Having placed the tableware on the table, Annan followed Grand Duke Ivan into the secret chamber of the grand ducal mansion.
It was not to avoid outsiders but to avoid the Hands of Winter.
Even the Hands of Winter with rings were at most only allowed to know that "the Grand Duke's tricolor scepter is in itself a Great Calamity Curio"—beneficial for them assisting the Grand Duke in protecting this ultimate treasure.
But deeper secrets... including the true name and effects of this curse, were not allowed to be known to them.
It was a necessary act to maintain rule and tradition.
"And another reason... is actually to protect them,"
Ivan the Grand Duke gazed calmly at Annan, "Last year, I couldn't be certain whether you would indeed be able to inherit the position of Grand Duke.
