Another world, Celeste

Chapter Six

Another merchant explains. "Dwarves and gnomes will not sell their merchandise to people who do not appreciate their skills and only after profit."

"Then, what happened to the two of them?" I ask.

"The guards found them and they tried to make a run for it. Trying to outrun an elf."

The merchants shake their heads.

"Right now, they're being interrogated somewhere inside the building.

Jilko mutter something from behind me. I convey her question to the merchants.

"What will happen to the gnomes if those two are found innocent?"

Instead of answering, the merchants laugh as though we just asked a ridiculous question.

Jilko and I exchange puzzled looks.

The first merchant says, "Nothing of the sort will happen. Those two are in the wrong and will be judged as criminals with fraudulence charges. There are also witnesses to refute their claims." 

As they are saying that, gnomes and dwarves accompanied by a single guard and a female elf are coming out of the corridors. Jilko sees her father and rushes to his side.

The female elf lowered her head apologetically and says, "Thank you for your cooperation. We sincerely apologise to let everyone encounter this ordeal during such a joyous occasion."

After the gnomes and dwarves left the reception building, the female elf resume her post at the counter and says, "I'm sorry for the wait. The counter is now open. Merchants who have unfinished business with us, please line up accordingly."

A few more elves appear from the back door of the counter and attend to the merchants when the lines are getting long. The merchants I talk to earlier are also lining up. Jilko and Po are the remaining gnomes in the building. When the receptionists are done assisting the merchants, the floor becomes empty except for a few lingering people. A dwarf comes out of the corridor with Mister Duce. His usual cheery expression turns into a frown. I stay and watch two guards bring out the swindling merchant and a scrawny man wearing leather armour with a crooked smile into custody with their hands tied with a rope.

The swindling merchant angrily shouts to the dwarf, "I told you I've been framed! This is a mistake!"

I stand in front of Po and Jilko in case anything might happen when the swindling merchant turns to us and sees me. His face turns red angry.

"You! She's the real swindler!" The merchant shouts while looking at me.

The merchant slams his body onto the guard which leaves a small opening for the adventurer to loosen the rope and charge at me. Before his freed hands could reach me, it's stopped by another. The adventurer instantly crumbles into fear when he looks at the person who intervenes in his attempt to attack me. The guards refrain the merchant and adventurer from making another attempt by binding them with a rope that cannot be cut, especially made by elves magic and take them away. I look up to thank the person who helps me and feels quite surprised to see his clear blue eyes staring at me.