Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World - Chapter 630

Chapter 630: Submission

TL: Rui88

“That is impossible!”

The dwarf Imar cried out in a choked voice.

“Is it another dwarf clan? No, absolutely not. Expecting those blockheads with brains of stone to allow you orcs to pass through their territory is impossible!”

Imar’s face was filled with disbelief.

“Oh, I can reveal a little something to you…it is not another dwarf clan. You can rest assured on that point. In their adherence to tradition… they are indeed more principled than you, are they not? Of course, one could also call it pedantic.”

It was unclear who the old orc Eugene was mocking with his words.

“Then you are lying! Besides the dwarven territories, the orcs have no other path to enter and exit the lands of the Ordans!”

Imar’s eyes had turned red.

“Ahahahaha!” Eugene burst out laughing. “If that is the case, then where do all those goods from Ordo on the plains come from? And how do those specialty products from the plains get into Ordo’s territory?”

“The human caravans, the orc caravans, how do they enter each other’s lands? Imar, you do not think they just fly over to each other, do you?”

Imar’s eyes widened, a look of shock on his face.

“You mean? Through Watcher’s Fortress? You… you are all mad!”

“That fortress is incredibly strong, and the Ordan army stationed there is of the highest quality! If you try to storm it, you will surely be beaten black and blue!”

Eugene stroked his beard and said with narrowed eyes, “Hmph, you need not worry yourself about that, Lord Imar.”

In truth, he was also wondering in his heart if the Gabellans’ guarantee was reliable.

“Well then… former prince of the Mason Clan, let us part ways here. The warriors of the King’s Tent will leave with me.”

After saying this, Eugene turned around, lifted the tent flap, and prepared to leave.

“Wait!”

A low but clear shout stopped Eugene from leaving.

With his back to Imar, Eugene revealed a smile, but he quickly composed himself.

He slowly turned his body to look at the dwarf he had abandoned.

“Is there something else, Lord Imar?”

Due to the lighting, Imar’s eye sockets were two dark pits, and his gaze was indiscernible.

And the dwarf did not immediately answer Eugene’s question.

The dwarf’s body was trembling, and veins stood out on his bare, muscular arms.

Eugene began to worry. Had he pushed him too far?

Although dwarves were short, they, like orcs, were a race renowned for their immense strength.

Without a doubt, Imar was a strong dwarf, even among dwarves. And while Eugene had once been strong too, his body had already begun its decline.

If this simple-minded fellow before him were to charge over recklessly…

A cold sweat broke out on Eugene’s forehead. Just as he was about to shout for his guards, the dwarf opposite him forced an ugly smile.

“Oh, my friend!”

His tone was as tactful as could be.

“Why can we not talk this over again, my friend?”

Imar tilted his head up, and Eugene could see his eyes clearly. They held a mixture of ingratiation, flattery, anxiety, and panic, but no hatred.

Eugene knew he had succeeded. The heavy weight in his heart was finally lifted.

He had not intended to abandon helping Imar; he just wanted to force the dwarf to make greater concessions to the orcs.

He knew that the dwarf Imar’s heart was not as strong as his outward appearance suggested. Belligerence masking an inner cowardice was the true nature of this fellow.

And now, the challenge for the chieftain’s position was about to begin. If Imar had to rely solely on himself, he would never be able to defeat the ten warriors sent by the current chieftain.

Therefore, he had to rely on the orcs’ power.

If Imar refused to compromise further, he would have to face the Mason Clan alone. With his courage, he would only be able to flee in disgrace rather than go through with the challenge as agreed a few days ago.

He was already a dishonorably exiled person. Now, if he failed to show up for the challenge, the name Imar would become completely synonymous with shame among the entire dwarven race. It was likely that parents would never use that name for their children again.

Yes, Eugene had taken a gamble. Although the odds were heavily in his favor, it was still a gamble, with a chance of failure.

And he had won.

“You see…” Imar said tactfully, “Tomorrow will be an important day for me. You can name any conditions you want! I am deeply convinced that the territory of the Mason Clan will bring great benefits to the King’s Tent on the plains.”

This fellow had immediately corrected his own position, whereas just moments ago, Imar had been so arrogant towards Eugene.

Eugene gloated inwardly. Although Imar was now a stray dog, he was, after all, the son of the former chieftain of the Mason Clan.

This feeling of holding the fate of a great figure firmly in his own hands really gave one a huge sense of accomplishment.

“Oh, Lord Imar. I just remembered, although we have a way through Watcher’s Fortress, having another route to pin down the Ordans from the rear is also very good.”

“Hahahaha, I knew it! I knew it!”

Imar laughed happily, his voice filled with relief.

“Of course, this is something that is nice to have but not essential.” Eugene’s face hardened slightly again.

“Ah, yes, yes. But it is just like wealth; who would complain about having too much?”

Imar became cautious again.

“You are right, Lord Imar.”

The old orc Eugene nodded. “Who would complain about having too much wealth? But, one must ensure it is one’s own wealth.”

He stressed the word “one’s own.”

“What are you trying to do?”

Imar jumped up and shouted, “Annex the Mason Clan? No! I will never agree to that!”

“Oh no, no, no!”

Eugene waved his hands. “The Mason Clan will still be yours, Lord Imar. But I believe you are familiar with terms like protectorate and vassal state, are you not?”

His expression became serious. “The Mason Clan will still retain a great deal of independence. We will not interfere in the clan’s internal affairs, but in terms of external affairs…not just with the human nations, but also in communications with other dwarf clans…you must maintain a consistent stance with the King’s Tent.”

“This… this… this is still too much!”

Eugene saw hesitation in Imar’s eyes.

“Is this not a good thing? On the other side of the plains, many of Ordo’s former protectorates have become protectorates of the King’s Tent. Their people still live and work in peace, and most of them do not even know what happened.”

“Imar, offer your complete loyalty to the King’s Tent! Think about it, the entire Mason Clan awaits your rule!”

The old orc’s words were like the temptation of a devil, echoing repeatedly in Imar’s heart.

“I agree!”

He consented.