Orc Lord

“On behalf of the great chief Vyra, we would like to make a deal.”

The Orc tossed the sack on the ground between the two parties. It opened up to reveal glistening meat aplenty. Still, Giji was a clever Goblin. He didn't rush in right away.

“What do you want from us?”

“Come work in our village. Swear your loyalty to chief Vyra. She will protect and feed your tribe in exchange.”

Giji hesitated only for a moment. As the son of the previous chief, he had the authority to make a decision for the tribe at these moments.

“We accept. Please let me gather the others.”

Giji took a large piece of meat in his arms and ran back into the cave.

“Everyone!” he shouted out amidst the depressed stillness, “I’ve found a source of food for us all!”

The Goblins laying about in the cave looked skeptical.

“It isn't that, right?” a female Goblin questioned him.

“There’s more than I can carry just outside the cave.” Giji knew he had their attention when he saw their lifeless eyes light up. “However, there is a condition! Orcs have come, asking us to work in their village. If we swear loyalty to their chief, they will protect and feed us.”

Many of the Goblins looked unsure.

“Orcs, you say? Are you sure we can trust them, chief Giji?”

“I am not your chief. And no, I have no idea if we can trust them. But we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Let's not try their patience. All who are willing, come now.”

Giji led the willing Goblins outside where the Orc troop was waiting and knelt down before the leader.

“These Goblins here have agreed to your terms. Please accept us.”

The armored Orc grinned and waved his hand. “Good! Eat! And remember that the great chief Vyra is to thank for this meal!”

***

Phew. Training worked up a sweat like always. Although, despite working out everyday, my muscles haven't gotten any bigger than they were after I lost all that weight. It's not like I'm complaining… much more than this and I wouldn't really look like a woman anymore.

Actually, it's probably good if they don't get much bigger than this. They're plenty big already, and I don't want to sacrifice my flexibility. Thinking about my old world, those swollen body builders can't even bend their arms properly; they would be useless in a fight. I guess that's the difference between using your body in real combat and single-mindedly lifting weights.

Anyway, Durghan still isn't back yet, so I'd better find something to do while I wait.

“Oy, Fiara. You studying?”

I noticed Fiara nearby, so she’ll be the one I bug this time.

“Hello, chief. Yes, I'm reviewing what you taught us about pheromones and the reproductive system.”

“A-ah. To be honest, what I know is only from studies on Humans. Some of it might not be completely accurate if you’re looking at Orcs.”

“By the way, chief, when you told me before that you remembered your previous life, could it be you were a Human in that life?”

Eh? Wow. Spot on. Just what I should expect from a genius like Fiara.

“What makes you say that?”

“Because the knowledge you have from your previous life is based on Human knowledge.”

So it wasn't because of the way I treated that Human party? Well, I'm glad I didn't look like I was showing too much favoritism.

“Well, your guess is correct. Are you upset by it?”

“Not at all. You are a wonderful chief.”

“Ah, I’m relieved. Please keep the fact that I used to be a Human secret from the others. I mean, if they figure it out themselves, you can confirm it, but otherwise I would rather they don't know.”

“Yes, I understand. I will keep this conversation private.”

I was considering who to bother next when Durghan and the hunters returned. Durghan was covered in blood for some reason, but he had brought the Goblins. Wonderful. Finally, my plans for advancing this village can be put into action.

I approached the unofficial village entrance where Durghan and the hunters were waiting with the Goblins. Durghan seemed to be chewing on some words, so I stopped my feet at a set distance and gave him confirmation with my eyes.

Since it’s Durghan, I'm curious.

“Ehem,” he cleared his throat first, then turned to face the Goblins. The fierce look on his face was made even more intense by the blood splattered all over him. He spoke clearly in the Goblin language.

“Show respect, Goblins! Before you is the Eminent Chief Vyra, to whom you owe your lives and loyalty! To your new chief, bow down!”

Durghan’s words had a surprisingly strong effect. The Goblins, with looks of awe on their faces, immediately knelt down and said, “Greetings, Chief Vyra!” It's somewhat mysterious. But, well, I'll accept it.

With a bold smile on my face, I responded to their display of loyalty. “Greetings, Goblins. I have secured food for your people and saved you from despair. In return, I have a specific task for you all to complete.”

The Goblins raised their heads curiously at my declaration. Some of them gulped with worry. They were all skinny and weak. I'm sure they were wondering if they could complete any task for me.

“My hunters are strong and efficient, so we don't struggle for food. However, by the end of each day, there is never a surplus, because we are a gluttonous people. In order to secure reserve food for emergencies, winter, and the rest day, I intend to open up a new avenue to secure food.”

“You Goblins are weak, but that is perfect. I have plenty of hunters. What I need are people who can remain near the village to work the land.”

One of the Goblins, kneeling near the front of the pack, opened his mouth. His voice sounded youthful. If I compared it to a human lifespan, would he be about fourteen years old?

“You want us to farm for you, chief?”

“This is Giji, the Goblin’s interim leader,” Durghan supplemented.

I see. Thanks, Durghan, that explanation was helpful.

“That’s correct, Giji. Do any members of your tribe have experience farming?”

“Well… I have a bit. Because we Goblins are weak, when I was younger, I had thought to start a farm. If fewer of us had to go out to hunt, then fewer of us would die. However, we couldn't protect the crops. Beasts were lured by them, and ended up causing significant damages. So I'm afraid… our experience isn't much.”

My, how convenient. That this person has ended up the interim leader, I'll think of it as a windfall.

“No, that's actually more than I was expecting. Then, is it fine to show you where the fields are?”

“Yes, chief!”