Chapter 439

"I told you it would be fine!" Solit had completely relaxed, after all, the orcs' attitude was right there.

Willard nodded, a small thrill stirring within him.

After all, this was too thrilling!

But he didn't know that something even more thrilling awaited them just ahead!

"Your Majesty, the human guests you requested have been brought!"

The Orc King and Willard exchanged a glance. "Bring the guests in!"

Soon, Willard and Solit were led into the Orc King's tent.

The interior was vast; at the far end, on a raised dais throne, sat an exceptionally massive orc.

He wore exquisitely crafted plate armor, rare among orcs, and around his neck hung powerful beast fangs symbolizing authority.

The two knew instantly this was the Orc King.

On either side of the tent stood several orc generals.

Their eyes were vicious, as if ready to tear the two apart at any moment.

The spectacle immediately tightened their nerves again.

"W-We salute Your Majesty, the Orc King!"

"Hmm." The Orc King gave a faint nod.

"Dear guests, please be seated—the Orc King has been waiting for you!" At that moment, Moral stepped forward with a smile.

Though to the two, Moral's smile was equally terrifying, his demeanor at least reassured them.

Soon, the two were seated at two low tables laden with roasted meat and delicate pastries.

As they silently swallowed their saliva, the Orc King's commanding voice rang out again from above.

"You two—what are your names?"

"Your Majesty, I am Willard!"

"Your Majesty, I am Solit!"

The Orc King and Moral exchanged another glance, then said coolly, "So you're Willard. Then, the previous two messages were sent by you?"

Willard, unaware of the true situation, nodded without caution. "Yes, Your Majesty. I am Willard—the messages were sent by my men."

Willard expected the orcs to now praise them and express gratitude.

But to his utter shock, upon hearing his answer, the Orc King's gaze turned icy.

"Then, these two schemes were your doing as well?"

"Schemes?"

Willard and Solit froze.

The orcs gave them no time to react—several surrounding orcs surged forward and seized them.

Gleaming white blades were pressed against their necks.

The two nearly lost their souls from terror.

"Your Majesty, we didn't scheme! This must be a misunderstanding! Please spare our lives!"

"Yes! Your Majesty, didn't you invite us here to celebrate? We've never plotted against the orc clan!"

The Orc King ignored their shrieks entirely.

Only Moral sneered in accusation: "Hmph! Still denying it? Willard, last time at Graystone Bridge, because of your intel, we lost over nine hundred orc warriors to ambush by your human noble forces!"

"This time, again because of your intel, over fourteen hundred orc warriors perished at Kalle Castle."

"And Gervas has already confessed—it was your plot, meant to lure our forces there and trap us. Still trying to lie?"

Willard and Solit stared at each other in disbelief.

So these orcs were truly as stupid as pigs—they hadn't killed Gervas?

Of course, they dared not show any hesitation on their faces, and immediately denied it.

"Your Majesty, Gervas is lying! How could we possibly collude with him to scheme against the orc army?"

"We have a mortal grudge against Gervas—we'd kill him ourselves if we could! We leaked intel only to use your army to eliminate him!"

"That's right, Your Majesty! Gervas killed Willard's child. You surely have spies among our people—this is easy to verify!"

"And if we had truly schemed against your forces, why would we dare accept your invitation?"

The two were furious and regretful.

Furious at the orcs' incompetence, regretful they'd ever come.

"Who knows if you came to scout our strength—or to rescue Gervas?"

"Your Majesty, I suggest we kill them both. Their two pieces of intel caused over two thousand orc warriors to die!"

"So no matter what, killing them is the only way to honor our fallen warriors!"

Moral clearly didn't care about their lives—he believed it better to kill the innocent than let the guilty escape.

This made Willard and Solit seethe inwardly: "No! Your Majesty, we're telling the truth! We never schemed against you! Please spare us!"

"Yes! Your Majesty, we've helped the orcs twice already—perhaps we can help again! Killing us is a loss! Please, have mercy!"

The Orc King wore a thoughtful expression, his fingers tapping steadily on the arm of his throne.

Moral and Solit's hearts beat in time with each tap.

Afraid he'd say, "Take them out and behead them."

"I believe you are innocent."

Thankfully, after a moment, the Orc King uttered the words that let out a collective breath from the two.

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Your Majesty is wise!"

They were so grateful they nearly knelt and bowed their heads to the ground.

With the Orc King's declaration, the blades lifted from their necks.

Only Moral still looked resentful.

"What, Moral? Is my word not binding?"

"M-My Lord, I dare not!" Moral flinched.

"Then summon servants to attend to our guests—Willard and Solit are friends of the orc clan!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Soon, several maids were brought in to serve Willard and Solit.

All the maids were human, and carefully selected for their beauty.

Before, Willard and Solit might have greatly enjoyed such treatment.

Now, they wished only for the banquet to end so they could return to Lindongcheng at once.

"Gentlemen, let us drink to our friendship."

At the Orc King's invitation, Willard and Solit forced smiles and drained their cups.

"Gentlemen, since we are now friends, do you have any difficulties in the city? If so, speak up—I may be able to help."

Willard and Solit exchanged a glance, then shook their heads together. "Your Majesty, we have no particular troubles at present. We deeply appreciate your kindness!"

"Is that so?" The Orc King smiled faintly. "Since you have no need of my help, I have a small favor to ask of you."

Willard and Solit stiffened, their smiles freezing. "Your Majesty, w-what favor?"

"Simple—I'd like you to set another fire in the city, to hasten the human army's famine."