According to Murphy's earlier prediction, Marshal Loren probably wouldn't bring up those computing orbs during his diplomatic talks with him, the lord of Transia. After all, the marshal hadn't exactly obtained them by honorable means.
The core orb in Murphy's possession even had a big, glaring "stolen goods" label on it.
Since they were both thieves, it was probably best to let bygones be bygones. But the half-dwarf across from him had brought it up without a second thought. The guy had no tact at all—and was really petty!
"So the stories about dwarves being petty are all true! I wonder if this guy's got a book of grudges, too?"
Murphy thought for a moment, then gave as good as he got. Maintaining a somewhat stiff smile, he replied:
"Hello to you too, Shorty!"
"?"
Marshal Loren froze in the psionic projection.
His eyes widened as if he'd been struck by lightning. Triss, who was maintaining the projection, was laughing so hard she could barely hold it together. Her seductive expression had twisted into a grimace as she struggled to keep from bursting out laughing.
"Hey, keep it steady! Why does the image keep flickering?"
Murphy called out in an exaggerated voice. Triss rolled her eyes and said, holding back her laughter:
"My technique's perfectly steady. It's the other side that's having trouble. Looks like your joke really hit hard! Oh, this is wonderful. I've finally learned how to say one word that'll make a dwarf hate me for the rest of his life."
"What kind of crazy name is that? Take it back!"
Marshal Loren shouted furiously, bristling with indignation:
"You're provoking a dwarf! No, you're provoking all dwarves! You must apologize for that damn word and for insulting the dignity of every dwarf! You're starting a war you