Chapter 80 The Cave King Torygg and… a Confession!
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The golden throne room of Valend Cave Kingdom gleamed in the torchlight. Before the towering seat of King Torygg, Ayumu dropped to one knee, bowing his head deeply. He had insisted on presenting his respects and a gift immediately upon arrival—no rest, no pause—believing it would earn him favor with the dwarf king. His gamble paid off.
”Great King of the dwarves, Your Majesty Torygg,” Ayumu said, his voice careful and reverent. “I thank you for granting this audience despite your many duties. I am Sanai, sent under command of my lord, His Majesty Rai El Yugan of the Free Yugan Coalition, to undertake training here in Valend Cave Kingdom.”
He had feared rejection. Books back home had told him humans often looked down on demi-humans, and he worried the dwarves might harbor resentment. Yet that fear proved unfounded.
The dwarf king’s eyes sparkled as he stroked his magnificent beard. “Mm! So, you come from Yugan! Well met, Lord Sanai. May you labor well and learn much in Valend!” His tone was cheerful, his smile broad, his presence one of warmth rather than suspicion.
Ayumu exhaled quietly. Ah… he’s easier to please than I thought. Still, he replied politely, “I am most grateful for your generosity, Your Majesty.”
The gift of five barrels of wine was then presented, each one inspected and swiftly carried away to be stored. King Torygg clapped his hands together.
”Wine, splendid indeed! Ah! Since we are all gathered here, allow me to introduce my wife and daughter who oversaw the tribute.”
At his call, Queen Erisif and Princess Laura stepped forward to stand beside him.
Ayumu froze. In his mind, dwarven women were supposed to have beards like the men. But the queen and princess before him looked nothing like that.
Princess Laura in particular held his gaze. She had inherited her mother’s deep violet hair and matching eyes, a delicate face, and the small stature typical of dwarves. Yet her slim waist, rounded hips, and full chest gave her an hourglass shape—what old-fashioned magazines might once have called “transistor glamour.”
T/N: pun on transistor-glamour—1950s slang for curvy women.
Ayumu disciplined his eyes to stay fixed on their foreheads. He dared not glance lower. He bowed respectfully.
”Your Majesty Queen Erisif. Your Highness Princess Laura. It is rare indeed that one such as I would be granted the honor of meeting you both. I am truly grateful. But I should not presume to take more of your time, so if you will excuse me, I shall withdraw.”
He was about to retreat when Princess Laura let out a small gasp.
”Ah—!”
Startled, Ayumu paused. “Do you still have some matter to request of me, Your Highness?” he asked.
Her cheeks flushed. “I-I must know! Are all human men so tall… and handsome like you?”
Ayumu blinked. “Eh? Wh-what? I—well…” He stammered, utterly lost.
But before he could compose an answer, Laura clasped her hands together, eyes wide and shining. “Forgive me, but please believe me! I—I fell in love with you at first sight!”
Ayumu’s jaw dropped. The throne room spun.
King Torygg leapt to his feet, beard bristling. “What?! N-no, Laura! Papa will not allow this! You may not court a human! I forbid it, do you hear? Absolutely not!”
Beside him, Queen Erisif raised a delicate hand to her lips, hiding a soft smile.
Ayumu thought desperately, Why… why is this happening to me?!
And there he remained, rooted to the spot, stunned by the princess’s sudden confession.
Notes:
• Valend Cave Kingdom – Dwarven realm mentioned in the map.
• Torygg – King of the Valend Kingdom, known as the Cave King.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply