"This is the reward..."
Annan had the treasure chest carried into the office, his enthusiasm gone.
Olmedo set aside her work and came around the desk to open the chest. The glow of the Heart of Magic lit up her golden hair.
"This is..."
"The Heart of Magic. Put it in the Mage Tower and it'll improve every mage's affinity for magic... If there's nothing else, I need to get back to work."
Annan was like a husband who had just brought his wages home before heading straight back out to work.
"Wait."
Olmedo stopped Annan and asked the maid Abby to bring something in.
"Aunt Susan made you some Gingerbread."
Abby came in carrying a platter piled high enough to form a little mountain. It was just like Aunt Susan.
"Why didn't Aunt Susan make apple pie?"
"She said the Rainy Season's here, and you're more likely to get sick while you're out. Gingerbread will help you stay healthy."
"Thank Aunt Susan for me." Annan took the Gingerbread, then looked at Olmedo's hair, which had lost some of its former shine. "Oh, and take a break."
"No. I like being busy." Olmedo shook her head. "Watching Free City get better every day because of our work makes me feel fulfilled."
"If you want to lighten my workload, talk another Deputy City Lord into coming here."
"I'll try..."
After briefly telling Olmedo about the Northern Great Wall, Annan let the Portal close.
He set aside a small portion for himself and took the rest next door to the Blackwatch Headquarters.
"Legion Commander, Mr. Albeck, my family made some Gingerbread. I brought you some."
The Empire and Blackwatch were willing to treat Annan like a younger member of the family, so he would play the part.
But the Legion Commander fell