Chương 81: Persuasion

A few days after the meeting, Gobu-Witch arrived at the Kobold settlements, traveling along the river shallows atop the Crimson Queen. When the titanic spider loomed over the riverside fishing village, the Kobolds were paralyzed with terror. But what truly broke their minds was seeing a group of female Kobolds sitting atop the monster—21 messengers who had long integrated into the Alliance.

These females were plump, their fur glossy and vibrant, their eyes bright with health—a stark contrast to the haggard, mangy wild Kobolds.

"Woof! Woof! Woof!!!" The local males instantly forgot their fear, breaking into a frenzy of courtship displays toward the "goddesses."

"Eh? Are they courting me?" The Crimson Queen felt a flutter of excitement, wondering if her "giant type" was suddenly in fashion. Gobu-Witch coughed awkwardly, explaining they were looking at the messengers. Turning to business, Gobu-Witch dispatched the 21 females to their respective tribes with Li Qinwu's ultimatum: Resume tribute and send the chiefs' sons to Iron City. The Conqueror's Mercy and Might Over the next few days, chiefs from various tribes trickled into the village.

Faced with the overwhelming presence of the Crimson Queen, they rolled over to show their bellies in submission. Gobu-Witch proved himself a master orator: The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

"The Conqueror (Li Qinwu) only demands your loyalty. Look at these females—they became this beautiful under his rule. Your sons aren't going to Iron City as slaves; they are going to learn farming, smithing, and construction. As long as they follow the law, they will be safe, well-fed, and eventually return with wealth and beautiful mates." Between the "big stick" of the spider and the "carrot" of prosperity, the chiefs crumbled.

Even the skeptics who doubted Goblin strength went silent after their scouts witnessed the rebuilt, even more formidable 10th Company in their black-wood camp. By the fifth day, Gobu-Witch's face darkened as he performed the final count. Of the 21 tribes, only 20 had responded. The messenger sent to the Broken-Tooth Tribe had vanished.

"The Broken-Tooth Tribe has chosen rebellion," Gobu-Witch muttered. In a forest where hunting grounds overlapped and news traveled fast, five days of silence was a declaration of war.

"Return to Iron City. Tell the Conqueror to let the fires of sulfur annihilate the defiant!" The Blood-Stained King of Broken-Tooth Meanwhile, at the Broken-Tooth settlement, a primal succession had just concluded. A young, powerful Kobold had just torn the throat out of the old chief, howling as he held the severed tail high. Surrounded by the submissive whimpers of his kin, he felt the ecstasy of absolute power. As the new King basked in his triumph, the bushes parted.

The sleek, healthy female messenger stepped into the clearing. Her eyes were bright as she prepared to deliver the Alliance's terms. But the young King's reason was instantly drowned by instinct. He didn't hear a word she said. Driven by the adrenaline of his recent kill and primal lust, he lunged forward... He had no idea that this single act had not only shredded the peace treaty but had also sounded the death knell for his entire tribe.