Close the Door, Let the Dog Loose!

In the dim underground workshop, the flickering furnace fire crackled as it burned, casting its glow over the squat figure of the Earth Clan Chief, Favor Viser, in the reception hall.

His face was covered in hair. A round bald patch sat atop his head, while the long beard characteristic of dwarf-like beings covered his cheeks and hid his lips. His dark, bark-wrinkled face carried a reddish tinge from years of furnace heat.

His huge, bulbous nose ruined the balance of his features, making him look rather unkempt.

His appearance was comical, his exterior gentle, and he looked somewhat honest and good-natured.

"I'm very sorry about yesterday. Please forgive a smith for his pursuit of the art of forging."

Favor set down the tray, rubbed his hands together, and placed the cups of tea prepared in the kitchen before the four guests. He spoke somewhat hurriedly, but his tone was quite sincere.

"I have nothing much to offer you, so please have some tea first."

Samael glanced at the Earth Clan Chief's unnaturally drooping right arm and the faint limp in his gait, a trace of mockery flashing through his eyes.

You want to dismantle a holy sword? You should first see whether you're capable of it.

In the slightly stiff atmosphere, Favor looked rather embarrassed and hurriedly raised a hand in encouragement.

"Drink up, drink up..."

The three exchanged glances. Morgan ignored him, folding her arms across her chest and closing her eyes slightly, as if lost in thought. Meanwhile, Samael and Melly each leisurely raised their teacups with smiling eyes, offering a toast to the Earth Clan Chief.

Yet under Favor's eager gaze, the two visitors across from him slowly swirled their cups in perfect unison, their movements carrying an infuriating sense of delay.

After nearly half a