Chapter 165

“Friends, I would like to introduce to you my master and the first ruler of the Dwarven Empire, Duwend Nonau.” Upon Enitma’s words, all the dwarves present bowed once more towards their liege.

Duwend Nonau, a figure of immense stature and presence, stood before the small gathering with an air of regality and wisdom. The few dwarves present, their eyes filled with respect and admiration, reflected the deep reverence they held for their former emperor.

As the silence stretched, Nonau raised his hand, a simple gesture that brought an immediate end to the bowing, signifying a moment of unity and understanding among those present.

Encountering the three most notable residents of Mundo—humans, elves, and dwarves—Naell noted that the dwarves in Nonau truly resembled the personality described by the author of *Arts and Magic*.

While humans were known for their greedy yet valorous hearts, and elves for their down-to-earth but biased nature, dwarves were known for their hard work and proud attitude.

They were then led to a room inside the cave. It was a properly lit space that seemed too extravagant for their surroundings. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and tapestries depicting ancient battles and legendary feats. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden light that illuminated the polished stone floors and luxurious furnishings. Richly woven rugs covered the ground, and a grand table, set with fine silverware and goblets, stood in the center.

Nevertheless, none questioned the place’s interior, and only Enitma, Duwend, Naell, and Owly went inside. Returning to the conversation, the duo then introduced themselves, explaining the purpose of their visit to Nonau.

“While it’s true that we are here to give that letter from Queen Sevle D’ialim of Awdita, our main reason for being here lies with me, HOOT.”

Duwend didn’t say a thing other than a “hmmm.” The dwarf then continued reading the letter. It took a minute before he scoffed and crumpled the paper.

He then looked at Owly and asked in a gruff tone, “Your reason better be better than that little queen’s nagging, or else I’ll kick you two out immediately.”

From his aura leaking, it appeared Duwend was more than just annoyed that weirdly enough, it even seemed Sevle and the old dwarf were well acquainted with each other.

‘If he was truly annoyed, he wouldn’t smirk right after… right?’ Naell thought.

As the conversation went on, it did become apparent that Sevle and Nonau were close, which was odd considering most elves and dwarves dislike each other.

*My master is Queen Sevle, godfather,* telepathically said Enitma, to which Naell replied with a nod as he also telepathically said, *That explains it then.*

While all of that was happening, Owly was gauging Duwend as, after all, this might be the only clue he has towards the whereabouts of his mother and the other guardians.

Yet this could also be a trap set by a betrayal that led to the past events. After a while, Owly decided to risk it, especially upon remembering that whatever action he’d take from here, Naell would support it.

“My mother, she told me that if ever I cannot reach her and it’s an emergency, I should seek Nonau, HOOT.”

“Your mother being?”

“Athena, The Guardian of Wisdom, HOOT.”

The long minute of silence then began with Duwend staring down at him. Truth be told, he knew who Owly was just judging by his mana.

Duwend could also feel the prowess of both Naell and Owly. They were indeed pupils that, if not already at the strength of Guardians, were on their way there.

Yet the old dwarf was also thinking deeply. He knew of Athena and the rest of the guardians' captivity by the pieces of Lucile.

He knew but he did nothing because he was one of them.

“No… I used to be,” he uttered quietly that none were able to hear what he said.

At the moment, he was contemplating how he would tell the duo of his past. Likewise, he could tell that Enitma was also wary of how this would turn out.

Duwend could only smile, sensing how his prince of an apprentice who often hid his personality very well was now concerned.

‘It seemed he made these two his friends,’ he thought before eventually sighing.

“Very well, I will help you, Owly, in the name of your mother, Athena, my friend,” Duwend said with serene eyes.

Yet his firm resoluteness was followed by his intense aura covering the whole place. He then stomped his axe, causing the ground to vibrate.

This almost staggered Enitma, who even knew beforehand it would happen. Likewise, Owly and Naell were startled, but for two different reasons.

For Naell, it was because he was already in the midst of dozing off beforehand. It was not because he was uninterested but because they traveled far without rest just to get here. One could say he was really in need of a good slumber after this (Totally not an excuse).

And for Owly, it was because this technique was familiar. It resembled not just the design but also the temperament of the skill.

Power-wise, it was incredible that if he and Naell went against Duwend at that very moment, in that terrain, they would lose.

Still, Owly needed to ask, and so he did, “Why did we never go to Nonau when we were traveling places?”

Duwend chuckled before replying, “’Cause your mother hates high places!”

“...”