In the main hall of Iron Thorn Fortress, the winter sunlight generously poured through the stained-glass windows. The light pierced through the dust motes floating in the air, illuminating the slime seated upon the high-backed chair.
The green gel was free of any impurities, emitting a gentle, pure green fluorescence, as crystal clear as jadeite, making the king seated upon the oak throne appear holy and amiable.
"So, the meaning of those northern orcs is that they want to cooperate with us?" Chen Yu's soft, glutinous voice echoed in the hall, carrying a strange tone.
Louisa, seated at the deputy seat on one side of the long table, was flipping through a scroll of intelligence with her fingers.
She wore a simple winter hunting outfit today, with a deep blue velvet cloak trimmed with fur draped over it. Her long hair was tied into a neat bun at the back of her head. Hearing his question, she looked up in thought.
"I heard that not long ago, a southbound orc legion was personally captured by Your Majesty."
"Perhaps it was precisely this incident that changed the Northern Orc Court's assessment and view of our strength. In their eyes, we may have transformed from bugs that could be casually crushed into strong ants that would require some effort to deal with. Spending time and military force to deal with us would, after all, be somewhat troublesome for them."
She extracted a hand-drawn map included within the intelligence and spread it flat on the long table. The map meticulously marked the mountains, rivers, towns, fortresses, and the current occupied areas of various factions across the White Horse Kingdom.
Louisa's slender finger pointed to the northwest region of the map, an area labeled the Frost-Speaking Plain. There, a town named Smaragdon was marked, referred to by local mages as Jade City.
Her finger tapped lightly on Jade City. "If negotiations are reached, at the start of spring, the main orc forces currently stationed on the Frost-Speaking Plain will change their original southward direction of attack against us. To ensure the safety of their southward passage, they will first capture Jade City, drive away or subdue those academy mages, and transform Jade City into an advanced base."
Her finger slid eastward along a marked main road on the map, pointing directly at the castle symbol representing the Royal Capital in the map's center. "Afterwards, the main orc force will use Jade City as a stronghold, advance eastward all the way, with their main force pressing directly on the Royal Capital for a decisive battle with the demon legion."
Finally, her finger turned southward, landing on the vast area marked as the "Southern Territory." "And our task is to be responsible for eliminating the demon nests and kingdom rebel forces entrenched in the Southern Territory, completely severing the overland trade routes between the kingdom's heartland and the Misty Bay Harbor Trade Alliance, buying more time and space for the orc army's operations on the western front."
"If everything goes smoothly and the opportunity is right, the Orc Court also hopes we can continue northward, assisting in liberating several important seaports on the kingdom's eastern coast to welcome the landing of their maritime fleet. This way, they can form a three-sided encirclement from the east, west, and north against the demon legion entrenched in the Royal Capital."
"In return, the Orc Court's promise to us is to cede the Southern Territory to our governance after the war. As for the Northern Territory and the more fertile Golden Tassel Plain, they will belong to the Court."
After listening, Chen Yu's gel body gurgled and bubbled a few times, as if digesting this information. He asked, "Do you believe what they say?"
Louisa gave a wry smile and shook her head. "Your Majesty, you should be very clear. Once we truly occupy the Southern Territory according to the plan, it would be equivalent to trapping the main orc force within the kingdom's heartland. After they deal with the demon legion, their next target will undoubtedly be us."
"These orcs aren't lying. They can indeed cede the Southern Territory to us. But they didn't say for how long—a year, a month, or even shorter. From start to finish, they are using a blatant, open stratagem. This is more like a gamble with us, betting on the future of the kingdom and the Orc Court."
Chen Yu's gel body swayed pleasantly. "That is enough."
He had originally prepared for the worst-case scenario of simultaneously facing the pressure from both the northern orc army and the demon legion. Who knew these seemingly rough and reckless orcs also possessed some strategy, actually wanting to recruit them to help deal with the demons.
However, from a strategic perspective, that was indeed a rather clever choice.
The demon legion might not be without designs on the northern orc army. Once the orc army became bogged down in the war quagmire with the White Horse Kingdom, the demon legion would likely seize the opportunity to attack, striking the orcs' long and vulnerable supply lines on the Frost-Speaking Plain.
Once this lifeline was cut, with supplies unable to get through, the orcs would have already lost half the battle before even engaging the well-rested demon legion.
The orcs' previous willingness to directly invade the Storm Territory southward was originally based on the plan to crush the White Horse Kingdom with a blitzkrieg, occupy the swamp and the Dark Realm, secure a stable rear and resource base, and thus face the demon legion more comfortably.
But they underestimated the strength of the White Horse Kingdom. After reassessing following the destruction of Groln's legion, they could easily see the conclusion of "cannot be easily provoked."
Thus, they changed tactics, attempting to bring this force under their control.
For the White Horse Kingdom, this was simply the best possible situation. This way, the kingdom not only avoided the threat of the orc army pressing down on the border but also temporarily didn't have to directly confront the powerful main force of the demon legion head-on.
They only needed to go bully the scattered kingdom rebel forces and demon strongholds in the Southern Territory. That would be way too easy.
By the time the others reacted, the peacefully developing White Horse Kingdom might have already managed to produce the floating fortress.
Orc big brother is really great. Simple-minded, only admiring strength, not playing deceitful tricks. In the dark, scheming conflicts among the various factions of the White Horse Kingdom, they are practically a breath of fresh air.
Truly a good person.
He got up from the Oakwood Throne and hopped onto the surface of the long table. "Miss Louisa, please reply to the orc envoy delegation. Say that the Slime King has long admired the Orc Court. We respect the powerful of the north and are eager for this cooperation."
"We are willing to contribute our part in the upcoming nest-surrounding war. If the Court is uneasy, they can dispatch an orc overseer to come here to coordinate operations and guide our work."
"Also, see what specialties the territory has, like cattle, sheep, gems, and the like. Include them as tribute to be sent back with the envoy delegation to the orc camp, to express the Slime Kingdom's respect."
Louisa thought for a moment and understood Chen Yu's intention. She couldn't help but sigh softly, her eyes carrying admiration. "I sometimes truly wonder if beneath Your Majesty's slime exterior lies a master deeply versed in human nature and strategy."
"You mean to say a sinister human, right?" Chen Yu asked suspiciously.
Louisa couldn't help but chuckle softly, shaking her head. "How could that be? I have always admired Your Majesty. If... when the war truly ends and the kingdom returns to peace, perhaps I will leave the Storm Territory and go for a good stroll around that Slime City the merchants love to talk about."
Chen Yu hopped once, responding cheerfully. "The Slime Kingdom welcomes all friends. Whether slimes, humans, elves, dwarves, lizardfolk... as long as they recognize the kingdom's order and ideals, they are all subjects of the kingdom. We treat everyone equally."
Louisa first smiled, then her eyes dimmed slightly. She looked out the window at the snow-covered plain and sighed softly. "If all the monarchs on the continent could be as enlightened and inclusive as Your Majesty, perhaps the White Horse Kingdom wouldn't have had to endure so much suffering and division."
"I heard that after the demon legion occupied the Royal Capital, the palace gardens became filthy demon nests breeding low-level demons. Rare flowers and exotic plants were completely eradicated. The commoners and nobles in the city either became slaves or fled in panic... And under the rule of the kingdom's rebel forces that have surged up everywhere, the fate of ordinary people isn't much better either."
"Although the Storm Territory is doing its best to receive refugees fleeing south, still too many people have died in this endless strife, hunger, and cold."
She lamented, "Before I came to this land, although undercurrents surged within the kingdom, at least on the surface it could maintain peace and tranquility. And after I came... various schemers and rebels took turns on stage, fighting for power and profit, turning this land into a living hell."
"If possible, I hope to end this strife as soon as possible, letting people regain peace."
Chen Yu's gaze also shifted away from her, looking out the stained-glass window at the vast snowfield made somewhat dazzling by the winter sunlight.
His round, gel body appeared particularly serene under the light, leaving Louisa with a solitary, lofty silhouette.
"That day will not be long."
Just as the believers of the Great Slime Religion professed, the great slime descended into the world precisely to save all living beings trapped in suffering and chaos, bringing order and hope.
....
Frost-Speaking Plain, Orc Army Camp.
On this vast plain ruled by winter's cold wind now stood continuous rows of hide tents and simple wooden cabins, forming the massive camp of the Northern Orc Court's southbound army.
In the center of the camp, several towering totem poles hung with war banners and beast heads fluttered loudly in the cold wind. The largest tent among them was the orcs' council tent.
Inside the tent, the light was dim, illuminated only by a central fire pit and grease torches hanging on the walls.
Karl sat on the stone chair in the main position, draped with a complete snow bear pelt. To his left and right sat several high-ranking generals and shamans of the Northern Court, as well as the chieftains of the three great tribes.
At this moment, the atmosphere inside the tent was heated. The orc envoy delegation sent to Iron Thorn Fortress not long ago had already returned, not only bringing the good news of the White Horse Kingdom's agreement to cooperate but also bringing rich tribute gifts expressing the other side's respect.
Chests of plump cured meat from the Storm Territory, sacks of grains, even some gemstone ores rare in the north and exquisite human crafts were continuously carried into the great tent and piled in the central open space.
Even the captured orc warriors from the White Horse Kingdom were sent back.
The orc warriors responsible for escorting them stood tall and proud, loudly reporting the respectful words of the White Horse Kingdom—they respectfully addressed the mighty orc Karl as the "Northern Ice Giant" and praised Karl himself as the "Incarnation of Thunder and Strength."
The chieftains of the three great southern tribes looked at these dazzling tribute items and listened to these words full of respect, immediately feeling a sense of pride.
"The Slime King is wise. Those White Horse Kingdom folk indeed fear the might of our Karl. They submitted so quickly, offering tribute."
The Blood Axe Tribe chieftain concurred, "Exactly. It seems they also understand that choosing submission is their wisest decision."
"With these slimes clearing out the trash in the Southern Territory, our army's eastward advance will have no worries from the rear."
Karl sat upright in the main seat. His rough face still appeared calm, but upon closer observation, one could notice the corners of his mouth slightly upturned, his deep eyes flickering with a satisfied light.
Clearly, the tribute behavior of the Slime Kingdom pleased him greatly. It both demonstrated the Court's majesty and saved a lot of unnecessary trouble.
At that moment, a shaman from the envoy delegation stepped forward, taking out from his chest a letter sealed with red wax.
He respectfully presented it with both hands. "Lord Karl, this is the official reply letter personally written by Princess Louisa of the Storm Territory, issued in the name of the Slime Kingdom."
Karl motioned for an attendant beside him to take the letter, publicly break the wax seal, and unfold it to read.
The content of the letter was simple. Louisa praised the Orc Court, Karl himself, the three great tribe chieftains, and even ordinary orc warriors, using ornate and respectful language, depicting the orcs' bravery, strength, discipline, and grand ambitions vividly, as if the Slime Kingdom cooperating with such a great kingdom was an immense honor.
Although most of the orc generals and chieftains inside the tent were illiterate, after hearing the attendant read the letter's contents aloud, they all couldn't help but straighten their backs, their faces revealing somewhat smug expressions.
Even those taciturn northern generals had a touch of pride in their eyes.
After hearing the letter, the curve of Karl's mouth became more pronounced.
He put down the letter, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the tent, speaking in a deep voice, "It seems these new southern neighbors understand strength and glory better than we anticipated. They made the correct choice."
"Since they are so enthusiastic, our Court cannot appear stingy. According to the original plan, dispatch a capable overseer team to the Slime Kingdom to supervise their actions, ensuring they clear the Southern Territory according to our requirements."
He turned to the three great tribe chieftains. "Personally select several competent warriors and a shaman to join the overseer team."
"Additionally, select some northern specialties from our reserves—fine frost wolf pelts, mammoth ivory carvings, and the strong liquor we brew—as return gifts for the overseer team to take over. Since they treat us with courtesy, we orcs of Karl cannot lose our dignity."
"Yes, Lord Karl."
His words elicited a chorus of low roars within the tent. The orcs pounded their chests in agreement, clearly extremely satisfied with this Slime Kingdom, such an understanding little brother.