Exhausted Patience

"You're caught, intruders!"

Leon, Morgrim, and Elina flinched instinctively. They quickly turned around—dozens, no, hundreds of soldiers had filled the narrow corridor, glaring at them with furious eyes.

At the front stood a female dwarf in armor, pointing her sword at them. Her cold smile was directed at Leon and Elina.

"So you really are here," she said, her voice laced with murderous intent. "I didn't think you'd be bold enough to pose as one of us and sneak into the palace to rescue Prince Morgrim."

Elina squinted at the woman, then gasped. "Young Master… isn't that the waitress from the tavern?"

Leon's eyes widened. If Elina hadn't said anything, he might not have recognized her—she looked completely different from the woman they had seen at the tavern.

"So she really was a spy disguised as a waitress," Leon muttered, narrowing his eyes.