The atmosphere inside the room grew increasingly tense; no one moved, as everyone was on high alert, waiting for someone else to make the first move. Ard and Eva continued to stare at King Murmic without blinking, while Geoffrey stood beside them, gazing at Thorena who stood next to Murmic. Finally, Hardim stepped forward, and every soldier immediately leveled their rifles at him. Hardim raised his hands.
"Your Majesty, this is not the time for us to clash or be stubborn," Hardim said.
"Hah... you're on their side, Hardim? Look at them—they brought an elf before me. Such insolence!" Murmic shouted.
"She is indeed an elf, but she is our friend. We are together at the academy and are traveling to kill Ophelia and Malekh—to finish what we should have finished 3,000 years ago. As I said, our purpose here is not to form an alliance with you; we were sent here to secure the Githiess egg from the giants' territory by order of the Dragon God," Ard said loudly.
