The entire sitting area fell silent as everyone turned toward Charles. The festive atmosphere that had filled the banquet moments earlier disappeared almost instantly, replaced by a heavy tension that even the surrounding music could not conceal.
Several Gnolls exchanged worried glances, while some of the Halfling soldiers lowered their cups and quietly moved their attention between Charles and Pumba. They all knew what was coming next. Charles had crossed a line that even his position as Pumba's son could not protect him from.
Bam!
The table shook violently beneath Pumba's fist. His previously amused expression vanished completely as his eyes became vicious and cold. The redness already covering his face from the wine seemed to deepen as anger twisted his features, and his gaze slowly swept across the table before finally settling on Charles, who instinctively shrank backward.
