Temptation

[Dear Annan Reeves,

It has been so long since we last met. I miss you terribly. With little to occupy me lately, the Manor feels empty. Since we made a promise, might the King of the North come and spend some time with me?

—Maria, who eagerly awaits your arrival]

The name Maria at the bottom of the letter carried a familiar fragrance. After a moment's thought, Annan recognized the scent Count Morgan's wife had worn when she leaned close to him at the banquet.

Annan read the letter again, his expression grave. Clutching the paper and envelope, he went upstairs, passed Abby's curious gaze, and opened the Study door.

He took a dictionary from the bookshelf and bent over the desk, looking up the words one by one.

Several minutes later, Annan had translated the cryptic letter into plain language.

She was inviting him over...

Annan had no reason to refuse. As the Count's widow, Maria surely knew plenty of Noble secrets. She might also have noticed who had been acting strangely.

"You're going to the Count's Estate?"

When Annan told Della, the Elf hesitated. "Don't go... You're no match for her."

"I'll be fine. I can handle the Count's wife."

The Blue Dragon should be able to get him away unharmed if he was attacked. Besides, this was a good chance to ask the Blue Dragon about the attack on the convoy.

Annan prepared to reply according to etiquette. He took out a fresh sheet of paper and a quill and began:

[Dear Countess,

I...]

Ink spread across the paper as the nib touched it.

Forget it.

Annan put the quill back in the ink bottle and accepted the fact that he was illiterate.

"Is the maid who delivered the letter still outside?" Annan asked.

Abby, who was