Knights of Tezoth

After quite a long time, Manka finally reaches the surface, and then Sunbornia, where she stays to live.

---

Alaria was no stranger to looking down on people, given her height, and over the pesky little runt she towered like a cliff. The stubborn little man was trying to get through not just anywhere, but straight to the ruler of these lands, which did little to earn him trust.

"State your name and the purpose of your visit," said Catharsis, sizing up the dwarf with a glance, "Lord Cartridge is a busy man."

- I represent the most powerful of Tezoth's regions! I'm too busy a man to waste my time on someone like you! Make way for a diplomat, you blockhead!

For someone who called himself a diplomat, the dwarf lacked both tact and patience, and the ability to put meaning into his words. The rudeness he displayed and his vague answer only heightened her suspicions. Anyone can call themselves an important figure and a diplomat, and this one hadn't even given his name or provided any proof of his status.

"Nevertheless, Mister Diplomat, you will have to spend it," the "blockhead" replied impassively, her expression unchanged, "without knowing your name, the purpose of your visit, or even the name of the region you represent, I am not entitled to let you through. You haven't even provided any documents to confirm your status."

- Heh! You don't even know who you're talking to! - The little gnome proudly presents his interlocutor with a document confirming that he is a representative of not exactly a lord, but of a Knight of Imperialism. - Before you stands none other than Fravd Mong, the most important diplomat in all of Florenzan!

---

Alaria truly did not know who she was talking to, as she was hearing this name for the first time in her life. Given the pride in his voice, however, one got the impression that this figure, insignificant in many respects, genuinely believed it himself. Though even that could have been a cunning ploy. Especially since the new acquaintance still hadn't stated the specific purpose of his visit.

"One moment," putting on her glasses and squinting, the Tarnassian woman read through the "great diplomat's" credentials, "well, it looks legitimate. However, I still need to know the specific purpose of your visit. What matter does milord Eferael wish to resolve with Lord Cartridge? Furthermore, due to the tense situation in Tezoth, you'll have to forgive me, but the guard will have to search you. Not out of distrust for your name or that of your patron, don't get me wrong, but because they could be used by scoundrels with ill intent. You understand that these are troubled times, and a person with malicious intentions can, through magic or enchanted items, disguise themselves as an important figure."

- Search away. Only those with dull minds carry sharp iron on them. My matter is of a diplomatic nature, upon which the fate of your little region depends.