Chapter 338: Suojiade's Diary (Part 2)

October 22nd

We arrived at Wurtbad, the capital of Stirland; compared to the large cities before, it seems much less prosperous. When Tomi revealed his identity upon entering the city, the Human officer at the gate looked at him with both hatred and fear.

The residents here mostly worship the nature god Ta'er, and compared to regions where the Sigmar Faith dominates, they are not as enthusiastic toward us, perhaps even cold. There are no activities scheduled for this evening, so I think I should go out for a walk.

October 24th

By the Ancestor Gods! It turns out Snorri Thorsson toppled the previous Emperor of the Empire of Man a few years ago!

Compared to the familiar Kislev, the Empire of Man is larger, wealthier, and more populous. Even though this Emperor, much like the High King of the mountains, acts more as an alliance leader, the Elector Count family of Stirland has held the imperial throne for three generations.

As for how he managed it, opinions vary; the locals are unwilling to bring it up, and the versions told by our kin are either muddled or too exaggerated. The claim that that fat pig simply rolled off the throne from a single glare is surely distorted.

However, all versions share one common point: Tomi played a major role in it, and Snorri must have personally praised him as having the "greatest contribution." Who would have thought that this flabby fellow, whom I could pin down with one hand, would be so capable!

October 26th

We set off from Wurtbad again; some companions left while others joined. According to the Humans, the Undead lords of Sylvania have been scared off by the Slayer King of Karak-Kadrin, so they hardly harass our caravan.

Unexpectedly, Tomi is also unwilling to tell me the details of the power struggle or his role in it; he says this is a piece of wisdom he learned from Snorri.

First, do not live entirely in past merits and grudges, but keep looking forward; second, if you intend to continue cooperating, it is best not to spread the other party's embarrassing stories everywhere.

Perhaps the widespread legends failed to outline the full picture of that brother-in-law I have never met; the clansmen's interest is focused on his divine grace, strength, and generosity.

November 1st

Finally reached the Mootland; these little things, shorter even than us, really have a knack for cooking! Relying on this craft, they even won themselves an electoral vote.

Captain Gelunsen revealed that in the past, various mountain fortresses would not hesitate to add entries to the Book of Grudges to compete for certain master chefs of the Moot; if one had to nitpick, their brewing is still a bit thin!

November 3rd

On with the banquet, keep drinking! When I return, I must hire a few cooks to take back; in Dulongcheng, our food is not even as good as what the farmers have here! Although the ancestors taught that the best ingredients only require the simplest cooking methods, but.

November 7th

About to enter the World's Edge Mountains; the journey took over two months, and the trip through the Human world went much smoother than expected—this is undoubtedly due to the powerful strength and influence of our southern kin.

November 9th

Entered Zhufuba, an exquisite city. King Thorgin held a welcome banquet for us; he showed me a level of enthusiasm beyond the norm, but Prince Balin beside him seemed uninterested and even displayed some hostility.

November 10th

My hand is trembling as I write this; King Thorgin and the guild leaders here accompanied us to visit the Engineer Guild headquarters and production lines. It is hard to imagine their engineering technology has developed to this extent.

Multi-barrel Cannons of small caliber, Flame Cannons that spew tar, Gyrocopters, Flamethrowers, and even a Submersible! If we had had these earlier, crossing the Sea of Claws would have been a breeze!

Besides these war machines, King Thorgin also showed us two types of Rune Statues; the large ones are like giants, and the small ones are as big as River Trolls. The latter came from Kalake-Zuen, and it was Snorri who recovered this lost technology.

November 11th

I have heard the name Snorri Thorsson no less than a thousand times in a single day; every clansman, from Apprentice to Master, is praising him. He has made huge contributions to the promotion of a series of engineering creations and the growing prosperity of this city.

The foundries that were once covered in dust are now brightly lit every night; sealed blueprints are being unrolled one by one, and the massive waterwheels used for water intake and cooling under the waterfall spin without stop.

"Whether it is new technology or old tradition, as long as it can strengthen our Dwarf race and help us revitalize the Mountain Kingdom, it is good stuff worth learning!"

This famous quote of Snorri's can be seen and heard in almost every corner of Zhufuba. Considering his status as a Rune Master, what a perspective this is! I cannot wait to go to Gaoyuanbao.

November 13th

I, Suojiade, representing the four cities of Norsca, reached a series of procurement intentions with the Engineer Guild; the caravan did not carry much wealth beyond the dowry, but fortunately, Tomi is willing to vouch for me.

He hinted that I need not be in such a hurry to sign the orders, as Jiliuguan is the first stop in the mountains. This makes sense, but I still decided to get some of the most urgently needed submersibles so I can use them on the return trip.

November 15th

I am in a hurry to set off, and Prince Balin is escorting us with his guards. We traveled along Heishui Hu and saw a group of submersibles at work; they are subordinates of the future big brother, the lord of Karak-Varn, Grom.

Thanks to Nina, I was able to experience it in advance, but there should still be room for improvement in this thing. The Dwarfs of Jiliuguan told me that Snorri has already used them in naval battles to wipe out a combined pirate fleet in one fell swoop; why is he always able to create miracles?

November 16th

Arrived at Mountain Lake Fortress; big brother Grom and sister-in-law Pamila received us warmly. They are the closest people to Nina and Snorri and told me many stories about my fiancée and brother-in-law.

Karak-Varn is the place where the Mother Goddess first publicly bestowed her grace; her grand statue protects the gate of the fortress. Many clansmen come from all over to worship here, and they often mutter about the Chosen of the Goddess or the Ancestor Chosen.

November 17th

Big brother Grom suggested a spar with me, and Uncle Ha de la took it on my behalf. They stopped at the right moment and fought to a draw, but I know that if they kept fighting, Uncle Ha de la would likely have gradually fallen behind.

In his youth, his martial arts could rank in the top five in the entire North, otherwise he would not have become my father's Captain of the Guard. But time spares no one; Grom, nicknamed the Skull-Cracker, is in his prime, and his Two-handed War Hammer spins like a blur without showing any fatigue.

Upon learning that Suoli intends to challenge Snorri on my behalf, big brother Grom solemnly advised him to pray more to the Ancestor Gods. Big brother is worried that Snorri might not be able to hold back the force of his Storm Hammer, and Suoli is a bit nervous about potentially receiving divine grace in such a way.