Warning

Even in the Northern Three Territories, where society remained underdeveloped, primitive commerce existed. Brog Har was an orcish merchant who wandered among the various tribes year-round.

He was an orcish man nearing forty. Unlike his tousle-haired kin, he kept the thick fur on his head styled with care. Combined with his neat Aldo-style clothing, it gave him an air of refinement.

After the Aldo People ventured deep into the forest to trade, Brog Har's quick mind immediately sensed a golden opportunity to multiply his wealth. Through constant effort, he became one of the agents for Aldo goods, monopolizing trade between several tribes and the Aldo People.

"Dear Mr. Brog Har, thank you for providing us with this valuable information." Stanford spoke to the orc with undisguised gratitude. "Believe me, our friendship will surely be repaid in equal measure."

Brog Har's nose twitched, and a shadow crossed his face.

Stanford asked in puzzlement, "What is it, my friend? Is something troubling you?"

The orc across from him hesitated before replying, "Mr. Stanford, I believe in your friendship, but I'm not so sure about you now—or rather, I'm not sure whether you and your people have the ability to defend the friendship between us."

"Oh?" Stanford raised an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"

The orc lowered his head slightly and rubbed his hands together. "I've heard what happened south of the great mountain. The royal tent on the grasslands has already pushed deep into your territory and conquered northern Aldo... If you people are finished, then I—and those like me—will be faced with a very difficult choice."

Stanford sneered inwardly. He knew what choice Brog Har meant: whether to continue peaceful trade or cooperate with his ill-intentioned kin and seize the humans' wealth.

Of course, although they faced a choice, it