Chapter 323: Gruen The Dwarf (1/2)
The dwarf backed away from Arthur until his back touched the end of the couch. He raised both fists as if he wanted to fight. Seeing such a reaction, Arthur sighed.
”It's all because you scared him.” He glared at Gala. ”Listen, kid.” Arthur turned to the dwarf.
”You are probably of the same age.” Gala rested her hands on her knee with a smile.
”You're special,” Arthur said sincerely. ”I'm probably the only person who can see it. Let me help you awaken your affinity, and there are no items that you won't be able to craft.”
”All dwarves have an affinity core on their chest,” Gala mentioned. ”That's what separates them from humans and makes them excellent craftsmen.”
”She's right.” The dwarf chimed in, his eyes still sharp and doubtful. ”I'm special through my craft!”
”The one you got fired for?” Arthur smiled. ”Those aren't your limits.” He stood up and offered his hand to the young dwarf. ”Work with me to create the strongest artifact the world has ever seen.”
”Bold words!” Gala's eyes widened as she jumped excitedly. ”That's right, Seika! You are the only person capable of making such promises!”
”Why are you excited?” Arthur sighed in exasperation.
”Seika?” The dwarf's ears perked as he started letting his guard down. ”Your arm too... I heard about your arrival.” He said with a frown. ”They said you destroyed the last city you came to.”
”Rumors are...”
”I'll follow you for the rest of my life.” The dwarf stood up. ”As long as you do me one favor. That's all I'm asking for.”
”Oh?” Arthur raised his brows in surprise. ”What favor is that?” He was curious as to what changed this dwarf's mind.
”Destroy this city.” The dwarf calmly said as if he said the easiest request ever. Arthur and the two looked at him silently.
”Fine,” Arthur sighed.
”Seika!” Gala and Dia stood up in protest. ”You are already hated. This dwarf isn't worth it!” Dia was the more agitated one of the two.
”I'm kidding.” Arthur smiled. ”You don't think I'm that impulsive, do you?” He asked, but the two didn't answer. ”You...” Arthur was speechless.
”You just insulted the Lord of this city.” Gala shrugged. ”And after what you did to his younger brother, I'm not surprised.”
”Anyway,” Arthur decided to change the topic. ”Why do you want me to destroy the city? Given your goals, I might be able to help you some other way.”
”That is...” The dwarf was hesitant. ”No, forget it.”
”Fine, I'll destroy the city,” Arthur said. ”I'll also kill every citizen in it. Would that be fine?”
”What? No!” The dwarf panicked while Gala and Dia looked at Arthur silently.
”Then I'll just destroy the city and kill everyone in the duke's house,” Arthur said with an evil smile.
”NO!” The dwarf showed a stronger reaction. Arthur grinned as he started constructing an image of what this dwarf's goals were.
”You are not after the city but after the duke's position. You don't want him dead, at least not his family, but you want them to lose power. The duke's strength lies in his assets. If I destroy his establishments, the duke's power will weaken.”
At that time, it would be very likely for the kingdom to replace him. This result was the dwarf's goal, but the only question was why did he want such a thing?
”Does the duke have a daughter the same age as me?” Arthur asked and saw the dwarf's eyes shake.
”Why? Are you finally taking my advice? The Knight of Courage mentioned something like that, yes. The duke has a daughter.” Gala smiled, but she didn't notice the dwarf's expression.
”Oh,” Arthur smiled. ”Do you want to hear a story?” He stood up and walked to the dwarf. ”Once upon a time, a young princess was shopping when she met a young dwarf. The dwarf fell for her and started giving her jewelry that he made.”
”So, the reason he wants to destroy the city...” Dia turned to the dwarf.
”The princess's father would never allow such a thing to happen. I'm sure he did something to get the dwarf away from his love. We end up with a vengeful dwarf and an overbearing duke.”
”You wanted to destroy the city just because you like the duke's daughter?” Gala frowned. ”How can you be this selfish?”
”He's not selfish, but in love.” Arthur shook his head. ”I would have done the same thing.”
”That's insane.” Gala stood up. ”What about the other people?”
”He refused anything that involves killing. That means he's after chaos and damage.” Arthur turned to the silent dwarf. ”I'll help you, dwarf.”
”My name is Gruen.” The dwarf said proudly. ”It's as you said. Are you going to destroy the duke's properties?”