Even outsiders couldn't make sense of Annan's relationship with the Montreal Golden Family. The Golden Families themselves couldn't explain it either.
Preparing a Champion Sorcerer title for the young King of the North could still be seen as their way of making amends. But what happened afterward made people wonder what connection he had to the Empire.
Could he be a descendant the family had left behind?
But his black hair and eyes suggested otherwise...
Only Annan knew the truth. The Empire valued his relationship with the Old Ancestor and his potential.
Annan traveled with the group for a while. The members of the Golden Families showed none of the arrogance or savagery outsiders attributed to them. In fact, they got along quite well.
Later, they reached the foot of Montreal Mountain and parted ways in the outskirts. The others returned to the Imperial Capital, while Annan went to the Montreal Manor.
Free City was also parked on the open ground beside the Montreal Manor.
Annan took Olmedo and Idelia to see the Old Ancestor. She treated them both alike, smiling as she took their hands and looked them over.
"What stories has my little Annan brought back?" The Old Ancestor was delighted that he had brought people to visit her.
"How was your journey?"
"Oh, I can hardly wait."
Annan's arrival brought the Manor to life.
The Manor rarely had visitors, and most who came were quiet, reserved guests or family members. Only Annan's visits made the place so lively.
Annan began with his journey alongside the Allied Forces to the Northern Great Wall, while the servants happily prepared dinner in the kitchen.
Toward evening, Olin hurried back.
"Sister Olin~"
Annan's greeting made Olmedo glance sideways and Idelia give him a searching look. The Old Ancestor beamed.
"Don't call