Vol.2 Ch.62 To Good Health!

Vol.2 Ch.62 To Good Health!

Quin still wasn't convinced this was the best way to prove Rya's trustworthiness to the dwarves, especially after seeing her become a slobbering mess after one mug of ale.

"Quin... I'll be alright. Just make sure that I don't embarrass myself too much," Rya said while smiling at him.

Quinus wanted to protest, but he didn't have any other ideas at this moment. So he relented and gave her a nod.

"Okay, Rya... I'll be there for you," Quinus said before turning to Hajdah. The Crown Prince was pissed that the Guild Master didn't believe that Rya wasn't a threat to the Domain.

"So, shall we go to the mess hall then?" Hajdah asked as he pointed down the stone path leading to the large palace building.

"Yes, please lead the way," Rya nodded.

As the group walked towards the mess hall, Hajdah explained the dwarven etiquette to Rya.

"Oh, so there are rules for how you eat here in Ironside?" Rya asked as she looked around at the people eating.

"Yeah. We usually sit on the floor here as it's easier to keep the mess clean by mopping it up. But it also allows us to talk to each other without being interrupted by those walking through. Also, we have a separate area for nobles and knights in case they want privacy, which is more typical of a human setting. We'll go there to see if you speak the truth about liking our ale, Dark One," Hajdah said as he gestured to a small door on the far side of the vast room.

Rya followed Hajdah's lead and sat down with the rest of the dwarves.

"Alright, everyone! Bring out the Dwarven Stein! It's time for Lady Rya to demonstrate her integrity and honor!" Hajdah yelled as he stood up and grabbed a stein from someone sitting beside him.

He handed it over to Rya, who took the stein and looked at it. The thing was huge and easily held over two liters of liquid. It also had beautiful craftsmanship, as the silver and gold griffins were engraved into the stein.

"U-Um... Wh-What should I do?" Rya asked as she glanced over to Quinus.

Quinus sighed as he felt powerless to stop the dwarves from getting Rya drunk while Dalia gave her friend a thumbs up. Percy looked worried and wanted to help, and Sir George seemed very serious.

"Well, drink it!" Hajdah said as he held out his stein to her.

'Great... There's nothing quite like a bit of peer pressure to push me into doing something I know I'll end up regretting... I thought I was done with this crap back in my early 20's.' Rya thought as she looked at Quinus again. He wanted to help, but his hands were tied unless he fought everyone.

"Well, I guess there is no time like the present," Rya said as she found a seat before she started the challenge.

She then looked to Hajdah and lifted up her stein, "To the good health of the people of Ironside."

The Dwarven Mage raised his stein and said, "To the good health of the people of Ironside!"

They lifted up their steins and tapped them against hers. Then they began drinking their ales.

*Glug. Glug. Glug. Glug. Glug. Glug.*

Rya felt Quin's hand petting her head, which made her blush.

"MMmmm! Yo-u are spo-iling me," Rya mumbled while she closed her eyes and laid her head on Quin's shoulder.

Hajdah and the dwarves couldn't believe it. The prince had charmed the Dark Elf when they thought it was the other way around.

"I'm glad he did because I don't think we could take her on in a fight with magic. Her mana surges from within her, pulsating with such formidable power, almost rivaling that of the prince. I would have feared the worst if we had to fight her." Hajdah said to his fellow mages.

"I think the Prince would destroy us if we tried to do that. He's the heir apparent to the throne. And he wants her by his side. Especially if she is as powerful as I think she is... The Kingdom just became much more powerful with her presence," Hajdah replied.

"Then, we need to apologize to her and the Prince. She's been very cooperative and kind so far... Plus, she loves our ale," Suhail said.

"She's a Dark Elf. She might have been trying to use the Prince to gain power... Haah... But you're right, Suhail. We will apologize to the Dark Elf before the Prince gets offended," Kyan, the fire mage, said.

The Dwarven Mages exchanged a nod before boldly approaching the Dark Elven woman, who was nestled in Quin's protective embrace.

"Prince Quinus! Lady Rya... We, the Ironside Mages Council, would like to offer our sincere apologies for our previous conduct. It was ill-mannered and uncalled for. Your presence here means a lot to the Ironside Mages Guild," Hajdah said, and then they all bowed their heads respectfully to the Dark Elf and the young Prince.

"Hehehe! *hic* Q-uin th-e roo-ms spinn-ing?" Rya said with a smile.

Quin looked at Rya with a surprised expression.

Rya giggled and snuggled closer to his chest.

"O-Of course, young Prince! Right this way, we'll quickly escort you and your group to your room! Come, follow us." Hajdah said to the Prince and the four other members.