"Your Majesty!" The elders' shout resonated within the grand wooden structure the moment Ryan crossed the threshold.
The old men, with their long robes and faces marked by centuries, rose from their seats in unison and gave a deep bow.
The respect they emanated was absolute, almost tangible in the air thick with incense and old wood.
Ryan paused for a moment, looking at them with an expression of awkwardness he couldn't entirely hide.
He certainly still couldn't get used to being treated with such formality.
Runa, who was walking right behind him carrying her tools, stepped forward with a clumsy stride, looking around in blatant confusion.
Her bulging eyes scanned the room, taking in the surroundings and the elegance of the elves who bowed their heads before Ryan.
"Your Majesty?" the dwarf started to ask as she spun on her heels. "I don't see any king around here. Who are these old-timers talking to?"
