Orion stared at Grand Duke Richard, a glint of cunning in his eyes.
Orion was able to quickly deduce that this diplomatic visit could only an one of two things.
The first possibility was a peace negotiation, where they sought an equal dialogue with the hope of transforming conflict into peace, aiming to resolve disputes and tensions between the two sides.
The human kingdom and Stoneheart Horde hadn’t engaged in direct conflict yet, so Orion imdiately dismissed this option.
The second possibility was an alliance visit, where both sides would seek a sustainable, equal relationship in order to foster mutual developnt in areas like economy, technology, and population growth.
In simple terms, in this world, it ant seeking an alliance to gain access to more minerals, crystal cores, rare materials… and slaves.
Grand Duke Richard remained calm under Orion’s gaze.
"Lord Orion, in the northwest corner of the human territory, there’s a piece of land next to the territories of the insectoids, ogres, and Blood Elves."
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"By crossing a small portion of the ogre territory, we can open up a path between the human kingdom and the giant tribe."
"Are you not interested in this?"
Orion fixed his eyes on Richard, knowing that the human before him was eager to seize opportunities in his territory across all sectors.
Orion raised his goblet and drank it down in one go, then said seriously, "Grand Duke Richard, I must correct you on one point—not just the giant tribe, but the stoneheart horde."
The distinction in nas between the giant tribe and the Stoneheart Horde was important; it revealed and concealed many things.
The Stoneheart Horde wasn’t just made up of the giant tribe.
Although Orion was the king of the giants, he was also the lord of the Stoneheart Horde. Referring to his territory solely as the giant territory would sow the seeds of many future problems.
Other races might view the giant tribe as noble, which could spark division within the horde.
Moreover, it would undermine unity and hinder the gathering of faith.
Orion’s ultimate goal for his territory was to increase the population of intelligent beings to gather more faith.
He intended to eliminate any root causes of division or rebellion.
"Sorry, I’ll make ands for my mistake," Grand Duke Richard said, his face growing serious as he stood and perford a formal diplomatic gesture.
Orion smiled heartily and waved him off.
"I am very interested in opening up a path to the human kingdom," Orion said. "Richard, the key is how we can cross the ogre territory to open this path."
Orion didn’t ntion that he and Bluehide were allies, though they were on good terms.
He tossed the problem back to Grand Duke Richard, hoping he would find a solution.
"Lord Orion, to make up for my earlier mistake, I’m willing to personally convince the ogre lord," Richard offered.
"I’m prepared to privately offer so gold coins and take responsibility for building the road through the ogre territory. What do you think?"
Orion imdiately realized that the human kingdom was attempting to forcefully open a comrcial route through his territory.
Before the white dragon reappeared, the human kingdom, dwarves, and Blood Elves had already established trade routes among themselves, and the roads had been built.
As for the current dragon territory, it used to be human territory, and the roads between them were already open.
Among the Five-Race Alliance, aside from the Blood Elves, none of the other races had roads or connections with the Stoneheart Horde.
Of course, there used to be roads, but all those routes were destroyed in the recent North-South war.
"That would be best," Orion said, showing no resistance.
He then gave Grand Duke Richard a reminder.
"Richard, the lord of the ogre territory is no easy opponent. Do you intend to declare war on them?"
It was both a reminder and a test.
However, Grand Duke Richard quickly understood Orion’s intention.
"You may not know, but in this South-North war, the human kingdom suffered great losses and can no longer afford to engage in another war," Richard explained.
"My plan is to unite the lords in the southern region, open up the roads, and bring everyone together."
"That way, the southern environnt will return to peace."
Orion was certain that if it were any other lord, they would likely believe Grand Duke Richard’s words without question.
Orion put on an "I see" expression, then cheerfully responded, "Grand Duke Richard, I assure you that once you’ve planned out the route, I’ll have my people build the road to connect with yours as quickly as possible."
Hearing this, Grand Duke Richard’s face broke into a joyful smile.
"Hahaha… Lord Orion, for the developnt of our two races, and for the peace of the south, let’s have a toast!"
Orion didn’t decline. He raised his goblet and clinked it with Grand Duke Richard’s.
After the deal was settled, Grand Duke Richard lingered for another half hour chatting casually with Orion before leaving the palace where Orion was temporarily residing.
As Grand Duke Richard left, Orion sat alone in the main seat, lost in thought.
"The plan to open the road between the human kingdom and the Stoneheart Horde has been put forward, and now the cities connecting the Orc, giant, and part of the Blood Elf territories should also be put on the agenda for construction. The sooner they’re built, the better."
"Fortunately, there are many cannon fodder troops in Stoneheart City, along with plenty of spiders to help. Plus, with those subordinate races, we’ll definitely have enough manpower."
"This ti when we return, the Horde will be busy again!"
Orion pondered over the road-opening plan. Grand Duke Richard’s initiative actually aligned perfectly with Orion’s goals.
Opening the roads between the human kingdom and the Stoneheart Horde indirectly opened the way for communication between the dwarves, dragons, and the Stoneheart Horde.
This was a net positive move, and Orion welcod it.
After coming to a conclusion, Orion sank his thoughts into the Survivor’s Platform and contacted Arthas.
"Bro, about that defense realm issue, can we delay it for a while?"
With the formation of the Five-Race Alliance, there was much for Orion to handle—road planning, new city locations, industry preparation, and anti-monopoly asures—all required his attention.
Thus, defending the realm that the Champions Alliance commander had conquered would need to be pushed back.
"Sure, the defense of a realm is a long-term task and not sothing a small lord like you can control," ca Arthas’ reply, which made Orion sigh in relief, though a tinge of being belittled lingered.
Before Orion could retort, Arthas’ ssage popped up again.
"If you want to assist in defending the Valkorath Realm, you should prepare accordingly."
"When you arrive, you’ll be given a large territory to develop. It’s best to bring so sustainable units and settle there long-term."
"This is the commander’s realm, and it will serve as our future base."
Orion’s eyes flashed with shock, and a spark of excitent glead in his pupils.
Arthas’ words had revealed much information to Orion.
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