11. Emin

Elenora Addis had been having a truly busy time of it.

That day, reinforcements from Quaalid had arrested Nuraldim, but the head of House Addis and many of its retainers were still being held captive in Iphamor.

With the possibility of further escalation with Iphamor still looming, Quaalid had to prepare for any eventuality.

The city’s security had been tightened, the reserve troops—separated from the regular guards—needed to be deployed and maintained, and the aftermath of the conflict at the White Moon Gathering had to be dealt with. On top of that, every routine matter related to the city’s upkeep and development ultimately passed through her hands.

The system in which House Addis monopolized everything had turned out to be a liability in a crisis.

Dinahim Addis was timid and not very meticulous, but his insensitivity proved a great help this time.

“What? You want to add another festival to the calendar? No. Why? Because then I won’t get to enjoy myself! If you understand, get out! What? A new business proposal? …Damn it, let me take a look.”

Dinahim’s plump face had remarkably grown gaunt, and he was handling his work so carelessly that he might as well have been deciding things with a coin toss.

His work was slapdash and half-hearted, and it was bound to cause trouble later. Still, Elenora was grateful that, at least for now, there was someone with the final authority to lend a hand.

Since Dinahim had vehemently refused, saying he wanted nothing to do with it, Elenora had to face the elders of House Addis herself...