Chapter 249: Meeting with the Northern Queen

Chapter 249: Meeting with the Northern Queen

Her hand was never soft; it bore the unmistakable signs of ruggedness, marked by calluses that attested to years of toil. As I held her hand, I couldn't help but tighten my grip, feeling the rough texture of her skin. She winced ever so slightly, a subtle reaction that didn't escape the watchful eye of the Northern Knight Kang Chang-hoon, who discreetly channeled his magical energy towards me.

Despite the physicality of the handshake, she wore a smile that spoke volumes. It was evident that she understood the significance of physical strength in this encounter.

In my mind, I entertained the notion of a potential contest with her, although deep down, I harbored doubts about my chances of emerging victorious.

'Damn.'

The gap between us seemed insurmountable. While my current self had grown immensely powerful beyond my wildest expectations, an imposing barrier loomed ahead. It wasn't a matter of being unable to overcome it but rather the sense of a formidable challenge that lay ahead.

What intrigued me was her recognition of me. Perhaps she had heard stories from Choi Seulgi, yet she seemed convinced that I was the same Orc from before. As an adversary, this was naturally gratifying. I bared my fangs, and Choi Seulgi let out a resigned sigh, observing my expression.

As our handshake continued, Chang Je-ri, seemingly uncomfortable, finally spoke up.

"I've heard of you as the Eastern Queen," she remarked. "It seems the rumors were true. You are a formidable warrior."

"I am Han So-hye, the Queen of the North," she responded.

Then, the introductions extended to Goff and Black Spear.

"I am Goff of the Brave Goff Clan," Goff declared.

"I go by Black Spear. I never expected to encounter humans in this manner," added Black Spear.

"Wow, quite the presence you have there. I'm Choi Seulgi."

As Choi Seulgi confidently introduced herself to Black Spear and Goff, Goff appeared somewhat uneasy, nervously scratching the back of his head. It was evident that he was not entirely at ease with the situation.

Seulgi sensed that the initially tense atmosphere had somewhat lightened after these introductions. However, the Northern Knights still bore expressions that betrayed their reservations, likely due to the activities of the werewolves and orcs in the North.

While Seulgi had been recommended and introduced to this meeting, she couldn't help but feel a lingering unease.

"For now, let's head inside. It might be best for the troops to wait outside. We've prepared some light refreshments, so let's discuss the details indoors."

Although I harbored concerns that the situation might escalate into a conflict, I nodded in agreement. The Northern Knights exuded an unwavering resolve, and I sensed that not even a drawn sword would sway them. Despite the tense standoff with the Greenskins, their trust in their queen and Choi Seulgi was unwavering.

As we made our way inside, seats had been arranged for us. The large round table and spacious chairs allowed us to maintain eye contact with everyone.

Interestingly, the Queen of the North closely followed Choi Seulgi's lead. Whether sitting beside Seulgi with an impassive expression, clutching Seulgi's sleeve when she attempted to move, or other actions, it was evident that their relationship was exceptionally close. If one were to describe it, it felt like that of sisters.

"I didn't expect to come face to face with creatures like this. It's quite unexpected."

The first to speak was Master So Yeon-joo of the Frost Dragon Guild, a renowned magician in the North known for her mastery of ice magic. From a rough estimation, her abilities were on par with Jung Hayeon, who currently possessed considerable power.

"Let me clarify. They're not creatures; they're Greenskins. What you may consider as creatures are the magical beasts outside."

"My apologies; that was rude."

"No, from your perspective, it might be accurate. I understand."

Black Spear couldn't let the term 'creatures' go unchallenged. When he addressed So Yeon-joo, she promptly lowered her head. Her flexibility in thought surprised me, likely attributed to her background as a magician with a natural interest in our race.

However, the situation remained delicate. If the North sought our assistance directly, matters would be much simpler. Yet, the North had formed an alliance with the East, and we might be seen as a potential source of conflict. The intense scrutiny of Northern knight Kang Changhoon only emphasized this point.

"I appreciate your understanding. You're right. From our perspective, you still appear as creatures."

"Krrr..."

Goff remained silent but clenched his fists, appearing somewhat uneasy.

Perhaps he had faced considerable trouble from the Northern werewolves and orcs. Considering his reaction, it was possible that he had memories of losing valuable comrades among the Greenskins.

"It seems you've had quite a hard time with the Northern folks. I won't deny your words," Goff remarked, and the atmosphere grew even tenser.

"Do you know the Northern werewolves?"

"I can affirm that I do."

I had expected this conversation to arise, but I hadn't anticipated it starting so promptly. I was honestly a bit flustered, so I raised my tail, signaling Choi Seulgi to join the conversation.

"Allow me to contribute."

"............."

"We coexist within a large territory. However, that doesn't imply we share the same objectives. Each tribe is autonomous. We can't compel the Greenskins in the North, West, or South to act, and they can't compel us. It's true that you and your comrades are experiencing friction with the Northern werewolves, of which we were previously unaware. Even if the humans in the North were to wage war against the werewolves, we won't intervene unless they request our assistance. And they are unlikely to seek our help. We respect combat and adversity. Even if you engaged in an honorable battle with them and took their lives, it would not concern us. Of course, personally, I might be willing to act."

"Is that how you see it..."

"Just as we Orcs desire to engage with humans, humans also desire to engage with us. Humans benefit greatly from us, don't they?"

I chuckled, and he fell silent, like a cat that had just lapped up honey. Humans did indeed desire to battle with us, whether as material for items or as sources of experience points.

"The desire for battle and adversity is not unique to us. We are warriors, and so are you. You are strong and seek combat. If you were not warriors, the Werewolves of the North would not have taken an interest in you."

This statement held some truth. If the Northern Knight Kang Chang-hoon hadn't been strong, the Northern Werewolves might not have taken an interest in them. Given their aggressive nature, they likely saw something in these warriors.

However, my words seemed to perplex him somewhat. While there might be differences in our values, So Yeon-joo directed her words towards us once more.

"I can somewhat understand your perspective."

"Um..."

"You are warriors who uphold honor."

It could be seen as akin. Among many tribes, some stubbornly clung to shedding blood, but our tradition leaned in that direction.

"Strength, wisdom, and honor; those are the qualities we revere."

So Yeon-joo nodded, as if confirming her expectations had been met, and the Queen of the North did the same. It was vital to make them comprehend us. In their minds, they might be drawing parallels to the Spartans of ancient Earth or the Plains Tribes to some extent.

It wasn't precisely the same, but it was analogous.

And that was what we wished them to think. Things were proceeding as planned. However, the Northern Knight still appeared skeptical. So Yeon-joo ignored him and continued.

"I believe I can somewhat understand what you value."

"Um..."

"You hold strength, wisdom, and honor in high regard. We know that the East has no conflicts with the Greenskins. Can the North avoid clashes with the Werewolves, at least until this war concludes?"

Seeing her express this much concern indicated she had indeed fought diligently. If I ever encountered him on the glorious lands, I might have to inquire about how they conducted battles.

"We cannot force them. However, you likely possess a better understanding of the answer to your question than anyone else."

"Uh... Oh!"

"Caught on, have you?"

"Uh... yes. I comprehend now. So you truly..."

Currently, it was probable that the Northern Werewolves would avoid provoking them.

"Struggle is sacred. It's not just the struggle among Greenskins, but also the struggle of humans. If the Werewolves are not causing you trouble, it's evidence that they consider you genuine warriors."

This statement was accurate. Then, Queen Han So-hye nodded as if confirming my words.

"That's true. I've encountered him before during the tutorial. We fought, and I won. At that time, they cleared the way for us."

Embarrassing, but I mentioned the story from the tutorial. Queen So-hye glanced at Goff as she continued.

"You were an orc then."

Goff smirked and replied.

"Yes, you're right. Thanks to that battle, Blood Dagger lost his honor."

I wished she hadn't brought it up.

"Defeating a warrior who lost honor in a sacred duel but sparing his life is an honor I showed in my own way. I've been waiting for you to fight with me for so long; it's an honor, indeed."

Choi Seulgi was bowing her head deeply after glancing at Queen Han So-hye. Perhaps she was smiling.

"I also want to fight you again. I spared your life because I wanted to fight you again."

"...................."

Their determination for battle was truly remarkable. My blood was starting to boil as well. However, I had no intention of fighting. Queen Han So-hye also gazed at me quite seriously, making my inner flames burn a bit brighter.

What would happen if we fought now? Unlike back then, I am much freer from the constraints of distance. There's no need to close the gap. I should use my tail wisely, decide when to unleash Dane, since my specs are superior. It would be wisest to push him back physically. I had various thoughts at that moment.

"What about me? Do you want to fight me too?"

Goff's eyes reddened as he spoke. Despite the

lack of cold, his breath continuously billowed from his mouth, and his breathing became noticeably rough. His muscles, which seemed ready to burst at any moment, appeared capable of wielding a fist, but it was suddenly unclear why the guy was acting this way.

Observing this, the knight from the North quietly drew his sword.

However, Han So-hye held up a hand to stop him and spoke.

"If you wish."

This was a situation they hadn't expected.