Chapter 60 - 60 57 Understanding Person Please follow

60: Chapter 57: Understanding Person (Please follow) 60: Chapter 57: Understanding Person (Please follow) “Mr. Gaven, you are truly impressive. In such a short time, you managed to train them to this extent. So many Goblins couldn’t withstand their first charge,” Anna, equally eager to try, watched the war scene below. It made the Maiden Priestess’ blood boil with excitement, her eyes sparkling. Before Gaven could reply, Artolia on his shoulder scoffed first, “What’s there to boast about defeating a rabble? It was just the simplest charge tactic. Except for the formation which is still somewhat neat, they have a long way to go before they can be considered an army. They will need much stricter training,” she declared. Not willing to concede, the Maiden Priestess argued, “How long have we been in the Rocklands? Ten days ago, these Gnolls had just put down their mining picks and picked up Long Spears. They couldn’t even march in formation, and now, maintaining formation during a charge is already quite an achievement. I think Miss Artolia’s expectations are too high.” “To build an ironblooded legion, one must uphold the highest standards and undergo the most rigorous training and bloodiest combat. I, Artolia, will not lead nameless soldiers,” Artolia said with her small head held high, her golden ahoge standing erect, exuding a profound royal aura. “We look forward to seeing the results of your training,” Gaven interrupted the dispute with a compliment. The two had been at odds since their first meeting, often taking opposing views on many things, which led to inexplicable arguments. Hmph! The two girls, one tall and one short, both let out the same cold snort, obviously unconvinced by the other’s assertions. “Let’s go, it’s our time to shine now. Anna, you take people to treat the wounded. Those Goblins need to be saved too, let the Gnoll medics get some practice,” said Gaven as he walked down. “Understood,” the Maiden Priestess responded, gesturing. The group of Gnolls carrying stretchers and small medicine boxes then followed her down. She was now not only the only Priest of the Blackwell Tribe but also the sole healer and had been promoted to a medical instructor. The Maiden Priestess had already begun to consider whether to establish a church of Ilmater in the Blackwell Tribe, and perhaps preach as well. “Lord, how come you’re here?” The Goblin Chief, Andy, was not pleased but wary upon seeing Gaven, instinctively blocking the cart behind him as if he feared Gaven and his people were here to rob his food. But looking at the Gnoll soldiers in the distance, trained and in pursuit of the Goblins, he felt intimidated. Although he had brought more tribespeople with him this time, the chances of winning a direct confrontation seemed slim. “I am here to fulfill my promise. I have already said that as long as you pay tribute on time, I will ensure your safety, including the safety of your food supply,” Gaven said with an inscrutable expression. “The food you brought for trade this time is too much, and it might attract the attention of other tribes, so I came to see for myself.” Gaven would never tell him that he was using them as bait to lure out those greedy folks, to blood his Gnoll soldiers in combat. Although Artolia’s view was somewhat extreme, she was not wrong about one thing: for a military to be useful, bloodletting was indispensable. Especially with the Gnolls, creatures naturally timid and always at the bottom of society, they needed enough bloodshed to build their confidence. He didn’t need his Gnoll legion to be able to fight ten times their number or overpower the strong with the weak, but at the very least, they couldn’t crumble and flee at the sight of a powerful enemy. The Goblins scattered everywhere were the perfect training targets. But one must have a legitimate reason to show force; he couldn’t just start a war against surrounding Goblin Tribes at will. Doing so could easily provoke a backlash and cause the Goblin Tribes to unite against him. Before having sufficient strength, defeating them one by one was the way to go. The Goblin Tribe occupying the Spirit Crystal Mine was the target that Gaven had designated. Upon hearing that Gaven wasn’t here to seize his food, Andy immediately perked up, effusively praising, “Lord… I never imagined that you would be so kind… to keep your promise to such an extent. We truly don’t know how to thank you… We will definitely deliver tributes regularly every ten days.” “Mm,” Gaven nodded in satisfaction. “Do you want those Goblins?” The ones Gaven referred to were naturally those who had failed to escape, were begging for mercy, and had been captured by the Gnoll soldiers. There were a few injured survivors who hadn’t died, currently being treated by the Maiden Priestess and the Gnoll healers. Once healed, they too were to become prisoners. “Sir, I was thinking of offering them to our tribe.” Andy asked with a face full of surprise. “Heh…” Gaven sneered coldly. Was there really such a good deal in the world? He wondered why he had never encountered one. “Sir, we’re already very grateful for your troops’ assistance in breaking the siege; how could we possibly take your prisoners for nothing!” Andy quickly changed his tune, “If you’re willing to sell, I’d like to buy them.” Sёarch* The nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gaven gave him a look that said you’re not completely foolish, and slowly nodded, “This isn’t selling, this is a reciprocal gift. I, in my life, despise the slave trade the most. When they arrive at your tribe, do not treat them as slaves, but as your tribespeople, understand?” “Understood! Understood! Understood!” Andy nodded repeatedly. Whether he truly understood or was just pretending wasn’t Gaven’s concern anymore. Andy rubbed his hands together and with a fawning smile said, “There’s one more thing I need to discuss with you, sir. The ore we dug up previously has all been exchanged for food. These prisoners… these tribespeople, could you allow me to take them back first? I promise, the next time we pay tribute, we will bring the full amount of ore, including the price for these.” “I won’t quibble with you over the exact number of people. In ten days, the tribute must be doubled. What do you think?” Gaven wasn’t concerned about the small amount the Goblins themselves would sell for, since at the end of the day, they would still end up mining at the Spirit Crystal Mine for him. “Possible, possible, possible.” Andy nodded enthusiastically, clearly delighted by this stroke of fortune. “Do you recognize the Goblin Tribe that was just about to rob you?” Gaven changed the subject, starting to stir the pot. “Recognize them? How could I not recognize them? Their den is on the other side of this hillside.” Andy said through gritted teeth, “This feud, I will definitely settle it sooner or later.” “Wanting to take revenge? That’s easy. Organize your people now and follow them. I assure you, you will be dining in their den tonight.” Gaven showed his hand, prepared to wipe out one Goblin lair but not willing to let his own Gnoll soldiers charge directly into battle. The traps scattered within the Goblin den were a nuisance, and even a slight carelessness could lead to losses. He was training troops; losing a single Gnoll was considered a failure. “No, I still have to transport food, and our preparations are not very ample; we weren’t prepared for a fight…” Andy felt a moment’s temptation but immediately shook his head repeatedly the next second. “Stack all your food in one place. Hou will stay here to watch over it. Do you see those scattered pieces of equipment? They are all yours. My Cangya Warband will also follow behind you to support your rear. After victory, the Goblins are yours, and the loot inside the den is mine.” Gaven laid out Andy’s concerns clearly and concisely in just a few words. “But…” “There are no ‘buts’.” Gaven said firmly with a wave of his hand, “If the food is lost, I’ll take the blame, and you can pull an equal amount from Blackwell.” Now Andy really understood. Whether he wanted to attack the Goblin Tribe that had tried to raid them wasn’t important; what was important was that the man in front of him wanted to fight. If he dared to utter another word of dissent, well, his tribe might just have to find a new Leader. With that thought, Andy became totally clear-headed and said fiercely, “We must fight. Whoever dares to rob our food, we’ll storm their den. Tribespeople, charge with me; we’re going to topple that bunch of bastards’ den…” Andy shouted ans cajoled, but the effect was less than ideal. Those simple-minded ones were guarding the grain on their small carts, reluctant to let go, fearing the moment it left their sight, it would no longer belong to them. “Hou.” Gaven decided to give them a well-intentioned push. “Hou…” The Half-Ogre hammered the Nodular Gnarled Club heavily on the ground with a roar, “Chase them, or else you’ll be eaten.”