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"Then why does that human have such a close relationship with Fia...?"The orc chieftain fell silent for a moment, then finally voiced the question that had been bugging him the most.
"Yeah, Your Highness, could you please explain that part clearly?"
That was also the question that made the other high-ranking orcs tense up, their faces full of seriousness.
A sworn enemy suddenly getting close like that—no matter how you looked at it, something didn't feel right.
"Actually... I've already decided to lead our people and team up with him," said Fia with a short pause, then she looked everyone in the eye and continued seriously. "I want to help him put an end to this crazy world. I've had enough of this life—running around, constantly watching our backs, either being hunted or forced to hunt others. I'm done."
"What?!"
"Your Highness, you can't be serious!"
"He's a human! He can't be trusted! He's probably just a rare case among humans!"
"This concerns the future of the orcs! You can't just make this kind of decision on your own!"
The room instantly erupted. The high-ranking orcs all jumped up, slamming their hands on the table, voices raised in protest.
In this world, the old saying "Those who aren't of our kind have different hearts" was especially true.
"If he really wanted to wipe us out, he would've done it already."Fia scanned the room coldly. Her hair began to stir as if caught in an invisible breeze, and her powerful aura burst forth, silencing everyone around her.
"He already found our base, and if he wanted to attack us, we'd all be dead by now," she said slowly.
Hearing that, the room went quiet. They had to admit—if this guy had any bad intentions, they would've already suffered serious losses.
"Riku has infinite potential," Fia said, her eyes dazed as if recalling something. "A year ago, he was just an ordinary human. But now, he's already stronger than me. Stronger than the Skywing race. If we become his first ally, it'll be like offering help in a snowstorm. And if we help him take the seat of the One True God in the future, our orc race will rise to greatness." Her voice was firm.
"A year ago...?"
"Damn..."
The orc leaders looked at each other, gasping in shock. If what she said was true, then this human's potential was insane. Maybe—just maybe—he really could defeat the so-called unbeatable "Victory."
"Fia makes a good point," the chieftain finally said, though he still looked troubled. "But we don't know for sure if he genuinely trusts us... or if he's just planning to use us and throw us away when we're no longer useful."
"Yeah..."That was the real issue, and the rest of the orcs began to show signs of hesitation.
"I know we've only met him for a day, but I trust him," Fia said urgently. "My gut tells me he's not that kind of person—I just know it."
At this point, she was starting to panic. Even though she was the strongest warrior of the orc race and their princess, she couldn't make this decision alone. Without the chieftain and elders' support, she couldn't form an alliance with Riku no matter what.
"Fia, something this big can't be decided based on a hunch," the chieftain said with a bitter smile. "That's way too reckless."
"Maybe we should wait and watch him for a few more days," one elder suggested, hesitant.
"No! That'll just make him suspicious," Fia replied quickly. "If we're going to form an alliance, we have to do it with full sincerity. Besides, I've already promised him. If we back out now... you know what that'll mean."
"..."
Silence fell again. The atmosphere in the meeting room got heavy.
They all knew she was right. If they wanted to get the most out of this alliance, agreeing right away was the smartest move. But it still felt like a gamble.
"Make a decision already. Once Riku finishes his bath, he'll be waiting for our answer."Fia urged them anxiously. She really respected Riku and wanted to stand beside this incredible human boy to change the world.
It wasn't just for herself—it was for the orc race. And maybe, deep down, it was also for Riku. Fia admitted to herself: she was drawn to something in him.
"Actually... if we are going to ally with him, I think I've got the perfect solution," the orc chieftain suddenly said, lifting his head and scanning the room. Finally, his gaze landed squarely on Fia.
"Chieftain? What's the plan? Tell us!"
"Yeah, don't keep us in suspense!"
The orc elders all looked hopeful and started urging him to speak.
"Grandpa Chieftain, just say it," Fia said firmly. She noticed the strange look he was giving her, but even though she didn't understand it, she was determined to do whatever it took to convince them. "If it's something I can do, and it means we'll join forces, I'll do it. No hesitation."
"It's simple, really..." the chieftain said with a smile, slowly revealing what he clearly thought was the perfect idea.
"....."