“Extracting as many resources as we can from the island should be our number one priority,” Isoldea said to Jack.
He nodded.
“But we will face a labour shortage.”
He continued to nod.
“Therefore we’ll need to raid nearby human village to fill out such shortages.”
“I don’t want us to raid the human village I contacted previously. They’ve acted charitably to us. And how is that trade deal going on?”
“It’s going well, my lord. They seem to like the charcoal we’ve offered. I believe we’re going to give them a better deal than the one they would have gotten from the elves.”
“If we’re generous in this trade deal, it will go a long way in building good will.”
Isoldea smiled, “Your mercy is truly boundless, my lord.”
“You flatter me, Isodea.”
A knock from the door. The person who entered was bringing in a report from Leofric. The report stated that they were able to get rid of seven Frost Giants yesterday.
Jack nodded and turned to the messenger, “Tell Leofric to increase the pace. Winter is fast approaching. By the time winter arrives, I want the furnaces up and running.”
“I’ll inform him immediately, my lord.”
The messenger left.
“You were saying something about labour shortage,” Jack encouraged Isoldea to carry on.
“Yes, my lord. I believe we need more [Scouts] to find suitable villages.”
“Don’t we need a reason for a raid? If we attack human villages willy-nilly, they could form a coalition or worse, ask the elves for help.”
“That’s a problem,” she acknowledged.
“I’m sure we’ll figure something out.”
The privy council meeting ended.
Jack looked at his schedule and saw that he didn’t have any other plans for the day.
He could relax and be lazy.
…
…
Jack was relaxing in his chambers when he was disturbed by constant knocking on his door.
He didn’t want to answer but the person on the other side wasn’t going away.
“Come in already,” he cried out.
The [Maid] who entered was no other than the [Village Chief’s] daughter.
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At least she was waiting for him to tell her to come in this time around.
She placed the tray of tea on the dining table. She was about to excuse herself but Jack stopped her.
“Could you tell me more about your tribe? Do you have enemies that you fight against? Friends?”
She wasn’t pleased, “My lord, I have dishes to clean then I need to mop around the canteen. I don’t have time for your question. Please excuse me.”
“I’ll free you of your duties for the next week. Sit down and just answer my questions.”
“I don’t need any special treatment, Lord Zodark. I want to work and I don’t want to slack off. If I don't do my duties then someone else will be forced to.”
Jack rested his face on his hand, “When last did you see your brother?”
The annoyed look on her face briefly washed away. “I-Is he well?”
“I guess. He’s got a difficult job of making soap and candles in the palace. I’ve heard it's quite dangerous. He nearly burnt his arm off, I heard. He could use a break.”
The [Maid] glared at him.
“It’s your choice really,” he said to her.
“What do you want to know?”
“Everything. First sit down. What’s your name?”
She sat across from Jack.
“My name is Noella, daughter of Ravem. My tribe is the Yellow Moon.”
“You’re the Yellow Moon tribe. So how big is this tribe?”
Noella raised her brow, “Do you wish to conquer my people? Is this why you’re asking me these questions?”
“Of course not. I’m not a warmonger. I want to know more about your people and understand your ways. That’s all.”
She looked at him suspiciously. “It’s a small tribe. We’re no more than three villages.:
“I see. Any enemies? Any tribes that've been a pest to your people?”
“Besides you demons?”
Jack gritted his teeth. Noella had a sharp tongue. It could get her in trouble. But Jack swallowed his pride.
He smiled, as usual, “Except us.”
“Well, we used to pay tribute to the Black Grass tribe. They used to be the most important tribe in the north thanks to the elves.”
“Explain.”
“The elves bribed the Black Grass tribe to protect the pass entering into the Crystal Mountain, thus preventing other nomadic tribes from raiding their borders. Using gold and high-quality weapons as leverage, the elves bought the allegiance of the Black Grass. In return, the tribe used these resources to assert dominance over neighbouring tribes, compelling them to pay tribute.”
“So what happened? You said you ‘used’ to pay tribute.”
“The elves got attacked by the Demon Horde. Far larger than what you have here. It’s said that the [Demon King] had an army of 100,000 soldiers.”
“That’s a lot. Who won?”
“The elves, obviously. They always win. For the gods have chosen them to be the protectors of this world.”
“So Black Grass is your enemy?”
“Yes, it’s everyone’s enemy. Every other tribe hates them. They’ve only managed to survive because of a marriage alliance to the second largest tribe, the Silver Wings tribe.”
According to Noella, there are 8 tribes of the north. Two of the tribes everyone hates and the rest raid one another to get livestock, prestige and brides.
Noella’s tribe was the weakest and therefore gets bullied the most. They are easy picking for the other tribes.
“I hope you’re happy with the information I’ve given you.”
“I am.”
“Then I hope my brother will be placed into a safer job.”
“Agreed.”
Noella left without asking to be excused.
Jack shook his head. Was he being soft on her? The level of disrespect she’s showing off is a bit much.
But the information she’s provided him is rather valuable.
He won’t punish her just yet. There’s more about this world that he wanted to know from her.