Volume 14: Accumulate Before Release
Chapter 1: Helplessness
Staring at the continuous autumn rain outside the window, the rugged orc sitting in the hall wore a worried expression. Once, this place had been out of reach; its magnificent homes were beyond his wildest dreams. But now, as he sat here, he realized it wasn’t as comfortable and peaceful as he had imagined. In his own words, rather than sitting here all day listening to the complaints and demands of those below, he would rather fight or work.
Footsteps sounded outside the hall again. Woodhard was already afraid to face his subordinates—unable to meet their needs, let alone the most basic requirements for survival, let alone winter clothing. Though orcs had stronger constitutions than ordinary people, they still needed food and clothing. Now, with nothing at all, how would he get through the winter?
A human face appeared before Woodhard. Relieved, he called the person in, exhausted. The expression on the other’s face seemed strange—unlike the usual worry. Woodhard didn’t know what else had happened. He had to admit he wasn’t capable of managing this land. Over a hundred thousand people relied on him for food, shelter, and clothing. He wasn’t an omnipotent god who could create these things out of thin air. As the situation on this land worsened, he was powerless. Perhaps it was time to make a decision. He wanted to prove to his people that, though incompetent, he was by no means a selfish leader obsessed with power.
“Baofar, how’s it going?” This human, who had emerged with him from the mineshaft caves that could collapse at any moment, had always been his most steadfast supporter and most capable planner. Unfortunately, he too couldn’t change the current situation in Barnasha. He was sorry he couldn’t bring a better life to this human friend. Their demands were actually quite low. Why then would those human nobles refuse to make any concessions to satisfy their people?
“Hmm, there are some changes. I heard Baron Komer has returned to Ugru, bringing good news. The Jellyfish People have been persuaded by Baron Komer to open the routes of the Catalonia River. Now the whole Caucasus is in upheaval. The prices of food in the Caucasus and Mando have dropped. Maybe this will allow us to hold on a little longer.”
Baufar’s expression was complex. While a drop in grain prices was indeed good news, it was a huge benefit for the Caucasus, with little practical significance for Leon. Currently, aside from Mando, which had essentially returned to normal under the control of the Caucasus, the other three regions were in chaos. It seemed that the rebels in those areas could no longer control the situation, lacked sufficient food supplies, and an increasing number of them were turning into bandits. Large groups of half-orcs simply abandoned everything and headed for Mando with their families. The supposed new governor of Mando and that guy, Dragoth, had already issued warnings twice, demanding that the people be controlled, otherwise the routes to Mando and the rest of Leon would be completely closed.
However, such threatening words meant nothing to their own side. No one could completely cut off communication between Mando and the rest of Leon. Half-orcs were experts at crossing mountains; even the Volt Mountains couldn’t stop them, let alone these flatlands. Even if the Caucasians sent all their militia and lord’s guards to Mando, they still couldn’t halt the wave of half-orcs seeking food. Besides, a significant portion of the lord’s militia and guards consisted of their own people, so it was unlikely the lord would make such a foolish move.
“Hold on a little longer? Baufar, what’s there left to hold on for? It’s only a matter of time. This damned place can’t produce the food we need. Even if it could, time doesn’t allow it. The coal and iron mines haven’t been able to operate properly. It’s not just us in Banasha; Meray and Izmel seem to be in the same situation. I don’t know how Mando managed to get back to operations so quickly, and apparently production has even increased. Are we half-orcs destined to be slaves from birth? Are only you mortals capable of such things? Without coal and iron ore, we can’t get food. Unless we raid, but as you’ve seen, Baron Komer and his friends are like messengers of the gods. One finger from each of them can kill hundreds of us. I have to admit that our half-orcs will never be as intelligent as you mortals in this regard, Baufar. Why can’t you do the same?” Woodhard sat dejectedly in his chair, muttering to himself.
With a bitter smile, Baffar had also witnessed that scene. Though he was an ordinary man, he had spent his time in coal mines and was not very familiar with the outside world, especially such fantastical displays reminiscent of bardic myths. He, like his half-orc companions, felt terror and fear. He didn’t know how those people could communicate with the gods, but he believed they were messengers of the gods, sent to punish and judge mortals according to divine will. Challenging these messengers was undoubtedly a path to self-destruction.
“Woodhard, there is a difference between ordinary people. Some are blessed by the gods from birth, which allows them to become magicians or nobles. Others, like me, are abandoned by the gods and can only become slaves. To change our fate, we must strive on our own, just as we are doing now—trying to change our destiny.” Baffar’s mouth tasted bitter as he swallowed hard to comfort him.
“Baffar, I think we should go to Ugru again and show Lord Komer our sincerity. If Dragoamo’s actions could bring peace to Mando and grant its people the status of free Caucasians, why can’t we do the same? Baron Komer shouldn’t treat people unfairly. The Leon family is one. Last time Baron Komer wasn’t home, their statements might not represent him. What do you think?” Resolved, Woodhard stood up and clenched his fists. “If Baron Komer refuses, I’ll kneel outside his manor until he agrees.”
Baffar wasn’t surprised by Woodhard’s determination. Half-orcs were straightforward by nature, preferring honesty over deceit. They weren’t good at scheming. The pressure of supporting over a hundred thousand half-orcs and ordinary people was already suffocating him. Managing coal and iron mines was far harder than they had imagined—frequent water inrushes, toxic gases, and collapses caused resentment among miners of all races, and production stagnated. Without coal and iron ore, they couldn’t exchange them for food in the Caucasus. With winter approaching after autumn, the food shortage was already causing them great distress, and now they faced the pressure of winter clothing. Both Woodhard and Baffar realized they might not be able to solve these problems on their own.
The Caucasus is no longer as generous in providing support as it used to be. Mando is a clear example—only through labor and production can one earn a reward to buy the necessities of life. Dragumo must have had foresight by wisely handing over Mando, which not only solved the food and clothing problems for tens of thousands of miners but also earned him the trust and praise of the Caucasus, making him an enviable officer in the Caucasus Self-Defense Forces. Woodhard once hoped for the same treatment, but now it seems the Caucasus has lost interest in other regions after taking control of Mando. Perhaps they have also realized that the Caucasus’ food supply cannot meet the needs of all of Leon, so they adopt this stance to avoid pressure.
However, news from the Caucasus now suggests that the Catania River route has been opened, which should greatly relieve the Caucasus’ food shortage. The problem for our side is, what can we offer in exchange for the Caucasus’ food? The coal and iron mines cannot operate properly, and hundreds of thousands of people need food and clothing. The slave miners, accustomed to being managed and directed, are suddenly expected to take charge of the mines on their own, leaving them at a loss. Such long-established habits cannot be changed in such a short time. With a lack of authority, management systems, and capable managers, the entire Banasha is in chaos. If this continues, Banasha will truly fall into turmoil and collapse. They desperately need someone to manage and restrain them—a somewhat absurd requirement, but it is the reality before us!
Mahagumi has been quite triumphant lately. Although that so-called noble knight from Murey has not yet surrendered, it doesn’t matter; it’s only a matter of time. Banasha and Izmel have already officially shown their interest. No one can persevere when hungry. For those living in Leon right now, food is everything.
In fact, this situation was expected. Half-orcs are the simplest of peoples; they merely need food to fill their stomachs. Yet the leaders of the mobs in Molei, Barnasha, and Izmel are unable to meet even this basic requirement. The unrest has persisted for two or three months now, and food supplies are becoming increasingly scarce. Merchants in Muscat have almost stopped supplying food to these three areas. Although food prices have dropped significantly, there isn’t enough coal and iron ore to exchange for it. Astute merchants are not averse to credit sales, but they won’t readily accept half-orc buyers who lack a reputation, unless guaranteed by the Caucasus lords.