NOVEL NEXT Chapter 118: General I
Valka wanted to turn and leave immediately, but something stayed his hand and he gritted his teeth. "Tell me. Tell me what you know. And if you are telling lies, I will cut off one of your fingers here and now."
His face and tone were completely serious, and red light flickered around his body as he showed his true power level, which was almost above Captain Mera's.
In a way, he might even be more powerful than her. To achieve that level of power in such a short number of years is not only impressive, it must be a testament to his aptitude.
Captain Mera tensed. She was the only one in the room besides the two of them, but Valka ignored her entirely.
"But you will not believe me, Captain Valka. Let's see. It would have been better to use this for my bargaining with Lord Ragna, but it seems he already made up his mind on what to do.
"So, I will deal with you instead, Valka."
Vacuse smiled. "Your father is…"
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When Valka left the room, his face was completely expressionless, but inside he was trembling so hard that the red energy covering him shook.
He took several breaths and his expression showed fear, anger, and surprise, but also deep suspicion.
'…I cannot believe Vacuse… I cannot believe him at all…'
'…I cannot believe him… he is trying to set me up. He is trying to stir things up for his own benefit… There is absolutely no way…'
But his mind could not help but start tying together strings of events that seemed largely unrelated, yet now that he was looking at them, they were starting to make sense.
He shuddered, and fear as well as anger flashed in his eyes.
He looked at his hand, at the healing potion he was holding. His face darkened and he took a deep breath.
There… will not be any harm in trying!
But then he shook his head and crushed the potion.
What type of Orc and captain would he be if he was swayed that easily? He took a deep breath as he made his decision, the doubts in his face turning into grim resignation.
"That bastard almost got under my skin!"
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That night, the diplomatic group was invited to the banquet.
It was carried out in a large hall filled with roasting meat and tables piled high with food. Orcs of all types and shapes ate and drank.
Booming music shook the hall. It was a rumbling sound that managed to create something that made the heart start racing.
They groped the female Orcs that were serving them, and sometimes they would even go as far as pulling them to the side to start rutting.
Vacuse saw all of this with a slight smile on his face as he approached the front of the hall.
Two chairs were at the front, with four more behind for the Elders.
The First General and Lord Ragna sat in the two chairs, looking at the feasting Orcs with slight smiles.
Smoke from the roasting meat and the incense filled the air, mixing together to create a pleasant atmosphere.
Vacuse had to agree that the Orcs knew how to feast.
But as the humans entered and were noticed, everything seemed to die down and the atmosphere turned chilly. Everyone turned to them and immediately everything was filled with hostility.
Vacuse sighed. "They really do not like us."
Before long, Vacuse was separated from the group, leaving only the captain with him as they headed towards the platform where some sets of chairs and tables had been placed.
Lyra looked around her curiously and noticed that one person was missing. '…Where is Kagerou?…'
Vacuse stopped at the edge of the table and stared up at Ragna and the First General above. "You have created something splendid tonight, Lord Ragna."
He did not bow, and that fact seemed to irk all the Orcs present. More importantly, he stared at the First General in such a casual way as if they were equals.
Ragna looked at him with a smile, but instead of replying, he stood up and faced the hall.
The music died down and the whole hall became silent.
Vacuse's stomach clenched slightly as he realized that he was not happy. He was not sure that after all the preparation he had made, things would still go as planned.
"The humans are here!"
Ragna's voice boomed through the room like thunder, and instantly all the Orcs there started to radiate with intense hatred and dislike.
But Ragna raised his hands. "But before we hear what they are here for, before the Elders, before the First General, and before you all, they must prove that they are worthy of speaking before the Orcs!"
Vacuse sighed internally. '…Here it comes…'
The Orcs in the room cheered as they smelled blood. They raised their cups and spilled their liquor as their eyes shone.
Ragna turned to Vacuse with the same passion-filled smile, but there was a small curve at the corner of his lips as if he was savoring what was to come. "Lord Vacuse! You are the leader of this diplomatic group! You are their representative, and as such, you will prove their worthiness!
"As the Dragon heir, it is your right and responsibility!"
Vacuse grunted and his eyes darkened. He let the cheers die down and the expectant looks of the Orcs fall on him. Then he narrowed his eyes as he looked up at Ragna. He began solemnly. "Lord Ragna, back in Kragthar, during the attack, I personally attached one of my most trusted attendants to you to keep you safe.
"You told me, in front of Captain Valka, that you would repay it. Is this what the honor promise of the Orcs is?"
Immediately murmuring spread through the hall and all attention turned to Ragna. His smile faltered and his eyes flashed darkly as if he had indeed forgotten about it.
But the next moment, his eyes lit up.