Road

When Oufeg, King of the Dwarves, said that Chen Rui was a half-elf, Fatty, Ina, and the others all looked astonished. Only Samuel was dismissive: His Highness Arthur possessed the purest Roland Royal House bloodline and was the bearer of the Light-Favored Body. How could he possibly be some half-elf mongrel?

But Blackbeard Teclin's final, goddamn remark put everyone at ease: That's right. With a face like that, he really doesn't look like a half-elf.

"The hill dwarves are famed for being upright and forthright. I believe Your Highness will not wrong an innocent man while allowing the true thief to hide in a corner and snicker."

This "speech of the mind," which could only be heard by the intended target and posed no communication barrier whatsoever, briefly surprised the dwarf king. The surprise vanished in an instant, and he soon regained his composure. "Human, what do you have to prove your innocence?"

Chen Rui continued conveying his thoughts through the Analytical Eye. "I need a special place, where I alone can prove it to Your Highness and the hill dwarves. If I fail to prove myself, I am willing to accept any punishment from the hill dwarves—even punishment as a thief! But if I can prove myself, I ask that Your Highness permit us to cross Blackrock Mountain and proceed to Gaddon City..."

"Are you certain you can prove your innocence?" When Oufeg spoke those words, he used the common tongue, so everyone from the Iron Shield Mercenary Group and the Church of Light understood him.

Fatty had no idea what Chen Rui and Oufeg had discussed. Upon hearing the words "prove your innocence," he was the first to leap forward. "I am a priest of Gudan Town, a servant of the Light. That identity alone proves my innocence!"