An Ugly Duckling [Part 2]

"About time you return," Cethus scoffed after hearing Lux's inquiry. "Aside from your Kobold friends mining underground, nothing else has happened while you are gone. Only today have we gotten some pesky country bumpkins who do not know their place."

Cethus gave Valerie, as well as her two handmaidens, a sidelong glance before turning his attention back to the Half-Elf, who had just returned from who knows where.

"You really should fix that high and mighty attitude of yours, Cethus." Lux sighed. "One day, you will get into trouble for looking down on everyone."

"That day will not come." Cethus scoffed. "I am a member of the Royal Guard. Who dares to challenge the authority of the Dragon King?"

Lux shook his head helplessly before looking at the three guests that he had not met before now.

"I apologize if Cethus has been rude to the three of you," Lux said with a smile. "His mother accidentally dropped him when he was still an egg, so he's a little whacked in the head."