Titan King: Ascension of the Giant-Chapter 436 : Blackstone Code

Orion gazed at Prince Theodore, then suddenly raised a finger.

"I want you to help me retrieve a thousand giant slaves!"

Prince Theodore smiled and nodded, showing no hesitation in accepting Orion's request.

"As you wish!"

Orion appreciated dealing with someone so straightforward; it made both business and friendship easier to forge.

Not far from them, Lycanor of the Blood Elves voiced the elves' proposal right after Orion and Prince Theodore concluded their deal.

"Lord Orion, the Blood Elves would like to trade our enchanted weapons in exchange for the golden thistle flowers that grow in giant territory."

Golden thistle flowers were a key ingredient in creating certain magical plants, and they were native to the Meadowland Plains.

Orion turned to Lycanor and shook his head, declining this trade offer. Before the end of the northern-southern war, Orion had already asked the Bureau of Weapons to assess the Blood Elves' enchanted weapons. In truth, they were not as effective as Orion had hoped.

Moreover, the enchanted weapons crafted by the Blood Elves were still inferior to the transformative weapons currently under development by the Bureau of Weapons. What was more important, once Stoneheart City opened, dwarven blacksmiths would arrive. Dwarven weapons were sturdier and would better suit the diverse races under Orion's command—especially those skilled in close combat.

"If you want the golden thistle flowers, you'll need to exchange them for moonwater."

Moonwater was a top-grade material used to cultivate various magical plants. Orion was certain the Blood Elves had a substantial reserve of it. However, Lycanor offered no reply to Orion's conditions.

Even though the Blood Elves and the Stoneheart Horde did not strike a deal this time, the banquet remained relaxed and enjoyable. Many transactions and collaborations involving the stoneheart horde, humans, ogres, and blood elves were more or less set in motion during these casual talks among several legendary figures. Prince Theodore, for his part, had brought along some highly experienced chefs who provided unique spices that elevated the level of the banquet's cuisine.

That evening, in the castle's conference hall, the attendees included Delilah, Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, and several other elders.

"My lord," Onyx began, "the matter we urgently need to address is improving the horde's legal code—especially in the areas of commerce and diplomacy. We need to finalize that immediately."

Earlier that day, Onyx and Delilah had met with the human envoys for a comprehensive discussion. Through this exchange, Onyx realized that, compared to the human kingdom, the newly formed Stoneheart Horde was lacking in many regulations and legal structures. Once the Stoneheart Horde and the human kingdom established formal cooperation, there would be no legal framework to manage the merchants and mercenaries arriving from all over.

Orion nodded. This issue had long been on his mind, and he had already begun making preparations. He looked over at Delilah, who offered a charming smile before producing a hefty code of law from her Bagbird pouches.

Orion accepted it, flipped through a few pages, and then pushed it forward.

"This is the 'Blackstone Code' that I asked Delilah to draft, referencing the human kingdom's and the Blood Elf tribe's legal systems."

Everyone besides Orion and Delilah stood up and gathered around the Blackstone Code.

"By the gods above, in accordance with the will of Lord Orion Stoneheart, we shall see that the glory of the Stoneheart Horde shines across the land. We will eradicate all sin and evil within the horde, ensuring every member enjoys the rights and bears the responsibilities they deserve."

"If any member is found guilty of a crime, punishment shall be meted out according to these statutes."

"Article One: Any betrayal of the horde or loss of faith will be punishable by death."

"Article Two: Any…"

As Onyx read each article clearly and steadily, the atmosphere in the conference hall grew increasingly solemn. Because this new Blackstone Code was borrowed in large part from the laws of the humans and the Blood Elves, it was not yet perfect. However, it would suffice for the imminent commercial and diplomatic collaborations.

Over the coming months and years, the details of the Blackstone Code would be adjusted bit by bit to align with the reality of life in the horde. A fully functional, enduring code of law evolves along with a society's actual needs.

Onyx spent more than two hours reciting all three hundred articles in their entirety, from horde security secrets and litigation procedures to the safeguarding of private property, marriage and family issues, inheritance, and even slavery regulations. Every aspect was covered.

Orion's Stoneheart Horde did not ban slavery. In this world, slaves were an indispensable part of society and the prevailing social structures. In fact, one could say slaves were among the greatest spoils of war.

"Everyone," Orion said, "the publication of the Blackstone Code means the Stoneheart Horde has taken a major step toward civilization."

"In addition to the code, there is a separate set of military laws. I've already had them carved onto a stone monument in our army barracks. From now on, we will act in accordance with these laws."

Onyx and the others rose to their feet. Their eyes shone with admiration and respect for Orion.

"Next, we must distribute the Blackstone Code so that everyone in the Stoneheart Horde can become familiar with it. Each elder will be tasked with this. Delilah, you will oversee the process of teaching our people about these new laws."

Delilah nodded and stowed the Blackstone Code back into her pouches.

"I know our Stoneheart Horde is somewhat special, as it's composed of multiple tribes(clans)," Orion went on. "But I can promise that, so long as their customs don't conflict with the horde's laws, each tribe's rules and traditions will still be respected."

At this, the crowd in the conference hall seemed visibly relieved. Both Delilah and Onyx carried special status in their own tribes, and sometimes their commands proved more effective than those of appointed officials.

Orion had made it clear that, within reason, exceptions to the official law would be permitted for tribal traditions. After all, no new code is perfect upon its initial enactment; the Blackstone Code would only reach its ideal form through trial and adjustment over time.

"Lord," Delilah suddenly spoke up, "there's another matter that needs our immediate attention."

Orion motioned for her to continue.

"In the past, transactions between our horde's various tribes were mostly gifts or bestowals—simple methods of exchange. All of these relied on bartering goods. But now that the Stoneheart Horde is opening its doors to the outside world, we need our own currency."

"Just like how the human kingdom uses gold and silver coins, and how the Blood Elves have moonstones and moonlight jade."

This was indeed pressing and vital. Fortunately, Orion had long since begun preparations for such an event.

"Earthshaker!"

Instead of answering Delilah directly, Orion called out Earthshaker, indicating he should handle the matter.

With a friendly grin, Earthshaker produced a Bagbird pouch and dumped its contents onto the round table in the conference hall.

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