Once the misunderstanding between mother and daughter was resolved, the daughter's friends finally received the treatment they deserved.0

Ashe and the others were escorted to a lavish, fully equipped suite. Aside from a polite restriction on leaving their quarters, they faced no other limitations. Annan advised them to rest well, suggesting that if they weren't quite ready for sleep, they could always spend the night strolling through the Virtual World; the truly important matters would wait until morning.0

As she spoke, Annan kept her face hidden behind the Gospel. Even Iger, usually the most sharp-tongued of the group, remained silent. Everyone simply nodded, wordlessly following her lead.0

There was no doubt that Annan hadn't brought them to Vamura for a mere family visit or a sightseeing tour. She was playing for a "triple crown" of victories. First, to secure a safe haven; second, to maneuver her mother's family into taking the blame for her recent troubles; and third,...0