Chapter 273: Kim Yoora’s Fury
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 273: Kim Yoora’s Fury
Logically speaking, it was a fight that could never happen. Kim Yoora was exceptionally strong for her age, but she was still a rookie who had just begun to grow. In comparison, that Orc from the South, Sand Glave, was a warrior among warriors who had endured countless honorable battles.
If Sand Glave were to fight Kim Yoora with his full strength, it wouldn't even take a second for her head to fly. He was just that powerful.
If I were to compare him to myself, I personally believed I was stronger, but depending on the variables, there was always a chance of defeat in the worst-case scenario.
Sand Glave was an opponent I would have to be perfectly prepared to face, just as I was against the Sword Saint. And now, without Mistilteinn because of Ha Yuri, it could be a significant risk. For her to challenge the leader of a great southern tribe to a duel under the Great Tribe Leader’s banner was, quite literally, a newborn puppy trying to pick a fight with a tiger.
Whether she knew what was on my mind or not, Kim Yoora continued to burn with fury, glaring at Sand Glave. After a moment of initial bewilderment, Sand Glave looked back at her with a thoroughly amused expression.
His curiosity had been piqued.
He was undoubtedly intrigued by the sight of this girl, who, believing her chieftain had been insulted, spoke up so boldly, knowing full well she would lose or end up in a terrible state.
Just as I was about to pull Kim Yoora back and resolve the situation, Sand Glave spoke.
“A fight between you and me is no fight at all. It would be a disgrace for me to clash with a little human child under the Great Tribe Leader’s banner.”
It was quite unexpected and fortunate that he said that. If he had actually accepted, I might have had to intervene directly. I knew he wouldn't take her life in a duel under the Great Tribe Leader’s banner, but I believed he could inflict pain equivalent to it.
“However, little human, I quite like your thinking. I like it very much. We were originally a race that spoke with our bodies, not our words. I suppose you can show us whether Blood Dagger’s words are right, or if mine are. I will recommend a suitable opponent. My clan also has young Green Skins. They are still young, but they are excellent warriors. What do you say? If you can defeat one of them, I will retract everything I have said and apologize to Blood Dagger as well.”
It wasn’t a bad offer, but I had to intervene before the situation got any more complicated.
“It would be best for the chieftains’ affairs to be settled among the chieftains.”
“I am not speaking to you, Blood Dagger. You were the one who called the little human a Green Skin. If you truly think of her as a Green Skin, then it is right for you to respect her will.”
“She is still young.”
“But she is also a warrior who carries the tribe’s banner. That is, if what I saw on the first day was not a lie.”
It seemed he had seen Kim Yoora carrying the tribe’s banner during our journey. Just a moment ago, he was saying that humans were not Green Skins, but now he was arguing that if I considered her one, I should respect her wishes. The man certainly changed his tune quickly.
I had no choice but to glance at Storm Shadow.
As everyone’s gaze fell upon him, Storm Shadow slowly opened his mouth.
“Child. What is your name?”
“I am Kim Yoora, Honorable Great Tribe Leader Storm Shadow.”
After a nod, Storm Shadow spoke immediately.
“Sand Glave is correct. Blood Dagger accepted the honorable Green Skin Kim Yoora and entrusted her with the tribe’s banner. Though she may be young, as a Green Skin, she has the right to assert her own claims and make her own choices.”
It was sound logic. The Great Tribe Leader was clearly acknowledging Kim Yoora as a Green Skin. If so, it was right to support her decision. Kim Yoora looked at me, her expression filled with worry. She was concerned that her choice might have flustered me or caused trouble.
In truth, I was already flustered, and she was indeed causing trouble. A situation like this had never been part of my calculations.
However, as Storm Shadow said, she held the tribe’s banner. I let out a small sigh and spoke to her.
“You may do as you wish. But you must take responsibility for the consequences of your actions.”
Despite my words, her gaze remained unwavering and righteous. Kim Yoora nodded.
“Thank you.”
Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the Green Skin, Kim Yoora. She had a strange, captivating presence. Watching her, I realized her potential was far greater than I had ever imagined.
“I accept Sand Glave’s proposal.”
The hall instantly erupted in a clamor.
This was what they loved. A battle with honor on the line. They didn't care if the combatants were skilled or not, whether they were of age or not. A battle between tribe members, fighting for the honor of their clans—there was no way the Green Skins wouldn't find it entertaining.
I was certain they would find this far more interesting than yesterday’s meeting with Darga.
“A duel under the Great Tribe Leader’s banner! I, Green Goblin, support them!”
“I, Big Ogre, also support them!”
“White Silverfang as well.”
One by one, the various chieftains began to chime in. This was a slightly different situation from the one with Giant Scream Apachi. His case felt more like a foolish Orc acting out, whereas this was a duel for a chieftain’s honor. After all the chieftains had declared their support, Storm Shadow also spoke.
“Sand Glave, I expect you to prepare a young warrior to face the Green Skin Kim Yoora by tomorrow morning.”
“For Strength, Wisdom, and Honor.”
Even if Kim Yoora lost this duel, I knew Sand Glave wouldn't impose unreasonable conditions or use it as leverage to pressure us. What he wanted was to control the atmosphere and perception. His goal was for Kim Yoora to make a pathetic showing in a duel watched by countless chieftains and their tribe members.
She’s just a human, after all. Or, She’s not qualified. He might try to create that kind of perception to pressure us. Victory or defeat wouldn't decide or change everything, but it was undoubtedly a meaningful fight.
“That is all for today’s meeting. It seems best to continue our discussion tomorrow, after the two tribes have clashed for their honor under the Great Tribe Leader’s banner.”
“For Strength, Wisdom, and Honor…”
“For Strength, Wisdom, and Honor…”
And with that, the meeting concluded. Many things had been discussed, but no conclusions had been reached. Nevertheless, the other chieftains looked quite excited, especially the Green Skins from the North and West, who were distinct from those of the East and South.
In a way, for the chieftains of the East and South, this was a battle where their pride was subtly on the line.
It wasn't the chieftains themselves who were fighting. The duel taking place tomorrow under the Great Tribe Leader’s banner was not a contest to determine which tribe, South or East, was stronger. If such a duel were to truly happen, the atmosphere would surely become overheated.
That was something Storm Shadow would not want.
It could be seen as entertainment, a mere game, but it had meaning.
‘Which region’s Green Skins are growing in a more righteous direction?’
That was undoubtedly their main interest.
The fact that young Green Skins were clashing was what mattered. Each tribe had a different way of raising its young. The East had implemented a system with a children’s battlefield and a training camp to foster more well-rounded growth. The South probably had its own methods as well.
This was not a fight to determine a region’s strength, but a fight to determine its vision. From the perspective of the West and North, it was certainly worth their attention.
Perhaps because of this, the Eastern chieftains offered a word to Kim Yoora as they left the tent.
“It was good to see you stand up for Blood Dagger.”
“You are already a fine Green Skin.”
Kim Yoora’s eyes widened as the numerous Eastern chieftains suddenly offered their gruff words of encouragement.
“Thank you.”
She reverted to her usual polite self, placing a hand over her heart to thank each of them. I thought it would be good for me to offer words of praise or encouragement like they did, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Kim Yoora kept glancing at me until we entered the tent assigned to us, and I didn't say a single word to her.
Finally, as we neared our tribe’s camp, Kim Yoora slowly approached me.
“I… I’m sorry, Chieftain.”
It was painful to see her constantly trying to read my expression. I wanted to say something, but since the situation hadn't twisted in a completely negative direction, I composed myself and slowly opened my mouth.
“I trust you know what you did wrong. I am very pleased that you were thinking of me, but it was reckless. You should be grateful to Sand Glave for not accepting the duel himself.”
Kim Yoora slowly nodded at my words.
“I’m starting to regret giving you the clan’s banner.”
Naturally, Kim Yoora bowed her head even lower.
“But what’s done is done. You are now a Green Skin who carries the clan’s banner. Never forget how heavy that banner is.”
It was the truth. The clan’s banner is heavy. Having witnessed the deaths of her fellow tribe members, Kim Yoora herself would know this better than anyone.
“Yes. I will keep that in mind.”
She was a wise and intelligent child. I once again stroked her head.
“Go inside and rest now. You must prepare for tomorrow.”
“Yes.”
I slowly looked into Kim Yoora’s eyes. They were filled with trust for me. But the emotion that lay deep within them was unmistakably fury. I had never imagined she would be so enraged by Sand Glave’s remarks. She cared for me more than I had thought. A sense of pride welled up inside me.
Kim Yoora placed her hand on her chest, bowed, and then slowly began to walk back to her tent. As I sighed and sat down, a voice came from somewhere.
“You’re a good father.”
It was Goff, smiling as if he found the whole thing amusing.
“You think so?”
I certainly thought of Kim Yoora as a daughter. We weren't related by blood, and I hadn't raised her myself, but I felt an affection for her that was nearly as strong as what I felt for Laveua.
“What about tomorrow? If she loses, you could lose a lot of face, Blood Dagger.”
Goff’s voice seemed to be probing me slightly. Hearing it, I laughed.
“I can’t quite imagine Kim Yoora losing to Green Skins her own age.”
It was true that, on the surface, Kim Yoora didn't look threatening. Her magic power was quite high, but she was no match for a Green Skin with a massive body and bulging muscles. However, that by no means meant she was an inferior warrior.
I had a feeling something quite interesting might happen tomorrow.
I smiled, and Goff, who knew Kim Yoora well, smiled too.