Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World-Chapter 443:

TL: Etude Translations

Assoye asked, “Conquest? Whom are you planning to conquer?”

Eugene smiled and said, “Who occupies the rich plains? Who has the lush water grass?”

Assoye said gravely, “Are you planning to instigate a war between orcs and humans?”

“Instigate war? No, my old friend!”

Eugene shook his head and explained, “War doesn’t need to be instigated because it has always existed between the two sides!”

He spoke passionately, “Just a hundred years ago, armies of the Kingdom of Ordo would emerge yearly from the Nerodan Valley, driving away nearby orc tribes! Do you, living deep in the forest, think this was a peaceful act? Damn it, they themselves were not accustomed to living in the plains, yet they prevented us from thriving there, maliciously setting fires, turning the lush grass into ashes, creating what they called a ‘buffer zone’.”

“The establishment of the King’s Tent changed all that. The orcs united once again under one banner, bravely repelling countless human military assaults.”

“Although we can’t say we’ve completely overpowered the humans, we can proudly claim more victories than defeats. We no longer flee in panic at the sight of human armies like we did a hundred years ago.”

Assoye remained silent, aware of the heavy history of the orcs. His tribe was one that had moved deep into the forest to avoid conflict.

“This is all thanks to Chief Abal and his ancestors. All children of the plains are indebted to the Zalg family. That’s why we willingly elected him as our leader.”

Eugene, waving his arms excitedly as if even the flames in the fire pit were responding to him, continued, “Now, it’s time to gather all our strength and fight for more land for the survival of orcs.”

He patted Assoye’s shoulder firmly.

“My old friend, I know you have significant influence in this forest, even the humans here speak highly of you. Why let your prestige fade away with age? Are you content to spend your life here in silence, turning into dust?” freēnovelkiss.com

“Come, use your influence to gather the warriors of this forest to follow the King’s Tent. We welcome anyone willing to pledge loyalty to the Chief, even those from human tribes.”

Assoye trembled slightly, clearly moved by Eugene’s words.

Eugene kept persuading, “Ordo is weakened by the rebellion of its vassals, Gabella is distracted by disputes over succession, and the spiritual leader of the human world, the Church, is troubled by religious conflicts in Horn Bay. They are at their weakest in centuries. Isn’t this an opportunity granted by the heavens?”

“Assoye, let’s join hands to build a great legacy. Imagine, your name will be sung across the great plains, and future generations will take pride in you.”

Assoye’s shoulders shook, his breathing becoming rapid.

He stared unblinkingly at the flames, seeking calm.

Finally, his breathing slowed, and his gaze regained its firmness.

“No!” he refused bluntly.

“I choose to follow my ancestors’ teachings, to live quietly in the forest, avoiding involvement in the conflicts at the edge of the plains.”

Eugene, deeply disappointed, said, “Assoye, you are no longer the vigorous warrior you once were. Time has eroded your courage, comfort has destroyed your will. Now, you are just an old orc, lingering on, waiting for disease to consume you.”

“Assoye, you’re still a selfish man. By your own cowardice, you’re binding others. Don’t you ever think about whether the warriors of your tribe want to remain as ordinary as you? Or your son, do you think he wants to be as ordinary as you? Oh, Gunther, he’s such a fine young man. I saw it in his eyes during the feast; he has the courage and ambition of our orc kind, but now he’s being held back by a cowardly father.”

Assoye shook his head, saying, “Ha! Eugene, if I were ten years younger, your provocative words might have worked. But they’re useless to me now.”

“Maybe you’re right; perhaps I’m just an old man with eroded ambitions. But I still advise you to be cautious about war.”

Seeing his friend unmoved, Eugene could only shake his head and sigh.

Assoye asked, “May I inquire, who is Chief Abal planning to strike first?”

Eugene’s eyes widened, “What about Ordo? As I said earlier, the rebellion of its vassals has left the country weak. The suppression of the rebellion was incomplete, and now their royal credibility has plummeted, with local lords getting restless.” ŗΑNổβÊṥ

Assoye waved his hand dismissively, “Fanciful dreams. We… I mean, the only way from the plains into Ordo is through the Nerodan Valley, filled with fortresses and castles. Even spending ten years nibbling at it wouldn’t make a dent. As long as humans control this valley, no matter how chaotic they are internally, outsiders can’t take advantage of the situation.”

“Ha!” Eugene’s face showed a smug expression. “Your fixed perception has stiffened your thinking! There’s more than one way into Ordo.”

Assoye frowned, “How is that possible? Where else could there be… wait, you mean…”

Eugene crossed his arms, affirming, “Yes, exactly what you’re thinking!”

“That’s even more impossible!” Assoye’s face showed an incredulous look.

“Ha, my visit here isn’t just for business; it’s also for that so-called impossibility.”

His cheerful expression quickly faded, and he sighed deeply.

“Assoye, since you’re so stubborn, I won’t persuade you further. But I hope you won’t hinder my efforts to recruit other tribes from this forest.”

“You can rest assured, if other tribes wish to join you, I won’t stop them. It goes against my principles. Even in my own tribe, if there are warriors willing to join you, I won’t interfere, but they cannot do it in the name of the Blood Bull.”

“Good! Assoye, with your word, I’m relieved.”

Eugene’s face relaxed, as if the earlier argument had never happened.

“Ah, right! Those dwarves, they’re coming these days, right?”

“They come out for trade at this time every quarter, without exception.”

“Good.”

The flames in the fire pit continued to dance, providing warmth to the longhouse.

Eugene fell asleep with a loud snore, while Assoye tossed and turned, finding it difficult to sleep.