"What exactly is going on with those people from the Black Magic Society?" Ang finally could not hold back and voiced the question that had been weighing on his mind.
Ever since he learned that the Black Magic Society was behind these Northern Barbarians, he had felt that something was wrong.
Torei's gaze instantly grew heavy, as though he had recalled memories he never wished to mention again. "That group of imperial people appeared some time ago. At first, they only sent people to visit Yaob, saying they could provide the supplies our tribe needed. The condition in exchange was simple—we had to occupy the borderlands of your empire and cooperate with them." Torei's voice was low, as if he were still recalling the temptation in those words. "They said they would provide all the supplies, and in return, we would seize more territory for them."
Ang frowned and drew a deep breath. "And then you agreed?" He clearly did not believe Torei's tribe could have been persuaded so easily.
Torei gave a bitter smile. "They delivered a great deal of supplies. At first, there were objections within the tribe. Everyone knew that working with outsiders would bring trouble. But as our exchanges with you became fewer and fewer, our tribe's resources grew increasingly scarce. Yaob had no choice but to agree."
"Then what was that about driving away adventurers?" Ang pressed on. "They clearly would not conflict with you. As far as I know, some adventurers even visited your tribe and traded daily necessities with you."
"It was them." Torei's voice became even heavier. "Those imperial people forced us to drive away the adventurers. They said those people were no help to our tribe and might even become a threat."
He paused, seemingly recalling those forceful orders. "At first,