Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"This is impossible!"
The dwarf, Imar, shouted in disbelief.
"Could it be another dwarf clan? No, absolutely not. How could they—those stone-headed dwarves—ever allow you orcs to pass through their territory!"
Imar's face was full of disbelief.
"Oh, I can reveal a little something to you—it's not another dwarf clan. You can rest assured about that. They're quite principled when it comes to tradition, even more so than you. Or perhaps you could say they are just stubborn,"
The old orc Eugene's words seemed to be aimed at someone, though it wasn't clear who.
"Then you're lying! Apart from the dwarven lands, there's no other way for the orcs to enter or leave the lands of the Aldorians!"
Imar's eyes were bloodshot with anger.
"Ah hahahaha!" Eugene laughed heartily, "If that's the case, then where do all those Aldorian goods from the plains come from? And how do the Aldorians get the special products from the plains into their territory?"
"Human trade caravans, orc caravans—how do they cross into each other's lands? Imar, do you think they fly over?"
Imar's eyes widened in shock.
"You're saying? Through the Watcher's Fortress? You... you've gone mad!"
"The fortress is incredibly sturdy, and the Aldorian army stationed there is highly trained. If you try to assault it, you'll be crushed!"
Eugene stroked his beard, narrowing his eyes and adding, "Hmph, don't worry about it, Lord Imar."
He was also concerned, though. Could the promise from the Gabella people be trusted?
"Well then... Former Prince of the Stonemason Clan, we'll part ways here. The warriors from the King's Tent will be accompanying me,"
Eugene turned and lifted the tent flap, preparing to leave.
"Wait!"
A deep, but clear voice stopped Eugene in his tracks.
Eugene smiled, but quickly composed himself as he slowly turned around to face the abandoned dwarf.
"Is there something else, Lord Imar?"
Due to the lighting, Imar's eyes were shadows, his gaze unreadable.
The dwarf didn't immediately respond. His body trembled, veins bulging on his strong, bare arms.
Eugene felt a bit of worry. Perhaps he had pushed him too far.
Although dwarfs are shorter in stature, they, like orcs, are known for their immense strength. There was no doubt that Imar was a strong dwarf, even among his kin, whereas Eugene, despite his former strength, was beginning to age.
If this simple-minded dwarf charged at him without hesitation...
A cold sweat trickled down Eugene's forehead. Just as he was about to shout for his guards, Imar broke into an ugly smile.
"Oh, my friend!"
Imar's voice was filled with subtle politeness.
"Why can't we continue talking, my friend?"
Imar lifted his head, and Eugene saw his eyes, filled with flattery, worry, and panic, but no hatred.
Eugene knew that he had succeeded. The tension in his chest eased.
He hadn't planned to abandon helping Imar, but rather to force him to make greater concessions to the orcs. Eugene understood that Imar wasn't as strong as he appeared; his bravado was a mask for his inherent weakness.
Now, the challenge for the clan leadership was fast approaching. If Imar faced the ten warriors sent by the current clan leader alone, he wouldn't stand a chance.
Thus, Eugene knew he had to rely on orc power.
If Imar refused to compromise further, he would have to face the Stonemason Clan alone. His courage would only let him run away in disgrace, and he would never fulfill the challenge as agreed.
Imar's name would become synonymous with shame among the dwarven people, and no parent would ever name their child after him again.
Yes, Eugene had taken a gamble, and though the odds were in his favor, it was still a gamble with a risk of loss.
And he had won.
"You see..." Imar said, his tone now deferential, "Tomorrow is an important day for me. Do you have any conditions you want to propose? I am certain the Stonemason Clan's territory will bring great benefits to the King's Tent on the plains."
This guy had quickly adjusted his position, despite just moments ago being so arrogant toward Eugene.
Eugene felt a sense of triumph inside. Although Imar was now a defeated dog, he was still the son of the former clan leader.
The feeling of holding the fate of such a significant figure in his hands was incredibly satisfying.
"Oh, Lord Imar. I just remembered, although we have a way through the Watcher's Fortress, having an alternative route to put pressure on the Aldorians from behind would also be good."
"Ha ha ha, I knew it! I knew it!"
Imar laughed with relief, feeling fortunate.
"Of course, this is something optional," Eugene added, slightly straightening his face.
"Ah, yes, yes. But it's just like wealth, who wouldn't want more wealth?"
Imar became cautious once again.
"You're right, Lord Imar."
Eugene nodded. "Who wouldn't want more wealth, but it must be your wealth."
He emphasized the word "your."
"What do you want?"
Imar shouted, his voice full of confusion. "You want to annex the Stonemason Clan? No! I cannot agree to this!"
"Oh, no, no, no!"
Eugene raised his hand. "The Stonemason Clan is still yours, Lord Imar. But I think you understand terms like protectorates, vassal states, yes?"
His expression became serious. "The Stonemason Clan will retain a great deal of independence. We won't interfere with internal matters, but in external affairs—not just with human nations, but also with other dwarf clans—you'll need to align with the King's Tent."
"This... this... this is still too much!"
Eugene could see the hesitation in Imar's eyes.
"Isn't it? Many of the former protectorates of the Aldorians have now become protectorates of the King's Tent. Their people live peacefully, and most don't even know what happened."
"Imar, give your complete loyalty to the King's Tent! Think about it, the entire Stonemason Clan is waiting for your leadership!"
The old orc's words were like the devil's temptation, echoing in Imar's mind.
"I agree!"
Imar finally conceded.
TLN: SMH😩
(End of the Chapter)
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