Chapter 193: Chapter 192: The Orcs’ Arrangement
Colin stood on the shore and stretched.
Since the ship had sailed south, they had all shed their thick winter clothes for lighter attire.
"We’re finally back on shore," Orelia said cheerfully as she came down.
The Tiefling had been in high spirits ever since changing out of her heavy clothes.
After all, the little tail behind her had finally escaped its fate of being stuffed inside her pants. For the past two days, you could see it wagging back and forth like a puppy’s, as if celebrating its newfound freedom.
The listless Orcs followed, trickling off the ship after them.
However, being back on shore seemed to lift the big fellows’ spirits, at least a little.
Colin looked around.
The terrain around the port was very similar to the area around Flint Village, likely because the two locations were close to each other.
Additionally, there was a sizable carriage camp next to the port. The people there looked like a welcoming party.
"So they’ll be traveling by land now?" Colin asked, looking back at the captain on deck.
"Yes. The territory the Weston Clan gave the Orcs isn’t far from here, so they can go straight there. After all, letting a large group of Orcs parade through the streets of Thousand Masts City would be a terrible idea. If a hot-headed Paladin happened to be passing by, things could get unpleasant," the captain said.
Just as they were speaking, a group of people emerged from the carriage camp.
Leading them was the young nobleman they had met a few times, Albert Weston.
He approached in hunting attire, waving at Colin. Behind him followed a dozen or so fully armed Warriors.
Every one of them wore fine Half-plate Armor and watched the disembarking Orcs with extreme vigilance.
It felt as though if they hadn’t been briefed beforehand, these Warriors would have already charged in to fight to the death.
"Colin! When I heard the bad news from Edwin, I thought the whole plan was a wash," Albert said enthusiastically as he walked up to Colin.
However, he became more reserved upon seeing Ale and Orelia standing behind Colin. He nodded slightly at them and said, "Good day, you two Lady Goods."
Orelia shrank behind Colin. "H-hello..."
"Good day, Mr. Big," Ale said, lifting her skirt in a curtsy.
"Very authentic Thousand Masts City etiquette. Hmm... exceptionally authentic, I’d say."
Albert commented, then patted Colin’s shoulder familiarly. "I’ve marked out a few areas for you. The first is the borderland between the hills and the forest, east of Flint Village. The second is the edge of the Supreme Forest, north of Dragon’s Fang Castle. The third is within Silverpine Forest, between Silverpine Village and Dragon’s Fang Castle. To be clear, the Orcs can only settle in one of these three areas. Where would you like to go?"
’None of those sound like great places.’
’They’re nowhere near the main road or food-producing regions like the Golden Plain...’
Colin thought for a moment. Actually, the arrangement was quite reasonable.
This arrangement would at least prevent traveling Adventurers or merchant caravans from suddenly encountering Orcs on the main road, which could cause unnecessary trouble. And while the farmers of the Golden Plain were peaceful, they certainly wouldn’t be happy to have Orcs as neighbors.
’No matter how you looked at it, it was a huge improvement over staying in Snow Deer Valley.’
Colin said, "In that case, I think the third location is best."
He had heard that some Forest Elves lived deep within the Supreme Forest; if the Orcs ran into them, nothing good would come of it.
Silverpine Forest was smaller and didn’t have any major threats to the Orc Tribe, especially since Colin and his group had already cleared out all the nearby Blights.
Besides, the veterans at Dragon’s Fang Castle knew Kase was a good man and would be able to lend a hand when needed.
"So be it," Albert said with a brilliant smile.
"Also, we captured a group of Pirates at sea. That ship over there is their Pirate Ship."
Colin pointed to the cargo ship floating on the water. "The Orcs deserve the credit for capturing it. You can take it to offset the debt."
Albert looked somewhat surprised.
He said, "I thought that was just another merchant ship traveling with you..."
After a moment, he said to Colin, "The Weston Clan will remember this ship and your contribution. You will certainly receive a fitting reward in the future."
"And I will also remember the Weston Clan’s help. To be honest, the ring you gave me played a decisive role on this trip north."
Colin rubbed the [Weston’s Smoothness] on his finger with his thumb.
Although Ale knew [Water Manipulation] back then, the amount of water a Cantrip can control is not enough to create an ice boat for four people. What’s more, if he hadn’t learned the spell beforehand, he never would have thought to use it to escape the avalanche.
After all that had happened, Colin now understood the true worth of a noble’s promise.
It meant connections, opportunities, and Magic Equipment, not just a simple, empty platitude.
Perhaps this idle chat this afternoon would one day transform into priceless Magic Equipment or a life-saving opportunity.
"I look forward to more cooperation between us in the future."
After he finished speaking, Albert looked at the Orcs.
The smile on the young nobleman’s face grew wider and wider; it was clear he was incredibly excited.
He pulled Colin aside by the arm and said in a low voice, "Colin, you’ve been a tremendous help this time. With this group of Orcs, we can get more intelligence on the Orc Tribes. They can definitely go much farther than our Half-Orc Scouts!
This could fundamentally change the situation between us and the Orc Tribes to the northeast. Many Warriors and civilians will be spared because of this!"
"Uh... yes, it’s a good thing," Colin said.
Albert’s excitement wasn’t hard to understand.
Many races in this world are inherently evil—creatures like goblins and Hobgoblins. After all, these races each have their own patron Gods with distinct personalities, and these Gods greatly influence the character of their mortal followers.
That’s why most Orcs who truly believe in Gush would never serve humans.
Even if they could be bought off, who could trust creatures that worship an Evil Deity?
Just then, Kase, who had been directing the Orcs as they disembarked, came over.
"Where are we headed?"
"To the area between Dragon’s Fang Castle and Silverpine Forest. Let me explain the situation first so you can think about it..."
"Fine, we’ll go."
Colin was speechless. "I haven’t even given you the details. You could at least listen to what I have to say."
"We trust any decision you make. Your brain works better than ours."
"Don’t let that brain of yours get lazy on such a crucial matter... Forget it. I’ll go talk to the War Mistress later," Colin sighed.
Kase clapped Colin’s shoulder. "I’m a bit worried, so I’m going to have to follow them and check things out. You guys head back to Thousand Masts City first. I’ll return in about a week."
"That’s great, Mr. Kase! I’ve been dying to rest for a few days," Orelia chimed in from the side, massaging her shoulder.
Colin said, "Then let’s take a few days off. I’m truly exhausted from this trip anyway."
Kase smiled, then turned and called over the War Mistress before running off to the side.
Colin then explained all the points he could think of to the Old Orc.
Since she had managed to lead the Orc Tribe’s survival in a place like Snow Deer Valley, the Old Orc’s ability to understand was much greater than that of the other Orcs. Talking to her would definitely be useful.
By the time he had finished explaining everything, the Orcs were ready to depart.
Kase walked over, holding a rock he had gotten from somewhere and a wooden bowl filled with brown pigment.
