Translator: Cinder Translations
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Chief Abal, Calem, and Arroya all furrowed their brows.
How did the humans know about this?
Abal quickly relaxed his frown, not wanting to show any sign of being intimidated by the human before him.
"Interesting, Prince Antonio, how did you come to know about our dealings with the dwarves?"
"Haha," Antonio laughed lightly, "Our work in the Neron region is far more extensive than you think, and that includes the nearby mountains."
Of course, he wouldn't reveal the truth—that the dwarf prince, seeking to reclaim his inheritance, wasn't merely allied with the orcs; the orcs were just one of his bargaining chips in dealings with other powers.
"Since you already know about this, you must also realize that once our cooperation with the dwarves is settled, we will be able to access the Neron corridor via the mountain valleys in the Rocky Mountains. So why would we need your help?"
Abal didn't want to admit he needed the humans' assistance.
"Respected Chief Abal," Antonio smiled as he spoke, "Perhaps you are accustomed to riding your fine steed across the vast plains, but surely you don't think crossing a great mountain range is as easy as running across the plains?"
"Yes, if the dwarves are willing to cooperate with you, you could indeed send your troops through their territory. I know you've had some experience with this—when the human settlements of Aldor started edging toward the dwarves' lands, the dwarves sent small orc squads to raid human villages, forcing them to abandon their newly established settlements. Now, perhaps you could reach a deeper cooperation with one of the dwarf clans and have them allow you to send larger troops. But even then, I'm sure that the number of troops you can send would be far from enough for a war."
"The Neron corridor is filled with fortresses Aldor has built over hundreds of years. After sending your troops there, they will have to take each fortress one by one. The supplies will have to pass through the dwarven valleys, which are winding and uneven. It's not exactly steep mountains, but it's not as easy to navigate as you might imagine."
Abal squinted, considering what the human youth had said. It definitely required careful thought.
"At this point, if you had two attack routes to choose from…"
Antonio raised two fingers, pointing them at each other.
"Things would be much better."
"Another route, are you referring to the eastern exit of the Neron corridor?" Abal laughed heartily.
"Exactly, the eastern exit—the Watcher's Fortress."
Antonio nodded, "I wonder if you would agree to this deal?"
Abal just looked at him, his eyes glimmering with a cold light, but he didn't answer.
Antonio didn't press further. In negotiations, if you say too much, the other party might think you are desperate.
"How about this—we both return and take some time to consider."
Abal was the first to speak, offering his suggestion.
"Oh, of course, you can take your time to consider my proposal," Antonio agreed.
---
"Father, we absolutely cannot agree to the Gabella people's proposal."
When Abal returned to his tent and recounted the meeting, his son Ajil impatiently stepped forward to oppose it.
"That Antonio hasn't fully established his position yet, and there are many doubts among the lords about his legitimacy to inherit the empire. As long as we exploit this weakness, we can tear a big piece of fat from Gabella. If we let him return and consolidate the empire's forces, it will be a huge problem for us."
"But you also saw that Antonio's army is no joke. Of course, our warriors are undoubtedly the bravest, but if our gains don't justify the sacrifices, then we must reconsider."
Abal looked at Calem, "My young eagle, what do you think?"
Calem shrugged, "According to the information I've gathered, the northwest hinterland of Aldor is a land full of gold. And the Neron corridor is the only route for the traders of the grasslands to the northwest hinterland. So, I desperately want to control this vital passage."
Calem's mention of "a land full of gold" made everyone in the tent light up.
"Great Chief!" Calem suggested, "If that human youth can truly help us seize the Neron corridor, perhaps we should let him go this time. If he is deceiving us, he won't be able to stabilize the entire Gabella Empire overnight, and our cavalry can immediately be at his borders again."
"Actually, I think…" After hearing Calem, Abal said, "If we can transport enough troops and supplies through the dwarves' land, we should just march south into the Neron corridor ourselves. That way, the next time we attack Gabella, we won't need to worry about what agreements we make this time."
Calem reminded him, "Great Chief, our warriors are precious. If we can minimize sacrifices in battle, it's best."
Abal thought it over and finally decided, "This time we'll withdraw our troops to gain Antonio's support for our entry into Aldor. If he dares to deceive us, hmm…"
A deadly light flashed in Abal's eyes.
He thought to himself, Antonio, you better stabilize your country quickly. If I take Neron and Gabella is still unstable, we'll meet again with our armies.
---
The dwarf Imar, carrying a shield on his back and an axe at his waist, arrived at the entrance of the Blackstone Pass.
Behind him were ten followers, all of whom had left their tribe with him when he was exiled.
Imar looked at the familiar terrain around him, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
He turned to his followers, "It's still the same here. It seems like even every little blade of grass is just as it was when I left."
One of his followers bowed to him, "Lord Imar, because you are the rightful ruler here, everything here has been waiting for your return!"
"Yes! You are right!"
Imar's follower's words ignited a fire in his heart.
"I am the rightful ruler here! The vile usurper used despicable means to deceive my father—the old fool—and drove the legitimate heir out!"
"My heavens, has anyone ever heard of something more absurd than this?"
Suddenly, he shouted towards the pass, his voice like the ringing of a great bell, "I know you're quietly watching! Come out, and welcome your true chieftain!"
Before his words could fade, a dwarf's figure appeared on the pass.
(End of the Chapter)
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