Within Laine’s territory, the Angland Clan settlement.

Here lies a small hilly area, where the statues of the Dwarf Three Main Gods stand firm. The long stone roads are solid and even. Carriages flow in a constant stream, and many peasants here laugh on their way to prepare for the Winter Festival, with every household brightly decorated. Many peasants, after finishing work, carry wine and meat home, loudly discussing the Count’s victories. It seems that whenever Laine leads the army, victory is certain, and all that’s left for them to do is celebrate.

"Laine has truly accomplished great things these years, and even I who stay in Kulona can hear his name all the time," Duke Hagen said to Count Jean-Harun. "Look at his town, I feel like my castle is in the countryside."

"Count Laine, in some sense, took advantage, but it’s his personal strength and charisma that made it happen. Only the Lady knows why the wood elves would willingly trade with him." Earl Harun shook his head. "But that’s not the point, the point is... we must seize this opportunity, the Duchy’s rebellion and food shortage issues are severe, if dragged on without resolution, our honor will be tainted, my Duke."

Count Jean-Harun’s words hit home the deepest worries of Duke Hagen; failing to guard and manage well the lands and people bestowed by the Goddess was a most disgraceful affair for him. Yet, this Duke was not skilled at handling internal affairs, so he instinctively asked, "It’s definitely good that Dwarves establish trade posts and plan to develop that barren land, but how do you think we should negotiate? Can we demand exclusive rights to Dwarven weapons? And perhaps also require these Dwarves to submit? I don’t intend for them to pay tribute, at least a verbal acknowledgment of allegiance will suffice."

"Oh..." Count Jean-Harun was rendered speechless, thinking to himself you’re better off asking them to pay tribute rather than for submission. Are you here for cooperation or to declare war?

But there was no choice; Duke Hagen’s skills in internal governance were just like this. He was known for his personal virtues and bravery, usually leaving internal affairs entirely to his cousin Earl Harun, who had been tirelessly managing the whole Duchy for decades, while Duke Hagen remained relaxed. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

The two, accompanied by a group of followers, gazed from afar at the Dwarf settlement. Count Jean-Harun could only kindly and earnestly advise, "My Duke, those are Dwarves, although this is a cooperation, we currently are in need of them, it’s time to make concessions where necessary, promptly restore production, and eliminate the rebellion, those are the top priorities; other losses can be recouped from future trade post taxes."

"Hmm, right, you’re correct." While Duke Hagen didn’t fully understand, he was willing to delegate. "Then how should we negotiate with the Dwarves? Is it a matter of guessing fists or testing drinking capacity? Or must we wrestle with them? I’m not very skilled at that..."

The Duke’s words nearly made his regent want to crash into a nearby sign.

Inside the settlement, Belgar was drinking together with Clan Chief Burick North Star, Engineer Dugen the Ironman, Chief Engineer Harharaver the Gold Digger, and his Chief Rune Blacksmith Slude the Truthful, while discussing how to concentrate resources, firstly constructing the Black Stone Stronghold, and then considering how to conquer Eight Peaks Mountain.

After several previous failures, Belgar had become somewhat clearer-minded, asserting that adequate preparation was crucial, at least requiring mass production of weapons and equipment, artillery, and stockpiling sufficient food supplies.

However, the attention of these clan chiefs, Artisan Association, and Engineers wasn’t on this issue. "A brewery! A brewery that produces Dwarf Beer! And a large tavern big enough to seat at least eight hundred dwarves! That’s right, the dwarves need this; only with sufficient beer can our clan regain vitality!"

"Exactly! I believe that is our immediate priority, a brewery."

"Yes! Other issues can be temporarily ignored, our immediate priority is twofold: first, sufficient gold reserves, second, a brewery and large tavern!"

The dwarves talked incessantly, and Belgar felt overwhelmed. Yet the King of Eight Peaks was inwardly gratified, as having a home base, his clan regained vitality, with already over four thousand dwarves moving to reside in the Black Stone Stronghold, building statues and Butcher chapels to expel Vampire Corruption, while about two thousand clan members remained with Laine. Belgar intended to have a thousand remain in Laine’s territory to continue residing in the settlement here, serving Laine as a repayment.

The dwarves were loud and bustling, with a warm atmosphere, as barrel after barrel of beer was brought in. The brewery plan reached straight into implementation discussions, while Belgar’s concern for the Gunpowder Workshop remained on the talking stage, frustrating the King of Eight Peaks. He tapped the table, but his wife, Komanik, signaled Belgar to stay calm, as within the Dwarven clan, the Artisan Association and clan chiefs traditionally held great power.

"Since they want to build it, then let them." Komanik whispered. "My husband, you must learn to compromise."

Before the Queen finished speaking, the large door swung open. Several Brittania nobles entered under the guidance of Iron Hammer Warriors, the wave of strong beer scent, tobacco aroma, and body odor slightly uncomfortable for them, yet they held back and advanced slowly, ensuring never to outpace the leisurely stride of their Iron Hammer escorts.