Chapter 73: Baccarel (2/2)

The so called “honor” was just a random excuse I came up with but who knew that he would actually bite.

“Since that’s the case, you will be in charge of the half-orcs from now on.”

“But Master, according to the rules of our clan, the position of leadership shouldn’t be passed onto me. Plus, I’m not the strongest amongst my brethren, I’m afraid…they won’t comply.”

“You don’t have to concern yourself with that, I’ll handle the matter of your combat strength for you. All you have to do is make sure that you can manage your brethren well, as long as they serve me well, you’ve done your job.”

“Leadership is what I’m expecting of you. Naturally, you guys don’t have to worry about me abusing your trust, you are all brave warriors and I’ll be sure to treat you guys well.”

“Yes Master. This lordship will follow your orders to the letter. I’ll be your sharpest sword, your sturdiest shield, your will is this lordship’s command.”

“Very good, you may rise.”

“Understood, Master.”

“Master, letting them form an army of their own…isn’t that a bad idea?” One-eye finally voiced the concern that he kept to himself all this while. He was afraid of interrupting us and so he waited till now to speak up: “They just surrendered recently after all. Not long ago, they were our prisoners, if we give them weapons now…”

At the side, Baccarel merely stood there silently, without any anxiety or guilt, staring right in the eyes of One-eye, not intending to give up even an inch.

“I believe that Baccarel is loyal. As the previous battle has shown, the demonic half-orcs take in pride in their battles and are in every way, valorous warriors. You should learn to view them in a different light, you’ll find that they don’t have such a dirty side to them.” I said with a stern glare.

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Under the anxious gaze of One-eye, I continued: “Don’t worry, I don’t plan on changing my priorities. It’s just that I’ve seen the shortcomings of the imps and so wish to make up for them by using the half-orcs.”

In the end, One-eye relented under my withering gaze. “Perhaps you’re right, Master.”

“Mhm, you may leave for now. Go check if the battle report is ready. If it isn’t, get No.5 to hurry up.”

“Yes, Master. I’ll take my leave now.” He said, slightly disheartened. I could roughly guess why he was downcast. In that previous battle, the imps had clearly underperformed compared to the half-orcs. Unnecessary mistakes were made because of the chaos but instead of correcting them, they were magnified instead.

In the past, there was no base of comparison but now, there were the half-orcs, next to them, the side that was lacking was clear from a glance.

Whether it was in terms of coordination or talent with weapons, the imps clearly came out short compared to the half-orcs. While this might disappoint him, the contribution of the half-orcs were just that significant, not rewarding them simply wasn’t an option.

“Baccarel, go organize your kinsman, if anyone opposes your appointment, get Big 4 to handle them.”

“But Master…this clan’s traditions…” Baccarel hesitated once more.

I immediately interrupted him: “ Then tell them that I’m still their Master, you’re just leading them on my behalf.”

“Alright, this lordship will pass on this message right away.”

“Hold on, I have a question that’s been bothering me for a while.” Before he even had the chance to reply, I continued voicing my confusion: “You were, until recently, my prisoners, why did you all risk your lives for me in battle?”

Instead of a straight answer, he simply asked, without much thought given. “In your opinion, we should’ve chosen to escape in the middle of that battle?”

“…”

He continued, ignoring my silence, “The customs of the demonic half-orcs dictate that we must follow the strongest. Since we’ve chosen to submit, we shouldn’t hold back because of that.”

“…You can leave for now, get Big 4 to help you secure your position.” Baccarel’s answer had stunned me, I simply couldn’t understand this seemingly childish behavior.

What about the grudges of your fallen kinsman? How could you all submit so easily to the strong…the thinking of these half-orcs was simply something that I couldn’t understand…

“Understood, Master.”

With that settled, I turned back to Violet Snow, hoping to have a few words with her. However, I discovered that she had left during my conversation with Baccarel and was currently indisposed.

It was that time again.

After every battle, the hellhounds’ would suffer some deaths and she would spend this time to mourn for them, though it wasn’t too long.

“Master, the battle report.” The ever fawning No. 5 ran in once again announced by his toadying voice as he looked up at me.

“Master, our losses are pretty heavy this time…the hellhounds lost six hounds, bringing their total to 39. We lost 50 large imps, bringing the total to 187. However, there’s a bit of good news. Two of the large imps have evolved into head imps.”

…that little huh…the less there are, the more dangerous it is for me…I guess that’s not true either…no amount of subordinates would’ve saved me from that silver furred werewolf. In the face of a monster like her, I probably can’t even run away.

Damn it, exactly how high is her level? Three-stars can’t be that strong…don’t tell me she’s a four-star…but if so, why is she still staying in this god forsaken place?

Didn’t Violet Snow mention that four-stars are able to leave this place unhindered? Assuming they find an exit point of course.

Also, who is this Mo En she mentioned? Feels like I was just saved by this name…