Dink continued to appraise the newly arrived High-Elf as the world returned to normal. The man was very tall and muscular for an Elf, easily equal in stature to the large Axion. His skin tone was a sickly white, reminiscent of a maggot’s skin. His features were delicate with a menacing, primal cast to them. He stood barefooted with hastily donned pants held up by a leather belt. The trouser’s material was of exquisite-quality black velvet, decorated with subtle floral patterns of a different shade of black. His posture betrayed the deep arrogance of a man used to being obeyed.

The duration of the command Dink had previously given Lady Estra was over. She cried out in concern as she rushed to examine the unconscious Axion, ignoring Dink and the newly arrived High-Elf. Dejected curses were heard from the crowd as they recovered their composure and the reality of their loss set in.

“Long live the champion! I never doubted you for a second! None of you believed me when I told you it was him, aha!” A man cheered while exaltedly laughing. He was holding up his winning ticket to display to the crowd as he gloated at his neighbours.

Someone got annoyed with his outcries and threw a flagon at the gloating man, bouncing it off his head. A dwarf pushed his way through the crowd to retrieve the flagon, stooping to pick it up. Dusting it off he turned to speak to the chastened man dramatically rubbing his head.

“Aye, that’s ‘cus e’s clearly a ‘alfling. Said so ‘imself ya daft git!” The dwarf grumbled.

“Put your glasses on, you blind dwarf. That’s no Halfling!” Someone shouted from the crowd, accompanied by mocking laughter.

The dwarf fumbled around with a chain dangling from a chest pocket, pulling it out. Dangling from the end of the chain was a monocle which the dwarf fitted over his eye, squinting through the lens. It made his eye appear tiny as he peered at Dink. Suddenly he stumbled backward, tripping onto the ground. His monocle fell from his face, the chain stopped it from hitting the floor as it pulled tight. His expression was priceless as he realized his mistake.

“That ain’t no Goblin, neither…” the frightened dwarf whispered.

Dink ignored the crowd’s antics as he stared down the High Elf standing in front of him. The man’s head tilted in recognition as he noticed Lady Estra crouched beside Axion. She was currently carefully feeding the lion-man a health potion from her pack. His head was cradled atop the catgirl’s lap as the potion took effect. His mangled shoulder recovered at an astonishing rate, adjusting back into place as the shattered bones were magically repaired. His breathing returned to normal as he stirred, beginning to wake up.

“Estra, I didn’t expect to see you running amok in a place like this so soon after House Stormborne’s fall. One would think that your father couldn’t endure such a scandal. Consorting with commoners, is absolutely disgraceful. Where has your dignity gone? You are still a woman of noble birth, act as such,” the newly arrived High-Elf spoke for the first time, causing Lady Estra to finally take note of his appearance.

“Chazrick, you’re one to speak. Acting like a child, running around half-dressed destroying House of Worldly Delight property without any regard for others. Are you here to take out your frustration on the commoners because House Hydra annulled our engagement? You never could control your temper,” Lady Estra snarled in response.

“I would still have you, Estra. My father would support our marriage. It is rare to find a woman of your calibre among the Houses. He will be the next crowned prince of House Hydra and will have the authority to override the annulment. Accept my offer and I will ensure that House Stormborne is taken in as a vassal and your father will want for nothing,” Chazrick proposed with an outstretched hand.

“I’ve always been opposed to our betrothal. It was the happiest moment of my life when I learned it was cancelled. You treat women as accessories, I would be nothing more than a trophy for your arm. I’d never willingly marry you after what you did to me, Chazrick!” Lady Estra shouted as her voice broke. Dink was able to feel her anger and self-loathing through their bond. It seemed that something traumatic must have happened between the pair.

“So be it. By High-Elf protocol, you are no longer permitted to call me by my name. You are no longer of gold-rank, thus no longer my equal. As a silver-ranked House without a backer, you will call me Prince Hydra. As you have broken the House Accord, I will enact your punishment personally. Ten lashes for each offence,” Chazrick venomously spoke while removing the belt from his waist.

A draconic aura began to emit from his body. Lady Estra started to tremble, it wasn’t caused by the dragon aura which was pathetically weak in comparison to Dink’s. But caused by repressed memories of helplessness coming to the surface. Dink’s mana surged aggressively in response to the man’s actions.

“You dare? A little lamb unaware of the wolf in front of him!” Dink snarled dangerously.

His own draconic aura protectively cocooned Lady Estra as Dink began to advance. Chazrick’s expression changed into surprise. He had dismissed the Goblin as inconsequential and was now forced to reevaluate his assessment. Dink’s aura quickly suppressed the prince’s, causing his complexion to become even paler.

Large amounts of mana were gathering in Dink’s throat, threatening to burst out at any moment. He grit his bared teeth as flames started to escape the corner of his mouth. Inhaling deeply, Dink prepared to roar.

“Dragon magic. From a Goblin, no less. How curious,” A feminine voice interrupted.

Dink felt a tingling sensation at the back of his neck. The flames in his mouth were suddenly quenched and the scales on his skin retreated to return to normal. Entering the House of Worldly Delight from the alleyway outside was a group of Halfling women, led by one wearing starry, blue robes and a matching floppy, wide-brimmed hat. She was the person that had interrupted earlier.