39 The Grand Plan

'How can I create a war?'

This was the question George asked himself for dozens of hours, before ultimately finding the way to unite the warring race called Orcs. Because the last orc king had been killed thirty years ago, there was no hope of a war breaking out without 'external help'.

Orc Kings were individuals from a specific lineage, recognized by several tribes. The conditions for an orc king to be born were very rare, since that would require grand-knight level existences to put aside their differences, and recognize one of their own as their leader.

Most orc warriors possessed the strength of knights, and orc chieftains were usually grand knights. Even orc females and adult orcs with other professions would be physically as strong as preparatory knights. This made the orc species very dangerous.

However, the last war against orcs in Melvinger City proved that humans were better than orcs. Even though they were physically weaker, the orcs were swinging their weapons brutally, without much thoughts, whereas humans practiced swordsmanship that was refined over generations. The difference in technique was so big that most mercenaries with preparatory knight level could roughly beat one or even two orcs in combat.

Still, orcs were more numerous, and the last war had nearly caused Melvinger City to be destroyed. Fortunately, the high walls and the existence of acolytes prevented its fall, although it cost the life of the previous mayor, a prideful rank 3 acolyte who gave up his life for his hometown.

After careful considerations and simulations, George created 'The Grand Plan'. With the funds he possessed, George had the means to mobilize a lot of mercenaries and underworld commoners who would not ask questions as they complete his requests.

[Mission - Capture an orc baby. Rewards: 200 Gold Coins]

[Mission - Gather 25 Orc Fangs. Rewards: 15 Gold Coins]

[Mission - Kill an orc chieftain. Rewards: 50 Gold Coins]

[Mission - Burn the forest where the Blood Spear Orc Tribe lives. Rewards: 250 Gold Coins]

Of course, releasing all these missions at once would have been suspicious, but George was careful enough to use different identities, and several 'agencies' for his requests. He contacted some famous mercenary groups directly through letters, without going through the mercenary guild, and even contacted some underworld thief guilds for specific missions.

Although his treasury was being emptied from those expenses, it was a worthy ambition.

As months passed by, the Billing Household was eventually trialed, with the Mayor uncovering testimonies, yet no incriminating evidence as George had swept everything cleaned. Lady Emma was condamned to serve the Melvinger Guard Order for the next five years, with no contact with her family whatsoever for the next five years. This was a harsh punishment towards both her family and herself, but the viscount was satisfied since she would keep her life and basic freedom at the very least.

As for the Viscount, he was released after paying a significant amount of gold coins.

The growing tensions with the orcs were definitely a factor that hastened his release.

A year later after George established the [Melvinger Medicine Hall] and initiated his plan, sixteen known orc tribes united their forces and started to siege Melvinger City. In face of adversity and constant harrasment, an [Orc King] had been born.

===

Melvinger City, Dragon Pavillon.

An emergency meeting had been set by the Melvinger Magical Society. The mayor was very pale, naturally unsure of the fate of his city. The other acolytes were all sweating, due to their knowledge. Ignorant commoners might not see the orcs as the threats, because Melvinger Knights had already prevailed against them once in the past.

However, acolytes were different. They knew the potential of orcs, their strengths, and more importantly, they knew that these orcs were of a completely different caliber as compared to the ones that Melvinger Knights faced off thirty years ago.

"They possess iron weapons. Mercenaries have reported that they spoke some sort of orc gibberish and showed tremendous intellect...Orcs in the past were not like that!", Helena, the master tailor of the [Blue Elephant Shop] spoke.

Although she was living as a middle-aged widow, she was actually a very strong rank 2 acolyte with wind affinity and powerful spells such as [Miniature Tornado] and [Wind Blade].

The Mayor quickly assessed the situation: "More importantly, the orcs are led by an Orc King with vigor and strength that almost exceeds the Grand Knight realm in terms of physical attributes. Besides the orc warriors, scouts have reported the existence of a dozen orc shamans, no inferior to us in terms of magical prowess. Although they do not walk the magus path, they have come to understand the existence of magic from the last war, and learned magic on their own. While we were resting in peace, these orcs have been growing their strength...I have already sent messengers to seek help from the Desert Kingdom, but I never received a response. It is safe to assume that they are killing every humans they come accross, as well as all eagle messengers"

Everyone was shivering in fear. A war that far exceeded anything Melvinger City experienced had begun.

Everyone but George.

This war was an opportunity. An opportunity to grow.