Old World, Norsca Mountains, inside the Giant Mountains, in the luxurious guest room of Duolong City, standing on the balcony overlooking the mountain region.
It was late May, yet the Norsca Mountains remained blanketed in snow. This land, surrounded by mountains, housed the fortresses of the Norscan dwarves, located in the eastern Norsca Mountains and the northwestern region of the Weeping Mountains. Its geographical environment was exceptionally advantageous.
How advantageous?
Currently, the Norscan dwarves possess four kingdoms and three major dwarf fortresses, totaling seven fortresses scattered in a rough "大" (big) shape within the Norsca Mountains, surrounded by the mountain range. Only a narrow mountain path to the north provides access to this region. Thus, as long as this path is defended, neither Chaos forces nor barbarian tribes can break through.
Of course, this wasn't always the case. Once, during a time when the Norscan dwarves and humans coexisted peacefully, dwarf fortresses dotted the Norsca Mountains. The dwarves, encountering these primitive, wild humans, decided to teach them how to craft tools and refine metal. The cultures influenced one another, gradually forming what is now known as Norscan culture—characterized by heavy drinking, brawling, and loud, boisterous singing.
However, as previously mentioned, Norsca lies close to the Chaos Wastes. Over time, Norscan humans began abandoning their faith in the heroic spirits and the Old Gods, gradually succumbing to the corruption of Chaos. Those Norscan tribes unwilling to worship Chaos migrated south to Nordland, Kislev, or even farther regions.
Dwarves, however, are not a race easily corrupted. They possess a complete ancestral inheritance from Grungni and use their ancestor statues and rune magic to contain the winds of Chaos within stones for other purposes. This led to a rift between the Norscan humans and dwarves. The dwarf kings of the time ordered the relocation of all dwarves in the Norsca Mountains into the Giant Mountains, dividing into four kingdoms, severing and destroying all roads leading to the outside world. Enormous sandstone statues were erected at the borders, each engraved with a powerful master-level rune to protect dwarven territory.
For the barbarians and Chaos armies to attack the Norscan dwarves, they must pass through the narrow northern mountain path, which the dwarves have fortified with ten layers of defenses.
King Ryan, clad in royal regalia and a thick lion cloak, stood on the balcony, gazing downward. Thanks to the surrounding Giant Mountains shielding the land from wind, snow, and cold air, the dwarven territories managed to grow some highland crops like barley and a few cash crops, just enough to sustain themselves. However, food isn't the dwarves' only need—they also need alcohol. In that regard, their resources fall far short.
"Ryan, do you think the Norscan dwarves will agree to your 'Great Retreat' proposal?" The room's furnishings were peculiar—on one hand, lavishly adorned with gold, silver, jewels, rare furs, and top-grade sandalwood from the Old World; on the other, somewhat primitive and outdated, lacking basic water supply systems and various modern conveniences. There wasn't even a wardrobe, just a few racks, and instead of magic lamps, only candles and primitive flint fire starters.
The Lady of the Lake, dressed today in a gray diamond-embellished high-waisted pleated gown, wore the Eternal Radiance platinum and diamond crown on her head. Her platinum jewelry set blessed by the Emperor adorned her figure. Under her skirt, her soft pink feet rested in white fox-patterned slippers, her delicate ankles encased in sheer white stockings swaying slightly. She stretched lazily and asked Ryan, "Didn't you previously say the Norscan dwarves were highly resistant to rejoining the mountain kingdom system? Why are you now proposing the 'Great Retreat'?"
"Why not? Aren't over a hundred thousand dwarves worth saving?" Ryan remained on the balcony, arms outstretched, letting the Norscan wind whip his cloak and tousle his black, neatly parted hair. By now, Ryan's every move exuded authority. Years of victories and accumulated prestige had transformed him into one of the most powerful figures in the Old World. If the Ryan who once traveled through Nordland and first arrived in Bretonnia was a radiant divine sword, the Ryan of today was a sheathed king's blade. He had withdrawn his sharpness because he no longer needed to prove himself. Even so, the occasional aura that leaked from the "sheath" was enough to intimidate.
The Lady of the Lake found herself increasingly fond of him. She relished the joy of nurturing greatness. It was similar to when she had seen the potential in a weak, sickly, dejected Teclis after Hoeth had dismissed him. Sitting on a hard bed covered in white bear fur, she adjusted her gown, rested her jade-like face in her hands, and said softly, "But how do you plan to convince them?"
"Convincing them won't be hard, my Lady." Ryan turned to her, speaking warmly. "The fact that the Norscan dwarves spent over a hundred years building the underground river system of the Dark Rolling River shows they have long considered an escape plan for when Chaos encircles them or extinction threatens their clans. And we know what happened before—Supreme King Aesling besieged this place for a long time. So I'm certain the Norscan dwarves have been prepared for a retreat. They just refuse to admit it out of pride."
"That's just like the dwarves." The Lady of the Lake nodded, yawning lazily. She kicked off her soft slippers and raised her stocking-clad foot, its transparent fabric revealing toes painted with light green polish. Her arched, white, and pink sole was smooth and enticing. Satisfied with Ryan's recent attentiveness, she stretched comfortably and said, "But you haven't actually answered the question, dear. You still haven't resolved the fundamental issue between the mountain kingdoms and the Norscan dwarves."
"Isn't it obvious?" Ryan's gaze drifted momentarily to the Lady of the Lake's small stockinged foot before he shrugged. "What truly binds the Norscan dwarves here are two reasons: first, the endless mineral wealth; second, their unwillingness to submit to the High King of the mountain kingdoms."
"With that in mind, I've proposed three plans." Ryan raised a hand. "Plan one: the Great Retreat to the mountain kingdoms, joining High King Thorgrim. Clearly, this plan will be rejected outright."
"Plan two: the Great Retreat southward to live among humans. Both the Empire and Bretonnia have plenty of space to accommodate these dwarves," Ryan said, raising a second finger.
"That's equally unlikely. The dwarves generally dislike living alongside humans," the Lady of the Lake interjected, shaking her head. She then beckoned Ryan over.
"And that brings us to the third plan," Ryan sighed. "The Great Retreat to Bretonnia. As you know, we have several vacant dwarf settlements, including Mount Orcland and Blackstone Fortress. These are fully equipped fortresses, ready for immediate occupation."
"Classic negotiation tactics," the Lady of the Lake nodded repeatedly, now understanding Ryan's strategy. First, propose the most unacceptable plan—returning to the mountain kingdoms under High King Thorgrim's rule, which the Norscan dwarves would undoubtedly reject.
Then, suggest integration into human society. While difficult for the dwarves to accept, it would be more palatable than the first option.
Finally, present the third, more appealing plan.
"Come here, Ryan, rub my feet," the Lady of the Lake said, stretching out her stockinged foot. Ryan obediently approached, kneeling on one knee to massage her foot. As his hand touched the silky fabric and the smoothness beneath, he smiled contentedly. "And did you know, Belagar once built a large dwarven brewery at Mount Orcland?"
The Lady of the Lake nodded slightly, watching Ryan kneel before her and tend to her foot with pride. She adored seeing him serve her this way—it filled her with immense satisfaction.
Still, she knew better than to overdo it. Occasionally indulging in such playful intimacy was a couple's way of deepening their bond. But overusing it would cross a line. Once satisfied with his attentiveness, she gestured for Ryan to sit beside her. "So, everything is going according to your plan?"
"Not necessarily," Ryan said, kissing the tips of her toes through the stockings before sitting beside her. "But with a few ready-made fortresses and a large brewery, the Norscan dwarves will surely be tempted."
Since the recovery of Eight Peaks, the dwarves of the Angrund clan had returned to the stronghold in waves. This had left Blackstone Fortress and Mount Orcland largely vacant, with only Dugan Ironhand, his Black Powder Brotherhood, and Novigrad's Ironbreaker Champions—about 400 or 500 dwarves—remaining in Bretonnia. Ryan was confident the Norscan dwarves would take the bait.
"Hmm." The Lady of the Lake leaned against Ryan's shoulder. After pondering for a moment, she murmured, "That seems likely."
"And Morgiana?" Ryan asked casually.
"Morgiana is in the bath, doing her usual body maintenance," the Lady of the Lake replied nonchalantly. "Routine upkeep to maintain her softness, suppleness, and fragrance."
Though the Lady of the Lake often appeared stern with Morgiana, she actually treated her first Chosen quite well. Every member of Ryan's inner circle was provided with high-quality elven ointments infused with the Lady
's divine power, as well as essential oils and potions crafted from wood elf flowers and secret recipes. Morgiana was no exception. Whenever she had free time, the Lake Witch would spend at least half a day each week on personal care to ensure she remained appealing to Ryan.
The goddess smiled wryly, noting that Teresa, for instance, always ran out of these products quickly and would sheepishly ask for more whenever she had the chance.
Ryan suspected Teresa was sharing the products with Aurora.
From the bath, splashing sounds could be heard. Morgiana, soaking in a medicinal bath, misunderstood the Lady's earlier remarks as a summons and called out, embarrassed, "My Lady, apologies! I'll be done shortly, just need to clean up inside and out to be ready for later..."
"It's fine, take your time, Morgiana. We're not in a rush here," the Lady of the Lake replied. Turning to Ryan, she asked, "And as for the exclusive trade agreement with Duolong City, you're planning to keep it all for yourself? No sharing?"
"Of course, I'll share a little," Ryan admitted with a grin. "But you're right, my Lady. Most of it, I plan to keep. The profits from trading with Duolong City are simply too enormous. This piece of the pie is mine to keep."
"Aren't you worried people will accuse you of profiting at the expense of the people?" the Lady teased, intertwining her fingers with Ryan's. "What is this—royal trade?"
"This is tribute trade," Ryan laughed heartily. "My Lady, doesn't Duolong City's trade remind you of the elven empire's tribute trade system? The trade is conducted solely on an official level, with pre-agreed pricing."
"Similar? Hardly," the Lady of the Lake countered, trying to dampen Ryan's enthusiasm. "And do you really think the dwarves will accept being treated as vassals? If the Crimson Duke finds out, he'll be the first to turn against you!"
"Regardless, the trade with Duolong City is royal sea trade, and I must keep it firmly in my grasp." Ryan knew well that the dwarves wouldn't become vassals, but the arrangement resembled such a relationship in nature. Most importantly, Ryan could control the pricing and maintain a monopoly on this trade. It was a boundless source of wealth.
Ryan couldn't help but recall the tribute system of his previous life in the Heavenly Dynasty. While many viewed the system negatively—criticizing its unequal relationships and accusations of being "generous to a fault"—Ryan saw its true value.
At its heart, tribute trade offered two significant advantages: control over pricing and exclusive trade rights.
Simply put, as the Heavenly Dynasty, the empire dictated the value of all tribute goods. If the empire said something was worth a certain amount, it was worth that much. It was the ultimate form of "official pricing," and trade could only occur in designated areas and with specific parties.
This system generated enormous profits, far outweighing the apparent costs of generous imperial rewards to tribute-bearing nations. By controlling prices, the empire could sell its goods at exorbitant rates while undervaluing tribute imports. The profit margins were astronomical.
This was why the Ming Dynasty was so invested in maintaining its tribute system. The wealth it generated allowed Emperor Yongle to fund ambitious projects like the Treasure Voyages and military campaigns without bankrupting the empire.
Of course, the tribute system eventually collapsed due to two main reasons. First, the empire's strength waned—following the Tumu Crisis, its military deterrence was lost, and the "overlord" position became untenable.
Second, internal dissent grew. The officials and gentry, envious of the system's profits, convinced later emperors that tribute trade was "unfair to the people." Their lobbying eventually dismantled the system, turning it into the inefficient, costly arrangement it had been wrongly accused of being.
Ryan reflected on this history as he negotiated with Duolong City. The purpose was twofold: to secure the future of the eleven thousand dwarves endangered in Norsca and to establish a tribute trade-like system. Bretonnia could acquire desperately needed mineral resources, priceless rune weapons, rune equipment, and skilled personnel at incredibly low prices.
Once the royal monopoly on sea trade was established, Ryan could already envision the endless wealth pouring into his kingdom.
He even had a name in mind for this trade route: Azure Line.
"Ah, my dear, waiting for results is so dull. I'm bored," the Lady of the Lake pouted, leaning on Ryan and gazing at him with a clingy expression. "Why don't we find something fun to do?"
"How about I perform an aerial split and play a janitor cleaning decks and toilets on the Hyperion?" Ryan teased.
"Ugh, no! That sounds awful. What's an aerial split? And why would a captain be doing janitorial work? Is the Hyperion a new battleship?" the Lady of the Lake retorted, unimpressed.
"Then what do you want me to do?" Ryan asked, sensing trouble brewing.
"How about a little... exercise before dinner? It'll work up an appetite," she whispered mischievously in his ear.
"No way! Lilith, not now! Dinner's about to be served! You know how punctual the dwarves are!" Ryan quickly came up with an excuse.
"Ugh, you're no fun! Fine, let's go for a walk instead."
"That sounds better."
However, as soon as Ryan and the Lady of the Lake stepped outside, they were met by Grand Duke Thorgard and his Royal Star Iron Guard.
"King Ryan, good news! In principle, we have passed a resolution through an emergency meeting of the Ancestor Council. We agree to the exclusive trade agreement and have begun preparations for the 'Great Retreat.' We have chosen to consider your third plan. Soon, a Norscan dwarf expeditionary force of 3,000 will join you to inspect and evaluate Belagar's large dwarf brewery, Blackstone Fortress, and Mount Orcland."
"Excellent!" Ryan clenched his fist in triumph.
High King Thorgrim, what you couldn't achieve, I did.
How will you thank me?
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