Change of Plans

Imaer returned to the temporary camp and dove straight into his tent.

Someone was already waiting for him inside—Old Orcish Eugene.

"Oh, welcome back, Your Highness, noble Prince of the Stonemason Clan! I wonder how did your journey go?"

In fact, he had already guessed the outcome from Imaer's expression.

"Hmph!"

Imaer snorted heavily without answering at once. Instead, he walked over to a crate, pulled out a bottle, uncorked it, and began gulping it down.

Eugene waited quietly.

Only after draining the last drop did Imaer wipe his mouth.

"The usurper accepted my challenge!"

Eugene's eyes lit up. "Congratulations, Your Highness!"

Imaer continued, "That old fool is dead!"

His eyes were filled with complicated emotions—sorrow and resentment alike.

"He has returned to the embrace of the earth, and the usurper inherited his power."

"That is sad news." Eugene shook his head. "Please accept my condolences."

"No!"

Imaer roared, "This is good! If he were still in this world, I would have had a real headache. But now, the one sitting in the chieftain's seat is a complete usurper! That makes things much easier!"

Imaer smashed the wine bottle against the ground, shattering it, and clenched both fists tightly. "I'll return every humiliation he gave me, exactly as he gave it! No, I'll return it double—double, and then double that again!"

The dwarf's expression twisted viciously. "Eugene, from now on, you will address me as the chieftain! The chieftain of the Stonemason Clan!"

Eugene solemnly bent over and bowed to him. "As you command, great Prince... no, great Chieftain!"

The corner of his mouth lifted into an inconspicuous smile before he solemnly straightened up again.

"Lilac Valley!"

Imaer looked at Eugene with a serious expression and a cautious gaze, as though he were already a true chieftain.

"Let me confirm