Then, from amidst the stunned silence, Julius suddenly stepped forward.
His face was twisted in anger—but behind that fury gleamed something else.
Satisfaction.
"You broke the rules!" He shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at Luca. "You broke the rules right now!"
His voice rose over the confused murmurs of the crowd.
"You injured two of my men—two elves who did nothing wrong! You violated the regulations set!"
He puffed up his chest, forcing a righteous tone that couldn't quite hide his glee.
"And as the appointed healer and elder, I hereby decree—you are to leave the village immediately! You are not permitted to stay any longer!"
For the briefest moment, a twisted, satisfied smirk crept onto his lips.
Finally.
Finally!
He'd waited for this moment.
Ever since Luca had entered the village, Julius had been desperate for a chance to turn the tables and send him away.
And now, fate had handed it to him.
The hero—oh, the mighty hero—had made a mistake.
