The noonday sun shone on the fence of the Aldo Army camp, reflecting a blinding glare.
Surrounded by ten heavily armored guards, Eugene dismounted. His legs were somewhat weak. He had represented Alba on missions to countless other powers, yet never before had his heart pounded as though it were about to explode.
The camp tents stretched beyond sight, the cannons stood in neat rows, the soldiers drilled in formation, and the Crimson Dragon Banners fluttered in the wind... Everything reminded him that the master of this place had already trampled the grasslands beneath his feet.
After being announced and searched, Eugene was led to a simple military tent.
The tent flap was lifted. Paul Greiman wore an ordinary gray wool cloak and stood alone before the desk, studying a spread-out map of the grasslands. Several guards and officials stood nearby.
He's so young... That was Eugene's first thought upon seeing Paul Greiman's true face.
This was Eugene's first time meeting Paul. Before the Orcs invaded the Aldo Kingdom, he had never even heard of the man—or perhaps someone had mentioned him, but he had forgotten.
Back then, the Orcs had focused their intelligence efforts on Crystal Radiance, the Watchers Legion, and Giles... At that time, they could never have imagined that this obscure young lord would drive them out of Aldo and even lead an army onto the grasslands.
Paul raised his head, studied the Old Orcish before him for a moment, and asked, "What brings you here?"
Eugene swallowed and forced himself to bow. "I am Eugene, Zalge's chief administrator. By order of Great Chieftain Alba, I have come to... relay the King Tent's decision to your side!"
"Oh? Go on."
Cold sweat beaded on Eugene's forehead, and his voice grew dry despite himself. "The Great Chieftain says...