Translator: Cinder Translations
...
A winding river flows across the land, its waters moving quietly. However, the atmosphere on both shores is far from peaceful.
On the northern bank, large numbers of warhorses gallop back and forth, raising clouds of dust as if to obscure the entire sky. The riders, all towering and fierce-looking orcs, brandish their weapons, constantly showing off their riding skills. Occasionally, they cast provocation-filled glares across the river and make various strange sounds.
On the southern bank, there is another army. Unlike the chaotic orcs on the other side, this army stands in neat formations, perfectly aligned. From the officers to the soldiers, no one speaks a word; their faces are solemn as they silently gaze across the river.
One side is boiling with excitement, while the other stands ready for battle. Both sides are full of killing intent.
Siegfried places his hand on his forehead and watches the orc army across the river with a furrowed brow.
Though the orcs appear disorganized, running about aimlessly as if their army could be easily scattered with a charge, Siegfried knows better. If they rush in recklessly, the orcs will retreat in a seemingly chaotic yet purposeful manner, luring the enemy into pursuing them step by step. As the enemy's forces stretch out and become disorganized, the orcs will take advantage of the situation.
Sometimes, the orcs deliberately drop valuables to entice the enemy soldiers into stealing them.
Once the enemy's defenses are breached, the orcs will shift from a scattered formation to a fierce wolf pack, using fast-moving cavalry to break through the enemy's defenses and wreak havoc in their ranks.
Meanwhile, orc archers will continue to harass the enemy from the outside, working together with heavily armored cavalry to charge.
Ultimately, the enemy will face a terrible rout.
In the previous skirmishes, fortunately, Gabella had a considerable number of cavalry for reinforcement, and the imperial army was better equipped than the orcs, which allowed them to draw even with the orcs despite being at a numerical disadvantage.
While Antonio and Siegfried observe the orcs, the orc leaders are also watching Gabella's forces.
"Truly, a powerful nation in the human world!" Chief Abal says, looking enviously at the other side.
"Look at those neat formations, those fine armors, and those sharp weapons. We have much to learn from them."
"Great Chief Abal!" One of his officers, Arroya, exclaims, "We could form neat formations too, but those armors and weapons are not so easy to come by!"
"I want you to treat those human craftsmen well!" Chief Abal's eyes gleam with determination. "They are a valuable resource. We orcs excel at fighting, but when it comes to crafting, we lack the patience and the intellect. This is something we need humans for!"
Arroya grins widely, his enormous tusks gleaming in the sunlight.
"Great Abal, I will bring more human slaves to you. They will bring new skills, and those skills will bring you more joy."
"Fool!" Abal lashes out with his whip, but it doesn't hurt.
"I want subjects, not slaves!"
"Yes, yes, Great Abal," Arroya laughs, understanding that the chief is not truly angry. "I will bring you more subjects, as many as ants!"
Calem, who had been silently watching the human army, speaks up, "It's almost time. I think you should go now."
"Alright! Let me meet Gabella's young lion!" Abal laughs.
"Mm, they seem to be coming out!" Siegfried observes, "We should go as well."
"Let's go!" Antonio nods.
Aldridge nearby also shakes the reins, and his mount starts moving. Antonio, Siegfried, and Aldridge head to the riverbank.
On the other side of the river, Chief Abal, Calem, and Arroya also head toward the riverbank.
"Eagle! Eagle! The eagle of the prairie!"
The orc cavalry stops wandering, raising their fists and arms, shouting continuously.
A powerful momentum rolls toward the southern shore.
Abal waves his hand arrogantly toward them.
"Hmph!" Aldridge gestures, and Gabella's army behind him immediately rouses with enthusiasm.
"Lion! Lion! Lion! Gabella's Lion!"
Although fewer in number, their unity and momentum are not inferior to the orcs'.
Both sides board small boats and head toward a large wooden raft fixed in the middle of the river, where a table and stools are placed.
For the first time, Abal and Antonio meet face to face.
"My brother!"
Abal spreads his arms, greeting Antonio.
Siegfried frowns. "'My brother' is a common greeting among rulers of human nations when meeting. Yet, an outsider barbarian dares to use it!"
"Honored Chief Abal!" Antonio does not hesitate and steps forward to embrace Abal, but he does not call him "my brother."
Calem and Arroya, standing by Abal, show their displeasure. These self-important humans, in their hearts, believe that orcs are beneath them.
The two men sit at the table in the center of the raft. Despite having fought fiercely the day before, today they seem to be negotiating.
Antonio smiles, though his brow furrows slightly. "I must admit, Chief Abal, I always thought it impolite for one to enter another's house as a guest without being invited."
"Oh, please don't misunderstand, Prince Antonio!" Abal responds with a sincere expression. "I simply brought my people to see if you needed help. The situation in Gabella seems... unstable, especially concerning you."
"I think you're joking, Chief," Aldridge, standing behind Antonio, says. "Currently, there is only one legal heir to the throne in Gabella. No matter what some may think, in terms of action, there is only one choice for him."
"Alright! Alright! Let's get down to business, Prince Antonio. What practical matters should we discuss?"
"Neron Corridor!" Antonio looks at Abal and directly says, "As long as you withdraw your troops here, that vast valley will be yours."
Abal's heart races. "Hmph! Neron is in Aldor's hands!"
"I have a way to get your army in there! Of course, what happens next is up to you," Antonio says.
"You have a way? On what grounds?" Abal is skeptical.
"I know what you've been doing with the dwarves!" Antonio smiles.
(End of the Chapter)
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