He stretched his back with a groan, rolling his shoulders.
Ridan floated nearby, still silent.
Then—
Clap.
Another.
Clap clap clap!
A sudden burst of applause erupted around him.
Hazuki blinked.
Turned his head.
And froze.
He hadn't even noticed it—
but a small crowd of dwarven kids had gathered around him, squatting on crates, sitting on baskets, even peeking from behind stalls.
Wide-eyed.
Mouths open.
Hanging onto every word.
Some adults clapped too—grinning, arms crossed like they just watched a tavern tale unfold.
"Whoa, Uncle!!" one kid shouted, stars in his eyes.
"That's awesome!" another yelled.
"You met a legendary dragon!?"
"You beat a minotaur all by yourself!?"
"Tell us more, Uncle! More story!!"
Hazuki stood there, stunned.
One hand half-raised in confusion.
"…Uncle?"
He turned slowly to Ridan, who was now smirking like the smug cloud he was.
"Don't look at me. You were monologuing so hard, I didn't wanna ruin your spotlight."
