Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World-Chapter 712: The Warning

TL: Rui88

Even in the socially backward Three Northern Lands, a primitive form of commerce existed, and Broghar was an orc merchant who travelled between the various tribes all year round.

He was a male orc approaching forty. Unlike his dishevelled kin, the thick fur on his head was styled into a refined shape. Paired with the neat Ordo-style clothing he wore, it gave him a somewhat scholarly air.

After the people of Ordo ventured deep into the forest to trade, the quick-witted Broghar immediately smelled a great opportunity to multiply his wealth. Through continuous effort, he became one of the agents for Ordo’s goods, monopolizing the trade between several tribes and the people of Ordo.

“My dear Mr. Broghar, thank you for the valuable information you’ve provided us,” Stanford said to the orc with no small amount of gratitude. “Believe me, your friendship towards us will be rewarded in equal measure.”

Broghar’s nose twitched, and a shadow crossed his face.

Stanford asked strangely, “What is it, my friend? Is something on your mind?”

The orc opposite him answered with some hesitation, “Mr. Stanford, I believe in your friendship towards me, but right now I don’t quite believe that you, or rather, that you all have the ability to defend our friendship.”

“Oh?” Stanford raised his eyebrows. “What do you mean by that?”

The orc lowered his head slightly, rubbing his hands together. “I’ve heard about what happened south of the great mountains. The King’s Tent from the plains has penetrated deep into your lands and conquered the north of Ordo… If you are no longer strong, then I, and others like me, will face a very difficult choice.”

Stanford scoffed inwardly. He knew what Broghar’s so-called choice was—whether to continue peaceful trade or to cooperate with their ill-intentioned kin to seize the humans’ wealth.

Of course, although he faced a choice, it would by no means be “difficult.” After all, the law of the jungle was deeply rooted in the hearts of these fellows.

“Yes, but to be more specific, it is the north of Ordo except for the Northwest Bay,” Stanford added calmly.

Broghar looked up in surprise, seemingly astonished that Stanford would admit it so openly.

“I imagine you have some understanding of our Ordo,” Stanford said as he stood up, walked over to pour two glasses of wine, and handed one to Broghar.

“Just as you are divided into tribes, Ordo is also divided into feudal territories.” He returned to his seat and took a small sip of wine. “The differences between the various feudal territories are vast. Some are very powerful, some are very weak. The disparity between them is even greater than that between your largest and smallest tribes.”

“The failure of some territories does not mean that others will also fail, especially our western bay, and especially our Alda. And as far as I know…” A smile appeared on Stanford’s face. “The reason the King’s Tent’s army did not conquer the entire north of Ordo was precisely because they encountered powerful resistance when approaching the Northwest Bay.”

“Alda defeated their westward-advancing army, annihilating more than three thousand of them, while our own losses were merely around three hundred. A ten-to-one casualty ratio. You should be able to distinguish who is stronger and who is weaker in this.”

“Er… it’s not that I don’t believe you,” Broghar said with difficulty. “But in any case, the war seems to have ended with Ordo acknowledging the King’s Tent’s occupation of its land. If your army achieved such a glorious victory, why didn’t you press your advantage and drive those plainsmen back?”

“Yes!” Stanford frowned, a trace of annoyance finally showing on his face. “It’s like having a strong body paired with a muddled head. Above the various territories of Ordo, there is a so-called kingdom government—somewhat like how the various tribes of the plains are restrained by the King’s Tent. The lords of the feudal territories have absolute rule over their own lands, but for matters beyond their own territory, they must follow the intentions of the kingdom government…” Stanford paused. “At least, they cannot ignore the intentions of the kingdom government.”

“Because of this muddled head of a kingdom government, the army of the Northwest Bay did not receive legitimate cause to press its advantage and could only halt at the border.”

Stanford’s tone rose. “But please believe that the army of the Northwest Bay absolutely has the ability to defend its own land. Even the kingdom government has no right to make us give up the ability to defend our own land.”

There was a moment of silence between the two. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Finally, the orc nodded heavily. “My dear Stanford, I choose to believe you. May our friendship last for all time. I have… another small piece of intelligence here. Perhaps you’d be interested in hearing it?”

“Oh? Is it about Gunther?”

“Yes.”

Stanford pricked up his ears. “My dear Mr. Broghar, please don’t keep me in suspense. I’m interested in everything about him.”

The conflict between Gunther of the Blood Bull Tribe and the human official Stanford was no secret in this forest. Everyone knew that Gunther had nearly died at Stanford’s hands and was lucky to have survived after being carried back.

Broghar smiled faintly. “Gunther and his accomplices are secretly preparing to attack one of your strongholds.”

Stanford sat up straight, all his earlier ease gone. “Do you know which stronghold is their target?”

“Westwind Fortress,” Broghar said in a low voice. “They are plotting to attack Westwind Fortress.”

Stanford’s eyes darted about as if in thought. After just a moment, he said, “I understand. This information is extremely valuable. Thank you again. Your generous act will save us from very great losses.”

“You’re welcome. We’re friends, are we not? To be more practical, your presence here has brought me immense wealth. I certainly don’t wish for you to meet with disaster,” Broghar said with a grin.

After chatting for a while longer about trade matters, Stanford personally saw the orc out.

As soon as he returned to his office, he summoned the key officials within Black Worm’s Nest and informed them of the news that Westwind Fortress was about to be attacked.

It did not cause much panic; after all, similar incidents had occurred several times before.

It was just that this time, it involved the largest Blood Bull Tribe, which was a bit tricky.

“We must strengthen the defences there,” Stanford stressed at the meeting. “Transfer personnel from other locations. The Blood Bull Tribe is trouble enough, and Gunther has gathered a large number of allies.”

“We must make a great show of the strength of our defences. It would be best to frighten them out of the idea of launching a small attack.”

His orders were quickly carried out.

Broghar’s intelligence was true. Two weeks later, the forest orcs’ attack began.

But Broghar’s intelligence was also inaccurate. The target of the orc attack was not Westwind Fortress, but Black Worm’s Nest.