Chapter 68: New Tribe Members
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 68: New Tribe Members
Even before we entered the third group’s territory, I could see the anticipation on my followers’ faces. The three goblin siblings, in particular, were surrounding Mev, offering her what could barely be called words of comfort. I leaned in and overheard them. “We will never forgive her. Kireuk.” “That was an arrogant Troll. Stay strong, Mev.” “Mev is a healthy fairy!”
The other tribe members didn't seem to care much that I wasn’t having children, but for the women, the chieftain’s lack of an heir was apparently a sensitive issue. From what I could gather, it reflected poorly on us, especially to outsiders.
That was likely the very reason the female Troll from before had treated Mev and Jung Hayeon with such a condescending attitude.
Of course, I had an idea of what Mev wanted, but to be honest, it felt like I’d be committing a crime, so I hadn't even considered trying. Having a child right now was unrealistic; getting stronger was the priority.
Pushing aside such useless thoughts, I moved on. The next place we were visiting was a group with the most balanced gender ratio. I had high hopes before we set out to inspect these groups, but now I was worried we wouldn't find much of value. I had a feeling the entire Blood Dagger Clan felt the same.
The third group was clearly a bit larger than the first two. With an even mix of males and females, it seemed their development was gaining momentum. They had what the Blood Dagger Clan needed.
They were aware of our approach and seemed slightly on guard. Soon, a single Orc emerged from the settlement and walked slowly toward us.
“Blood Dagger, whose name echoes so loudly through this forest these days. What brings you here?”
This nameless Orc was a completely different type from the first two. He was more like the Orcs of old, before they had lost their honor. He wasn't cowardly, nor was he particularly clever, but he was dignified.
“I’m merely looking around. I was curious about what kind of Green Skins live in this area.”
“Is that truly all you have to say?”
His voice was accusatory. In that moment, I realized I had come to the wrong place. These Green Skins had no intention of joining us. They were the type who wanted to continue living on their own, in their own territory.
Still, just in case, I cautiously brought up the subject. His response was immediate.
“Are you willing to join our clan?”
“I thank you for the offer, but I must refuse. We wish to live by ourselves.”
“This is a chance to reclaim your honor.”
“Why would I not know that? But that is honor you restored, Blood Dagger. Just as you await the day you will fight again the one who took your name, we too will reclaim our honor in our own way. We need no outside help for that. Blood Dagger, the very thought is an insult.”
This bastard. I want him.
Frankly, our clan had plenty of warriors. There were Gark and Hark, and if I broadened the definition to include our alliance, there were Goff and Black Spear as well. What we needed at this point were shamans, or intelligent Green Skins like that female Troll.
In other words, we needed a strategist, an intelligent commander. This expedition was meant to recruit such individuals. And yet, I wanted this Orc.
I didn't know how long it had been since he was summoned, but his eyes were burning with ambition. I couldn't say he was stronger than Gark and Hark, but he was growing.
“I do not understand why a Green Skin like you would have fled the Warrior’s Exam.”
It was a genuine sentiment. This type of warrior would never back down. I was sure of it.
“It was not I who fled, Blood Dagger. It was my father.”
“I see.”
It seemed there was a complicated story here. I had thought he looked a bit young for an Orc, and it appeared he wasn't a summoned one but had been born here.
“Is your father the leader of this group?”
“My father is dead. I killed him with my own hands. He knew no honor. He coveted the female Green Skins, lived his life lost in drink, and drove countless tribe members to their deaths. He was becoming more and more corrupt. I believed I had to kill him to protect the last shred of honor he had left. So now, I am the leader of this group.”
He spoke with pride of ending his dishonorable father with his own hands. By human standards, it was patricide, of course. But when I glanced back at Gark and Hark, they were nodding their heads in approval.
“He protected his father’s last remaining honor.”
“A difficult decision. It is moving.”
The three goblin sisters were even shedding hot tears.
I had no idea what was so moving about it, but I nodded anyway.
“That is honorable. I understand your will. And that you wish to restore your honor. And that you intend to walk a different path from ours.”
“I am grateful for your offer, Blood Dagger, but circumstances do not allow it.”
There’s a story about how Liu Bei of the Three Kingdoms visited Zhuge Liang three times to recruit him, and I considered making another offer. But one look at the Orc’s eyes and I gave up. Even if the sky fell, this one had no intention of joining us. I felt that even if he were to join the clan or move with me in the future, it would only be possible after he had raised the flag in his own heart.
I had no way of knowing how they would reclaim their honor or how they would raise their flag, but I felt an urge to cheer them on.
I spoke to him again.
“If it is not a bother, may I enter your settlement?”
“Of course. If Blood Dagger visits this place, the other Green Skins will surely gain strength.”
At his words, I mounted Ibar and slowly began to move into his settlement. I saw goblins and Orcs, their weapons raised against each other, training without rest. Tents where the Green Skins slept were also in view.
It was a perfect settlement. It was a common sight in our own settlement or Black Spear’s. It could be considered a complete clan, not just a group. Of course, it seemed they had been away from battle for a long time, as I didn't see any exceptionally strong individuals, but their actions alone showed their potential for growth.
“Excellent.”
“Thank you.”
Unlike at the first two places, my own tribe members were placing their hands on their chests in respect toward the warriors clashing swords. It seemed they were quite taken with this place, which made it all the more regrettable.
Around then, I felt a sudden urge to give these guys a gift. I called for Gark, and soon he took a few Orc warriors and headed back to Black Spear’s clan.
“This way.”
The Orc guided me to his tent. The inside wasn't bad either. I had no choice but to revise my assessment of this group upward yet again. Their potential for growth seemed wide open. In fact, they seemed to have an even greater chance of growth than we did.
Soon, just like with the second group, drinks and simple food began to appear. To be honest, I was full, but I felt it would be rude to ignore their sincerity, so I forced myself to drink and eat as we continued our conversation.
It was then that I noticed the Orc wasn't drinking.
“You’re not having any?”
Just as I was wondering if it might be poisoned, he spoke, looking extremely embarrassed.
“I cannot drink yet, Blood Dagger.”
“Are you planning not to touch it until you reclaim your honor?”
“Th-that’s not it. I am not yet an adult. That is why I cannot drink.”
I barely managed to hold back a laugh. It was baffling to hear that this face belonged to someone who wasn't an adult. As I mentioned before, Green Skins are treated as true warriors after seven years. In other words, it hadn't even been seven years since this Orc was born. He had looked young, but who could have imagined he wasn't even an adult yet? Amusingly, he watched my reaction and pretended to look away.
He looked a little admirable.
“How much time has passed since you came into this world?”
“Krrreuk… A mere five years.”
So that ferocious face was only five years old. Even though the standards were different from humans, it was quite amusing. Seeing this side of him, so different from my first impression, I smiled faintly. As we talked for a long time, various topics naturally came up, and eventually, we ended up talking about how he planned to reclaim his honor.
“So. How will you reclaim your honor?”
“I do not know. If I could just retake the Great Chieftain’s exam, I would want to. It will be difficult, but there must be a way. I, too, wish to plant my own flag, just like you, Blood Dagger.”
“You probably can. Seeing this settlement makes me feel that way.”
“Thank you.”
As we were talking, I heard a presence outside. It was undoubtedly Gark, who had gone on my errand. As expected, it was quite noisy outside. The nameless young Orc’s eyes naturally filled with curiosity. I looked at him and slowly opened my mouth.
“Let’s go outside.”
“…………?”
When I led him outside, just as I’d said, the ‘weapons’ Gark had brought were scattered all over the place.
“Th-this is…”
The Orc was looking at me with a sour expression. It seemed he wasn't pleased that I had given him weapons despite him saying he wouldn't accept any outside help.
“I appreciate the sentiment, but I will not accept. Blood Dagger. Grrrrr.”
I realized just how stubborn he was. He was snorting with displeasure, and it was almost enough to make me laugh. But for these guys to do anything, an increase in their strength was essential. If he accepted this gift, he would be indebted to the Blood Dagger Clan, so from my perspective, I had to make him take these weapons no matter what.
I looked at him and began to speak slowly.
“This is not a gift, young Orc who seeks honor.”
“…………?”
“I am making an investment.”
“What is an investment, Blood Dagger?”
“It’s simple. I lend you one weapon now, and you will return two weapons to me later. For the help I give you now, you will help me when I need it.”
The Orc had a puzzled expression. There was no way he wasn't tempted. I slowly looked over the weapons held by the surrounding Orcs and goblins. A dagger with a completely dull edge. A sword so rusted it could hardly be called a bladed weapon. An axe with all its teeth missing. If he wanted his tribe to grow steadily, accepting my gift was practically a necessity.
“Grrrrr.”
“Look at what your tribe has, young Orc. A chieftain must know when to bend his pride for his tribe. Just as you believe you can reclaim your lost honor, you can also pick up your fallen pride.”
As if he understood my meaning, the Orc slowly began to nod.
“I will surely repay you. What is received will be returned. That is the way of this Broken Bow.”