Chapter 187: Chapter 186: News of a Promotion
"I’m here. I have something to discuss with you, as well." The War Mistress hobbled forward on her cane, while Kase stood respectfully behind her. Colin had never seen the Half-Orc stand so formally; usually, the guy had terrible posture, never standing or sitting still.
Edwin hesitated for a moment, seemingly surprised that this War Mistress could speak the Common Language so well.
"Alright. I assume this is about a place for your people to live?"
"I’m listening."
"We will allocate a piece of land to you. To be specific, the Weston Clan will portion out a plot from the lands under their jurisdiction. You will be free to live on that land—to hunt, to farm, or to do anything else you wish."
"Those are very good terms," the War Mistress said with a nod. "But what’s the price?"
"First, regarding your faith. You must renounce your belief in the Orc Pantheon and are forbidden from participating in any Cult activities. You cannot attack other towns or engage in raiding—you must act like any normal human villager.
Second, the Weston Clan has done a great deal for you. If you are willing, you can organize some of your Warriors to join the Weston Clan’s army as Mercenaries.
Of course, you will receive appropriate payment. However, for the first few years, a portion of your wages will be used to repay the Weston Clan for the expenses of this operation. Additionally, we hope you can provide us with intelligence on the monsters of the Northern Lands to help us deal with the winter disaster."
Edwin laid out a long list of conditions.
Simply put, the Half-Orcs were to help Thousand Masts City handle the winter disaster to pay off their debt.
’This is actually a good thing for the Half-Orcs,’ Colin thought. ’For a race accustomed to a life of hunting, they wouldn’t know how to farm the land even if you gave it to them. It’s better for them to work as Mercenaries.’
Colin snuck a glance at the War Mistress.
The Old Orc’s face showed no signs of confusion; she had clearly understood everything.
In contrast, Kase, standing behind her, looked like he hadn’t understood a thing but was putting on a stoic face and pretending he had.
She asked, "Is that all that’s required?"
"Yes, that is all."
Colin chimed in, "That’s right. Just that."
"We can accept that," the War Mistress said decisively.
’This Orc Tribe must have had to agree to a lot of unfavorable terms on their journey here,’ Colin thought. ’And they don’t have the right to choose anymore.’
’Even though Edwin listed a lot of terms, with a Paladin overseeing things, I don’t think I need to worry about any bait-and-switch contracts or other dirty tricks. Of course, Albert Weston probably isn’t the type to pull something like that either.’
’So, this whole affair is finally coming to a close,’ Colin thought.
"Then it is settled, honored lady."
Edwin smiled and nodded, then turned his gaze to Colin. "There is one more thing to inform you of, Mr. Colin."
"What about?"
"You’ll be promoted when you return to Thousand Masts City. Tier Two, ’Black Robe.’ Congratulations to your squad on being one of the first New Blood squads to advance in rank. Please continue to do your best in the days to come.
Also, the time for the promotion ceremony will be announced later. After all, there are other squads awaiting promotion who haven’t returned yet."
As soon as he finished speaking, the two Wandering Poets and the Black Giant Root Squad burst into applause. Colin simply smiled and nodded at them.
He then turned back to Edwin and said, "But please don’t give us any missions that are too difficult. We’re not that strong yet."
"Of course. I wouldn’t want one of my promising ’seed’ squads to meet an untimely end," Edwin said. "I have high expectations for the three of you."
"Thank you." "I thank you too." "M-Me too."
The three members of the squad said in turn.
Edwin nodded to them, then deactivated the Crystal Ball.
"I told you you’d be promoted soon! Once you get back, you’ll be Tier Two ’Black Robes’!" the talkative poet chattered.
The Gnome crossed his arms and nodded. "You’ll be on the same level as us, then."
"You’re ’Black Robes’ too?" Kase sniffed. "Somehow, I don’t feel as happy about it anymore."
"Hmph. You hold a grudge, big guy."
"It’s just a joke," Kase said with a shrug.
Colin smiled as he watched the Half-Orc.
He was like a completely different person from the guy a few days ago who looked ready to spontaneously combust. After all, bringing his tribe to the south was enough to make him happy, not to mention he had regained his lost Power with the help of his ancestors.
’And because of that, our squad’s strength has jumped up a notch.’
’But is getting promoted to Tier Two really a good thing for us?’ Colin began to wonder.
’The missions will get harder, but the stipends and benefits are bound to get better. Besides, I can’t just cower at the New Blood rank forever. I have to take this step eventually.’
With that thought, Colin stopped worrying about it.
He looked at the War Mistress and said, "If food is short, we should rest for a bit and then set out."
"Yes, we should be quick."
The War Mistress nodded, then turned back to look at Kase. "You are our strongest Warrior, and you are absolutely worthy of that title. You’ve brought us to a new place—and perhaps a very good one at that."
Hearing this, Kase nodded silently.
After chatting for a bit and resting their feet, they began to organize the Orcs for departure.
Kase once again drove the sled, taking the others with him all the way to the sled shop.
He stopped the sled at the entrance and shouted, "Old Kirk! We’re here to return your stuff!"
"Ah, finished up with your business, have you?" The sled shop owner came out, skillfully unfastening the harnesses on the sled dogs. "They performed well, didn’t they?"
"We absolutely could not have completed this mission without them. They’re very smart," Colin said honestly.
"’Them’?" The owner paused for a second, then said with a smile, "Sounds like you went through a lot on this trip."
"In fact, we went through a little too much."
After Colin spoke, the group jumped off the sled one after another.
After feeding the last of the dog food to Pepe and the others, they started down the main road. The sled dogs, as if they knew what was happening, kept nuzzling their heads against Colin and his companions.
"I’ll remember Pepe forever," Orelia said, reluctant to leave.
"Speaking of which, your guide work is done too. So, I guess I’ll see you around," Ale said.
"Ale, you’re leaving too?" The Tiefling turned to look at her. "That’s a shame. We got along pretty well these past few days."
"We could give you a ride, how about it?" Kase asked.
Colin said, "Um, there’s something I have to tell you. You’re wanted by both Mokewick and Holy Tear City. If you travel by boat, you probably won’t have to worry about getting caught."
"Wanted? Me? Why?" Ale pointed to her own small, expressionless face.
Colin could now tell this was her way of showing surprise. He said, "Because you knocked those people out. And you also stole things and committed arson at the docks, among other things."
Ale tilted her head.
"Huh?"
