Count Turner was an "old acquaintance" of Annan's. Annan had intercepted the alliance proposal he sent to the Skeleton King.
These old enemies of the Crimson Princess's mother had never stopped suppressing the Scarlet faction. Lena, not yet five hundred years old, had borne far too much pressure for someone her age.
So where was Count Turner now?
Annan thought of the man he had seen with the butler that day...
He went to the City Lord's Mansion and found a Painter to draw the man from memory. Then he handed the portrait to the Mousehole Oddity at the Tavern. "Help me find him."
By the time the Crimson Princess woke at dusk, there was still no word from the Tavern.
"I want to watch a Magic Film."
The Crimson Princess said this as she emerged from her pitch-black room.
"Didn't you watch one yesterday...?"
"There are lots of books I read over and over."
Like The Seventh Night.
Annan wanted to ask whether she had come to the Flower Capital to look for news of her mother. But having her help would only make things messier. Better to send her to the Theater, where at least he wouldn't have to keep her company.
"All right."
Annan let his elder sister know, then took the Crimson Princess to the Grand Theater.
"Don't let her buy anything on credit..." Annan whispered to the manager.
Late that night, with three days left until the Flower Capital Festival, Annan took out the Magic Mirror and asked hopefully, "Magic Mirror, Magic Mirror, where is Count Turner now?"
"The Flower Capital."
On the bright side, that narrowed the search down to the city.
When the late screening ended, Annan looked up and saw the Crimson Princess come out with a spring in her step. Under