A Peaceful Land of the Orcs (1.5)
Dineluth was utterly stunned.
Her limbs trembled, her shoulders rose and fell with her breathing, and her eyes were darting around.
However, it seemed certain things had started to make sense to her.
As a Dark Elf skilled in hunting within Elfynd, she had firsthand knowledge of other races being driven out.
And that realization only intensified her hatred toward the Light Elves. If even the so-called Holy War against the Orcs from 120 years ago had been based on lies—
If she and her kin had been fed reasons by the Light Elves and used as mere tools to eliminate other races—
How long had her people been deceived like this—
And now they were about to be exterminated.
Wasn’t it as if they were being made into fools?
"Therefore, I am certain that someday, in the not-too-distant future, our country will go to war with the Elves. It won’t just be skirmishes, but a final war of total mobilization that will determine the fate of our nations."
"……"
"When that time comes, I want as many allies as possible. I need comrades I can trust to guard my back. That’s why I’m helping you and your kin."
He spoke frankly, revealing his calculated intentions.
"…… Mind if I smoke a cigar?"
"Go ahead. I’ll join you with my pipe."
After both exhaled deeply, an oddly warm sense of camaraderie flowed between Gustav and Dineluth.
The sound of matches being struck almost simultaneously filled the air as wisps of purple smoke drifted around them.
If this Dark Elf’s low voice had been heard not in such a tense encounter but in an everyday, peaceful exchange, it would probably have sounded irresistibly gentle—
Thoughts like that, trivial though they might be, now found room in Gustav’s mind.
"One more question, Orc King."
"What is it?"
"When the day comes that you have gathered so many allies and defeated the Light Elves…what guarantee is there that the Orcs won’t treat other races poorly, just like the Elves did?"
Sharp, this woman.
Gustav was taken aback by her perceptiveness.
Once again, he chose to answer openly.
"Indeed. Among all the races, we have the largest numbers. So, it’s natural to think that such a possibility could arise."
—After all, considering what she’s just been through, it’s understandable that she trusts nothing right now.
"However, unlike 120 years ago, that’s no longer possible. And again, it’s due to our numbers."
"……"
"Furthermore, we Orcs consume an enormous amount of food—almost unbelievably so to other races. Without boosting food production, enhancing our industry, and enriching the nation, we can’t even feed ourselves for tomorrow. Most Orcs have brute strength but no magical ability. We rely on Kobolds for magic and business acumen, learn technology from Dwarves, have Giant Wolves assist with herding, and rely on Great Eagles to forecast weather. And we all, Orcs included, must appreciate these blessings and work hard for them."
Dineluth seemed to understand now.
"… Food is the foundation of everything. That’s what you meant. And you’ve succeeded remarkably well at it. In all these 120 years, the Orcs haven’t attacked us during harvest season. Observing you and the doctors, it’s clear how far you’ve developed."
That meal…
If that was just what you had on hand, then it’s undoubtedly the product of a nation that has created things, fostered trade, and accumulated wealth.
"Exactly. You’re as perceptive as ever."
It made him glad.
"And there’s another reason. Even if we were to defeat the Light Elves..."
Gustav took a puff of his fragrant Ismail tobacco pipe, letting it roll around in his mouth before exhaling, feeling a bit troubled.
He hadn’t intended to disclose this much.
Even his closest advisors hadn’t fully grasped this yet.
"Afterward, it would be the humans we’d have to face in war. With guns, cannons, railways, telegraphs, and iron ships—not the muskets and bayonets that required muzzle loading like 120 years ago, but breech-loading rifled guns. You, who use them, must understand this. Human technology is advancing rapidly. Soon, magic and brute strength alone won’t suffice. In fact, they already don’t. To avoid a war with them, we must continue to unite the country, crossing racial boundaries."
"Orc King, forgive me if this sounds rude, but you’re truly unlike any other Orc. Talking to you, it’s hard to believe you’re an Orc at all. It’s as if I’m speaking to an Elf or…a Human."
Was that a compliment?
He was unsure, but he felt relieved that she had understood him entirely.
"King. Truly a king. I must bow to you. So, you’re offering to save our people, grant us a place to live and weapons, and give us a chance to take on the Light Elves soon?"
She rose to her feet.
It was a stance that conveyed a sense of dignity and courage.
The glimmer of hope she saw amid the looming extinction of her race now illuminated her path forward, filling her with resolve.
Seeing this, Gustav also stood, knowing that this meeting had succeeded.
"I’ll accept that proposal, Orc King."
"Then we’ll welcome you wholeheartedly, Dineluth Andariel."
The two clasped hands firmly, awkwardly perhaps, but understandably so, given the historical circumstances between them.
What do you think about this chapter?
