Chapter 384: I need your tribe to prove their loyalty with action

A few days later, Stoneheart City welcomed a group of visitors. Orion showed little enthusiasm for their arrival.

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"Looking to form an alliance? Then go back where you came from!"

"Given your status and standing, you’re not qualified to discuss such things with me."

"Have Lycanor of the Blood Elf race or one of the Arch Elders come and talk to me personally."

Within the palace stood five Blood Elves. Two were Alpha-level and three were hero-level. Orion’s voice resonated from atop the throne, exerting tremendous pressure on them.

The moment the leading Blood Elf brought up the subject of forming an alliance, Orion made his stance clear.

"Leave now, before I have the urge to kill you."

Blood Elf Faelyn glanced at the colossal figure on the throne. The terrifying sense of pressure bearing down on him made it nearly impossible to breathe. He wanted to say something, but that overwhelming aura forced him into silence.

Unable to speak, Faelyn trembled in place. Bowing obediently, he led his kin out of the castle.

Stepping out of the palace, they felt the curious and indifferent stares of the giants who resided in Stoneheart City. Under those gazes, the five Blood Elves felt stripped bare, as though they might be devoured at any moment.

Only after they left Stoneheart City did the other Alpha-level Blood Elf speak up.

"Commander Faelyn, what do we do now?"

"The Arch Elder instructed us to invite this King of Giants to join the coalition gathering."

Faelyn, who had not immediately responded, turned his head to look back at Stoneheart City.

"We head back. Our mission wasn’t a success, but it wasn’t a failure either."

"The King of Giants said it himself: we aren’t qualified to discuss an alliance with him."

Faelyn turned around and whistled, summoning a griffon-like creature that had been circling in the sky.

"But, Commander Faelyn, the King of Giants is being completely unreasonable."

Faelyn leaped onto the griffon and motioned for the others to do the same.

"All we can do is take this news to the elders. How they decide from here is up to them."

With that, the griffon let out a shrill call and carried Faelyn into the sky.

Not long after the envoy of the Blood Elves had left the castle, the delegation from a human kingdom entered the palace.

"Tell me—what benefits can you offer me?"

Orion’s gaze fell upon the two humans in the hall: one was a knight, the other an official in noble attire.

"Esteemed Giant King, the war has ended peacefully. Our human kingdom did not achieve a victory, yet we did not suffer defeat either."

The speaker was the human official, Samuel, sporting a short beard and eyes brimming with wisdom and confidence.

"Of course, mighty Giant King, the fact that you emerged victorious from the Strife of Two Kings and claimed this vast southern territory proves your power."

"Now that the war is over and the killing has ceased, we can sort out all our issues completely through discussion."

Orion studied Samuel. This human official was adept at smooth talk, yet after all his long-winded remarks, he still hadn’t proposed any concrete benefits.

"If you really want to talk, then speak with my subordinate."

"Delilah, this is yours to handle—make sure to negotiate thoroughly with him."

Delilah, who had been standing to one side, stepped forward. Nodding at Orion with a faint smile, she then gestured politely for Samuel and the knight to follow her out.

Samuel’s expression froze momentarily; he hadn’t expected Orion to end the conversation so abruptly.

Samuel understood all too well that, in the coming days, no matter who he negotiated with, it would be tough to reach any favorable terms. Without the Giant King’s direct involvement, any agreement would be slow to take shape.

Even so, he wanted one last shot at persuading Orion, but Dace and Otho had already come forward, blocking his line of sight and ensuring he couldn’t glimpse Orion again.

"Sigh… looks like things are going to drag on."

Only once Samuel left the castle did Orion turn his gaze to Delilah, offering a word of caution.

"The human race is sly, and that official is especially cunning. If they don’t give us something concrete, don’t agree to anything."

Orion had his reservations about humans, as he knew them far too well. Delilah, however, was a succubus—and every bit as shrewd.

"Don’t worry; I’ll stay on guard."

"The Beastmen’s Kitsune is right outside the palace. Should I bring her in now?"

Orion nodded. Delilah shot him a sweet look before personally stepping out of the hall to summon Kitsune Sylvana.

Moments later, a succubus maid led Kitsune Sylvana into the palace, though Delilah herself was nowhere to be seen.

"Sylvana greets my lord!"

Kitsune Sylvana knelt quietly on the ground, lowering herself to the floor in a show of utmost submission. Not a sound could be heard in the palace; it almost felt as if they were entirely alone.

Since she received no response, Sylvana remained in that prostrate position.

"Lift your head."

She had no idea how much time had passed before Orion’s voice drifted to her ears. It sounded very close, making it clear that the King of Giants was standing at her side.

Sylvana raised her head, about to thank him, when a large, warm, and calloused hand tilted up her chin. She remained calm, displaying no trace of fear in her expression.

"You’re very beautiful—especially those eyes of yours. It’s a pity you’ve lost your sight."

Orion’s voice was neutral, tinged with a hint of regret.

"My lord, a seer pays a price for peering into fate. I glimpsed what I should not have, so of course my own being was lost."

Orion wasn’t entirely sure what she meant by her "being," though he did find the Kitsune in front of him quite exquisite. Although her eyes had grown dull, she still looked undeniably lovely.

"Why did you choose to surrender to me?"

He didn’t let go, moving closer to examine her unseeing yet striking eyes.

"My lord, in the destiny I beheld, the Beastmen would ultimately belong to Stoneheart City."

Orion automatically dismissed such words as flattery. Without responding, he blew softly at Sylvana’s ear, and she shuddered in response. Orion observed her closely; when he exhaled, her ears instantly turned pink.

A trace of amusement flashed through Orion’s eyes. He hadn’t anticipated she would be so sensitive.

"Surrender is fine. Do you understand what happens to those who betray me?"

He stopped blowing air, his teasing lessening as Sylvana regained her composure.

"My lord, the Fox tribe would never betray you."

Orion let out a hearty laugh. His hand cradling Sylvana’s face tightened slightly, and he spoke with a half-smile.

"Anyone can say pretty words."

"I need your tribe to prove their loyalty with action."