Chapter 13

As planned, I used the Fire Sword to infiltrate the orcs’ stronghold.

After concealing my entry, I cautiously proceeded, keeping a watchful eye on my surroundings.

Orcs have much better night vision than humans, so I waited out the night until dawn. The Fire Sword stands out too much at night.

While hiding behind buildings and cargo, I observed that the base was far more well-established than expected. I had anticipated as much when I saw their iron equipment… If left unchecked, they could become a fully operational legion in about half a year.

The strongest human is said to be weaker than the weakest orc. Orcs have absolute physical strength. They form packs and cover themselves in iron.

It’s a nightmare for the empire. To have such an army emerge from within its own borders.

They’re weak to magic, so the damage will be limited, but that “limited” damage is no joke.

Normally, the knight orders and adventurers are used to find and exterminate these packs to prevent this.

The nearby villages only recently noticed the damage, and the growth rate and size of the pack seem extraordinary.

As I eliminate the orcs wandering alone, I ponder. This might not end with just clearing out some orcs.

I checked several buildings, but it seems no humans have been captured.

Now, there’s only that largest house left. Probably where the pack’s boss is.

I’ll finish scouting before any stray orc corpses are found.

If I were a professional scout, I could complete the reconnaissance without killing, but that’s asking for too much.

If Nia were here, it would’ve been easier.

Back when we were a party, Kasugal’s magic would start us off with a roast. A complete roast.

Renatishia’s power revealed the captured humans, and it probably ended feeling like a picnic.

I slowly enter the building.

There doesn’t seem to be a lookout… but I can hear faint voices inside the quiet room.

Orcs actually have a fair amount of intelligence.

They’re treated as unintelligent because they lack education to develop it.

But the boss of a pack, having lived long, is as smart as a human.

It wouldn’t be surprising if he taught his close aides to speak…

I approach slowly. I can’t make out the content of the voices yet.

It seems a discussion is happening in the back.

Instead of a door, the partition is made of cloth. I listen carefully.

“――――――”

“―――― of?”

I move a bit closer. The voices become clearer.

“The plan for success is in place. You guys just need to go on a rampage afterward.”

“I appreciate the support… but why would you help us, the enemies of humans?”

“Hmph. It seems you don’t know that the enemies of humans are also humans.”

“My sons are hungry, and we need mates for breeding. If rampaging is the price for your support… then we have no choice.”

One voice is deep and gruff. Probably an orc’s.

The problem is the other speaker. If my ears aren’t rotten, it’s definitely a human, and the conversation confirms it.

It would be easy to jump in now, but things could get complicated if I don’t identify the other party.

“Then I’ll take my leave. cough We won’t need to meet after this. Do your best to rampage.”

“Let’s do that.”

The conversation seems to have ended, and the human is walking this way.

Various options and their outcomes flash through my mind.

There’s no time. I hide and just observe his face.

An older man.

An unfamiliar face. But I can tell his affiliation. The crest engraved on his sword belongs to the kingdom’s army. He’s not even hiding it.

I could take him down from behind right now. But what to do with the body?

Dispose of it along with the corpse? Certainly, that would be less troublesome, but if there are more enemies than just this guy, it could lead to more trouble.

This is imperial territory, undeveloped as it may be. The kingdom’s army is supporting the orcs across the border without permission? Who would believe such a thing?

Damn it, political decisions are difficult. I have no choice but to throw it at the princess.

I let the man go and wait for him to leave.

The kingdom and the empire have been allies for a long time, but in reality, there have been endless troubles.

I heard that things have been calming down recently because the princess and the princess from the other side get along well.

My stomach hurts. I’ll relieve this stress by burning some orcs.

By the way, burning orcs doesn’t smell like pork.