"So you two must be the pupils who were courageous enough, or just plain stupid."
A hoarse and deep voice echoed from what appeared to be the end of the cave. Naell and Owly both gulped in suspense as they braced themselves.
While Owly hastily wanted to meet the voice, Naell actually wanted to turn back and call it a day. Upon reaching their destination, the dwarven knights and mage kneeled.
Enitma also bowed but did not kneel like the dwarves. Yet, as a noble and a prince, he truly showed the utmost respect to the one in front of them.
That prompted Naell and Owly to do the same. They both knew somehow that the old dwarf was someone powerful, not just with his exuding aura but also in his name.
In response, the old dwarf, though advanced in age, displayed a muscular and bulky physique evident even through his armor. His well-kempt long white hair complemented his beard, adding to his imposing presence.
He waved his hand in greeting and acknowledgment of his visitors, and despite his years, his indomitable strength was still palpable. That signaled the kneeling dwarves to stand up.
Likewise, Enitma also relaxed as he said, "I've brought them, master."
Upon the prince's words, a loud thud pierced the surroundings. Naell and Owly, who were slowly about to straighten their posture, stopped.
They knew immediately that it was the old dwarf in front of them who made that thud using his double-headed axe called Labrys.
Regardless of his age, the dwarf was definitely still strong, exuding an aura that was beyond normal.
Not to mention, the Labrys that the old dwarf was casually holding with his left hand was huge enough to tower over him.
Yet there he was, not minding the height and weight of his weapon, as though the double-headed axe was as light as his white fluffy beard that he was stroking with his right hand.
"So, I'm asking you, are you two courageous or just stupid?"
Naell and Owly felt the old dwarf's aura pricking their skin. His gaze was also sharp, resembling a lion's eyes both in color and depth.
Knowing it was futile to prolong the awkward "interrogation," the duo gazed back at the old dwarf, who in response sneered at their bravery.
"Courageous? No. Stupid, perhaps. But what's wrong with requesting an audience?" replied Naell, doing his best to project a "noble's aura."
There was no doubt that the one speaking with them was a high noble of Nonau. Based on his aura alone, this old dwarf could potentially be the strongest in Nonau.
Naell then focused his gaze with a certain seriousness, maintaining a genuine look. He calmly tried to act like Casper, his friendly blond friend whose nobility was widely known in Taglagas.
"From an allied country…." As these words left his mouth, a tense atmosphere settled over the area, as though the old dwarf had taken offense at Naell's statement.
Owly was barraging Naell with looks that indicated disappointment for his blunder. Enitma was holding his breath or more like holding his laughter, and the dwarven mage and knights were standing still, frozen from fear.
Instead of Casper, it was safe to say that Naell had forgotten that regardless of how he acted, he was more like his cousin, Lesjon, known for his noble arrogance.
Owly could only wait as the one in front of them still showed no intention of hostility, regardless of whether the other dwarves felt intimidated.
Yet the young owl could not help but want to actually smack someone, especially when that person who acted like that went and signaled a thumbs-up.
"..."
As Owly was thinking how he could blast Naell, the old dwarf chuckled. He then looked at Enitma and said, "You're right, this one is truly an oddball."
Enitma finally laughed as he nodded to the person he called his master. The rest of the dwarves followed suit, but it was apparent that they were also confused.
Likewise, Naell and Owly also responded with their own dry laughs, trying to figure out what exactly was happening.
After a minute of awkward laughter, Enitma patted both Naell and Owly as he then said, "Relax, I was just jesting."
Owly was the one who replied first with a fit of rage, "That was not funny, HOOT!"
Naell, in return, breathed a sigh of relief. He then became confident that his reply back then was the one who managed to lighten the mood.
Somehow, both Enitma and Owly knew what Naell was thinking. They then smacked his head to get rid of the smugness slowly creeping onto his face.
"What's that about?"
"You're wrong."
"..."