The Author's POV

335 Infiltration [3]

[Henolur, Elder council]

A deathly silence enveloped the hall.

"…what did you just say?"

Gernis's solemn voice echoed across the hall.

A terrifying pressure spread out from his small and aged body, completely enveloping the hall.

Subjected to such pressure, Waylan merely frowned.

Having been with Douglas for a long time, he was already used to the pressure. Although Gernis was indeed higher ranked than Douglas, at the end of the day, the dwarves weren't really a combat-oriented race. They were craftsmen, not warriors. They didn't possess the bloodlust or battle-aura frontline fighters did, not to the same extent.

The pressure wasn't anything that Waylan couldn't handle.

"Haaaa..."

Closing his eyes and breathing out, Waylan opened his eyes and stared directly at Gernis.

"I'll say it again. Give me a chance, and I will help you end this war."

"Pftt..."

Once Waylan's words faded, the dwarf with red eyebrows, Randur, burst out laughing.

"Hahaha, I can't-I can't believe this! What kind of nonsense is this?"'

Slapping the table, Randur continued to laugh for a solid minute.

It was only when he realized that everyone's attention was on him that he finally stopped laughing.

Looking around, he asked with a deadpan look, "What? dinna ye guys also find his delusions funny?"

"This be nae laughing matter, Randur."

Gernis spoke gravely, the look on his face severe.

"Don't tell me you actually believe his words?" Randur asked with an incredulous look.

To him, it was clear to see that Waylan was merely spouting nonsense to save himself.

Leaning his body forward, he looked towards the other dwarves present before pointing at Waylan.

"Stop tha war? bah, if he cou've done it, he wou've done it 'afore. Why now? he's clearly just trying ta save his ass. I'm sure yer all smart enough ta understand this, right?"

Unexpectedly, Randur was met with silence. No one spoke up.

The silence further enraged him. He glared at everyone present.

"Have low have we fallen for you guys to not realize this, eh?!"

In reality, everybody shared the same thoughts as Randur. However, unlike Randur, they didn't speak up because of Gernis.

The solemnity clouding his face prevented them from speaking up. He had a grim aura surrounding him, one that seemed to suffocate the air itself.

No one was as fearless as Randur in that situation.

Fortunately for Randur, Gernis didn't seem to mind his words. The latter seemed too preoccupied with Waylan's actions. All of his attention seemed focused on the human before him.

Staring at him for quite a while, he asked.

"...How confident are you in your words?"

"Very."

Waylan flatly replied.

Looking at the other dwarves present, he straightened his back.

"If you give me a chance, I'll do what I said I will do."

"Hmm.."

at Waylan's confident expression, Gernis's

what Waylan said sounded absurd, his fearless expression planted a seed of doubt inside of the old dwarf's

it? Or could he? Was he really just saying this to save his

through, Gernis doubted

something extreme like an execution. After all, although he was one of the main people responsible for the failure, they too were at fault for being

before, things

situation with his

situation. If before he couldn't have been executed for a failure not entirely on him, he would be

betting on his

determination made Gernis

would be stupid enough

decided to see where this bet

Tell me what your

"I apologize."

contrary to what Gernis expected. lowering his head,

Gernis's

playing

at all of the individuals

to tell you,

"Why is that?"

Waylan shrugged his shoulders and

his brow, he indifferently

why?" It was then that it finally dawned

was because he was afraid that a spy hid amongst one of the

the only one who understood his words as all of those present in the

wasn't happy with his words as he raised his

there might be a spy amongst us? Are you purposely trying to create a rift among the

dwarf was none other

face was twisted with

In fact, he wasn't the only one

the ones who kept quiet didn't want to annoy

kinna believe ye guys be even listening ta him! Ye are

but what if his words be right? what if he truly knows o'

of the dwarves seated finally spoke

head in the dwarf's direction,

even we don't know? And why only

make a

much

"Then..."

caused Randur's

him a chance ta prove himself ta us. Since Jomnuk has been kidnapped, we have nothing ta lose. It's nae like we're going ta let him

attention

on with tha plans ye have. If ye manage ta successfully do as ye've said, nae only will we

present, especially Randur who blanky sat there with his mouth hung open. But, before anyone could even protest, Gernis

made up my mind. 'Tis shall be the final decision. You

and respected person, the other dwarves present could do nothing but remain seated in quiet. Displeasure could

reason why I'm giving ye this chance be because o' Douglas. Me faith be nae with ye but with Douglas. If ye try anything funny, ye will nae

eyes, Waylan

will do my

we wish

his head left and right, Gernis

If Waylan needs something, try your

"Understood."

though displeased,

the decision had been made, both Randur, the dwarf that seemed to have a

was going

***

Gulp-!

this point, my eyes were

had managed to last

managed to

wanted, I could deactivate

was only a matter of

Cli Clank-!

the door behind me opened up. The guard that

here to relay

"On with it."