Chapter 118: The Empire's Strongest Paladin
Within an ornate palace, Heki Stone and Hoffman Ironfist sat facing one another. Between them stood two goblets: one filled with fresh blood, and one with wine the color of fresh blood.
Though they differed in nature, taste, and status, the two dwarves were still firm friends.
Hoffman Ironfist raised his cup. "To a future without needless sacrifice."
Heki Stone lifted his own in response. "Of course. Rest assured. My friend will see to everything."
They drank deeply. A faint tint of crimson stained the corners of their mouths.
Once the wine had loosened his friend's tongue, Heki began, "The situation at the front… I've heard it's not going well."
Hoffman Ironfist didn't try to hide the news. He nodded. "That's right. The Lyon Empire's butcher has personally taken the field. We couldn't hold the front. Our planned retreat had to be accelerated. We've abandoned much and lost much in the process."
Heki's grip trembled. His voice shook. "You mean… the Silvermoon Knight?!"
Hoffman Ironfist sighed. "Not just him. The Imperial Guard appeared alongside him on the main front. In a single day, they shattered our army. If not for a sudden sandstorm halting their advance, they'd already be at our gates.