Translator: Cinder Translations
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Even in the socially primitive Three Northern Lands, there is some form of rudimentary trade, and Broghal is an orc merchant who has long been traveling between various tribes.
TL/N: The three Northern Lands probably refer to, The Great Plains, The Lucky Forest and the Black Water Valley.
Broghal is an orc male nearing forty. Unlike his disheveled kin, he carefully styles his thick hair into a neat design and wears tidy Aldor-style clothes, giving him an air of refinement.
After the Aldor people began their trade with the forest tribes, the sharp-minded Broghal immediately sensed an opportunity to greatly increase his wealth. Through persistent efforts, he became one of the Aldor's agents, monopolizing trade between several tribes and the Aldor people.
"Dear Mr. Broghal, thank you for the valuable information you've provided," Stanford said gratefully. "Believe me, your friendship will be returned with equal value."
Broghal twitched his nose, a shadow crossing his face.
Stanford, puzzled, asked, "What's wrong, my friend? Do you have something on your mind?"
The orc hesitated before answering, "Mr. Stanford, I believe in your friendship, but right now, I'm not so sure about you—or whether you can defend the friendship between us."
"Oh?" Stanford raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
The orc lowered his head slightly, rubbing his hands together. "I've heard about the situation south of the mountain. The prairie kingdom has already entered your lands and conquered the northern parts of Aldor... If you're unable to hold your ground, then I, and others like me, will face a very hard choice."
Stanford secretly scoffed. He knew what Broghal's "choice" meant—to either continue peaceful trade or join forces with his treacherous kin to seize human wealth.
Of course, though a choice, it would never be "difficult," since the law of the jungle was deeply ingrained in these creatures.
"Yes, but more specifically, it's not the northwest bay of Aldor's northern lands," Stanford calmly added.
Broghal looked up in surprise, clearly taken aback that Stanford openly acknowledged this.
"I think you know a bit about Aldor," Stanford said, standing up and walking to a side table to pour two cups of wine, handing one to Broghal.
"As your tribes are divided into different factions, Aldor is divided into feudal territories," he continued, returning to his seat and taking a small sip. "There's a great difference between them, some are very powerful, and some are weak. The disparities between them are even greater than the differences between your largest and smallest tribes."
"The failure of some territories does not mean that others will fail. Especially in the northwestern bay, especially us, the Aldens. And as I understand it..." A smile appeared on Stanford's face. "The reason the prairie army has not conquered all of Aldor's northern lands is because they were met with strong resistance near the northwest bay."
"Aldor defeated their western advance, annihilating over three thousand of their troops while only suffering around three hundred casualties. A ten-to-one kill ratio—I'm sure you can tell who was stronger."
"Uh... it's not that I don't trust you," Broghal said awkwardly, "But still, this war seems to have ended with Aldor acknowledging the prairie kingdom's control over its land. If your army achieved such a glorious victory, why didn't you follow up and drive the prairie people back?"
"Yes!" Stanford furrowed his brow, a flicker of anger appearing on his face. "It's like having a strong body but a muddled mind. Above the various Aldor territories is a so-called kingdom government—somewhat like how the prairie tribes are controlled by the kingdom. Each feudal lord has absolute control over their lands, but matters outside their territories must align with the kingdom government's will..." Stanford paused, his expression turning serious. "At the very least, they cannot ignore it."
"Because the kingdom government, with its muddled mind, gave no legitimate reason for the northwest bay's army to continue pursuing, so they had no choice but to halt at the border."
Stanford raised his voice, "But rest assured, the northwest bay's army definitely has the ability to defend its lands. Even the kingdom government has no right to make us give up that right."
There was a moment of silence between them.
Finally, Broghal nodded gravely. "Dear Stanford, I choose to trust you. May our friendship last forever. I have... some additional information that you might be interested in hearing?"
"Oh? Is it about Gunther?" Stanford asked.
"Yes."
Stanford perked up. "My dear Broghal, please don't keep me in suspense. I'm very interested in anything about him."
The conflict between Gunther of the Blood Ox tribe and Stanford was no secret in the forest. Everyone knew Gunther had nearly died at Stanford's hands, only to be miraculously saved after being carried back.
Broghal smiled slightly. "Gunther and his allies are secretly preparing to attack one of your outposts."
Stanford sat up straight, no longer the casual figure he had been earlier. "Do you know which outpost they're targeting?"
"Westwind Fort," Broghal whispered. "They're planning to attack Westwind Fort."
Stanford's eyes darted as he thought for a moment, then said, "I see. This is very valuable information. Thank you again. Your generosity will help us avoid significant losses."
"You're welcome. We're friends, aren't we?" Broghal said with a grin. "To be realistic, your presence here has brought me countless riches, and I wouldn't want you to face trouble."
After discussing trade matters a bit longer, Stanford personally escorted the orc out.
Once back in his office, he gathered several key officers from Blackworm Nest and informed them about the impending attack on Westwind Fort.
It didn't cause much panic, as similar events had happened several times before.
But this time, with the Blood Ox tribe involved, it was a bit more complicated.
"We need to reinforce the defenses there," Stanford emphasized at the meeting. "We'll draw people from other locations. The Blood Ox tribe is already troublesome enough, and Gunther has rallied a large group of allies."
"We must put on a strong show of our defensive strength, and if possible, we need to intimidate them out of launching any smaller attacks."
His orders were quickly put into action.
Broghal's information turned out to be true. Two weeks later, the forest orcs launched their attack.
But Broghal's intelligence was not entirely accurate—the orcs did not target Westwind Fort, but instead, they attacked Black Worm's Nest.
(End of the Chapter)
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