his way to dress up. He still wore his Mage Robe, with the Black Gemstone Earring as his only addition. In the light, the Black Gemstone shimmered with a mysterious luster that invited exploration—and so did Annan.
"Eldest Sister, are you coming with me?"
"I won't get in your way." It was rare for Idelia to joke.
Annan really wouldn't have time to look after Idelia. After leaving Lemon at the warehouse, he rode to the City Lord's Mansion.
Before heading to the banquet hall, he stopped by the False Princess's rooms. The butler stood a short distance away as usual, with nothing out of the ordinary.
The False Princess hadn't dressed up either. She wore no makeup and was still in a white dress. Though she lacked the bearing of the real Princess, she had her beauty and could easily become the center of attention at the banquet.
"Let's go," Annan said.
Annan knew his way around a banquet by now. The Princess followed him and said softly, "The