224 End of the World

"Your Majesty," Fredek said as he curtsied before the Ritz King.

As usual, Ivan just breezed through Alistair's study room and sat on the chaise comfortably as if he belonged there. Despite knowing the Ritz King's Returner to Ancestor status, he appeared as relaxed as ever, unlike Fredek who chose to be more formal. Together they made a great contrast as well as balance each other.

Alistair, on the other hand, didn't care about formalities, and so he waved Fredek directly towards a seat, and the latter followed.

"I take it, it was a failure," the Ritz King started seriously, and Ivan cleared his throat as if in protest. "What?"

"It's not a failure at all," Ivan answered, and when his friend looked dubious, he explained. "There are eleven girls who look similar to Ali."

Alistair frowned. This he already knew. But what was the point?