"Well, considering we are asking them to change their entire way of life, I am not surprised that there are issues. In fact, I am more surprised that there haven't been more issues. Still, building a nation is bound to run into problems and challenges."

Barcar says "True, but it also provides opportunities. Although, trying to get all the tribes to get along is definitely going to cause more troubles than benefits."

Muyaun says "That won't even be the end of it. Beastmen won't be the only members of the nation. There are the beasts and the elves as well. I'm sure that in the future there will be humans as well. That will cause even more issues than we see between the tribes."

Grud says "It will be even more complicated than that. The tribes will cause more issues than you might think. They are sure to try to look down on each other based on who joined the nation first. The more violent tribes will be furious that weaker tribes like ours joined first."

Muyaun says "It has already started. The cat tribes have joined together to force Ash to take a wife from their tribes before they will join. As soon as that happens, the other tribes won't want to join without some form of concession to guarantee their place. Have you decided what to do about that, master?"

"I will meet her to buy some time. While they are sitting around waiting, I will try to get all the other tribes to join us. Then they will have no choice but to join, or be left out of the new nation."

Amat laughs and says "That's brilliant! I love it!"

Grud says "Your prejudice is showing, Amat."

Amat says "Oh, don't play innocent. They caused your people plenty of problems, I know you are just as happy as I am!"

Muyaun says "Enough, you two. Master, what is your plan for bringing the other tribes to our side?"

"Same as it was before I got lost. I will bring the ogre tribe to our side first. Then I will bring the other tribes over one by one."

Muyaun says "They weren't happy that you missed the appointment, but it shouldn't be too hard to set up another one."

Knarra says "Even without the ogre tribe, I believe that several tribes would be willing to join us. They have long been suppressed by other tribes and have seen how we and the outcasts have prospered under your rule."

Muyaun says "You are talking about the weaker tribes, right?"

Knarra says "I don't know that I would call them weaker. After all, they are ranked fifth and sixth among the tribes."

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Muyaun says "Fifth and sixth? You mean the ape and coyote tribes? I figured you were talking about the bunny and owl tribes."

Amat says "Strangely, there has been little contact from the bunny and owl tribes. It is strange considering that they are the two weakest tribes. Maybe they are laying low out of fear that the conflict will crush them."

Muyaun says "That's not important. What have you heard about the ape and coyote tribes?"

Knarra says "I have something of a rivalry with the chief of the ape tribe, we both believe in pure strength. They are being suppressed by the cat tribes and the bear tribe, who don't want to lose their spots. The coyote tribe has it worse from what I have heard, the wolf tribe treats them like slaves."

"The wolf and coyote tribes are both canines, why would they do that?"

Knarra says "I have no idea. Don't ask me why carnivores do what they do. I just know that they are looking for a way out and if you promise to protect them from the wolf tribe they will join us."

"Won't that just cause more problems later when the wolf tribe joins us?"

Knarra says "It is likely, but I am not the king, that's your job to figure out."

"Ugh, great!"

Barcar says "Don't forget the monkey tribe, they were already willing to join before you went through the gate. They also have a good relationship with the ape tribe."

"They are just south of the mountain aren't they? I can visit them on my way to the ogre tribe."

Muyaun says "That sounds like a solid plan. Once the monkey and ogre tribes have joined us, I will contact the coyote and ape tribes to see where they stand."

"Alright, sounds good."

Muyaun says "What should we do about the bunny and owl tribes?"

"Let's wait until Myria gets back before we worry about the bunny tribe. I don't know anything about the owl tribe."

Amat says "They are by far the weakest tribe, their physical strength can't even match up with humans. However, no one bothers them because they are the best healers out of all the beastmen."

"Sounds like they would be helpful for the army. We can extend an olive branch to them."

Muyaun says "A what?!"

"Oh, sorry. It means a peaceful offer."

Muyaun says "Alright, anything else?"

"Yes, start to slowly spread the rumor that I have evolved beyond being a beastman. I want to let people slowly get used to what I have become."

Grud says "What is that, exactly?"

Instead of trying to explain, I just drop shapeshift to show them exactly what I am now. As expected, they react with surprise and a little bit of instinctual fear. Their beast sides recognize me as a dangerous predator, but they quickly get control of themselves.

Once they do, all of them come closer to take a better look at me and I just hold still. Muyaun is the worst, but that isn't surprising since she is female and I am fuzzy. They continue looking at me for a few minutes, but Leonarr's arrival puts an end to it.

Leonarr kneels and says "My king! I am glad that you have returned!"

"Leonarr, good to see you. I want you to wait to report, I have a new plan we need to discuss first."

Leonarr says "As you command, my king."

Muyaun says "Finally, my curiosity has been driving me nuts! What is this plan you need us for?"

"I believe that demons have infiltrated the empire and are behind its recent actions. I plan to cast a spell that will cover the entire peninsula. This spell will cancel the demon's shapeshifting abilities and prevent their use for a few hours. This should cause a lot of turmoil in the empire and may even start a civil war. I want us to take advantage of that chaos to rescue our people from slavery."

Leonarr says "If the empire's forces start fighting against each other, we would definitely have the power to make some progress. The problem is the size of the empire and the fact that our people are scattered all over it."