After Grom and his group retreated, the crowd of onlookers saw there was no more conflict to watch. Wary of the terrifying strength Roland had just displayed, they whispered amongst themselves for a moment before gradually dispersing, melting back into the ceaseless throng of the black market.
Before long, the area returned to its previous clamor and chaos, as if the brief conflict had been nothing more than an insignificant echo from the depths of the mines.
Seeing that the surroundings had quieted down, Ogre took a step forward and bowed his head slightly at Roland's side. His voice was low, yet it carried an unprecedented sincerity.
"Master... Thank you for stepping in just now."
The last trace of reluctance and unease from his forced submission had now completely vanished from his light-brown eyes.
In its place was a complex emotion—a mixture of gratitude and awe.
Roland waved his hand, his tone matter-of-fact.
