"Are you certain? This is a serious matter, and a serious accusation. It's no joke." The elderly Council Chairman worried that Annan had misjudged the situation because of his youth. "Even if you are the King of the North and lord of Free City."
"Bring a priest and come inspect it with me. You'll see."
"Very well. I do hope this is just a young man's poor joke..." The elderly Council Chairman sighed and ordered the guards to prepare a carriage.
"I hope so even more than you do."
Otherwise, Annan had foiled another Ratfolk plot and made himself their target once again.
That was hardly in line with his original plan to develop Free City's economy and advance its alchemical technology.
"Where's the priest?"
Annan saw that the Council Chairman had brought only a squad of guards.
"You're looking at him." The elderly Council Chairman held out his hand, revealing a bracelet of wheat ears around his wrist. "I've always been a believer in the Goddess of Harvest."
With Shadow Song, who had fallen silent upon seeing the elderly Council Chairman, Annan hurried back to the granary.
The Council Chairman arrived some time later, accompanied by a Knights' Order Commander and a councilor. The commander eyed Annan closely.
"Uh... my lords, this man said he wanted the granary opened for inspection." The guard who had blocked Annan was surrounded by so many important people that merely staying on his feet took all the strength he had.
"Do as he says," the Knights' Order Commander said, still watching Annan closely.
The guard had the grain inspector who had rushed over open the granary. Light from outside fell on sacks of grain piled in a corner, still waiting to be shipped.
The elderly Council Chairman approached the sacks and gently rubbed