"I want to know how to cross Narnirga."
When Riezel calmly revealed his purpose in the same casual manner, as though making idle conversation, the atmosphere throughout the room changed.
Not only did Malfo's expression shift, even Merlot, Naisha, and the others abruptly turned to Riezel, their eyes filled with astonishment.
"Sir... what did you say?"
"Wait! Sir, you..."
The first ones unable to remain seated were, sure enough, not Malfo, but Merlot and Naisha, who were closest to Riezel.
The two women, who had not known the purpose of Riezel's visit, immediately lost their composure upon hearing his words.
But just as they tried to interrupt, Belti grabbed one of each with a hand, stopping them as she shook her head at them.
Merlot and Naisha wanted to say something, but seeing Riezel's calm expression, they ultimately held themselves back for now.
As for Lilithia, Jelinae, Silune, and the others, they exchanged helpless looks.
Under such circumstances, Malfo set down the Fire Wine in his hand.
"I won't ask why you want to know such a thing." Malfo stared at Riezel with narrowed eyes. "But I think you're going to be disappointed."
"Narnirga is the greatest achievement in Dwarves history."
"Its purpose is to resist the Abyss's invasion."
"So there is no way to cross it."
Malfo stated this decisively, yet it failed to move Riezel.
"According to historical records, the empire that was destroyed commissioned the Dwarves' Divine Craftsmen to build Narnirga, this line of defense against the Abyss, didn't it?" Riezel said. "They say that, in order to build this line of defense, that empire emptied its treasury and consumed more than half of the supplies contributed by every race before it could finally be completed."
"That's right." Malfo nodded. "The resources, manpower, funds, and materials expended