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"Are you kidding me! That old man is almost seventy and he’s actually going to marry a beautiful woman in her twenties. Is there any justice in this world!"

Since Catherine entered the city, although the higher-ups were wary of each other, the lower-level personnel got along well. After all, the War God Temple is the highest faith throughout the entire Orc Alliance, so they couldn’t openly confront each other. This is why I had to lure Catherine into making the first move, despite knowing she harbored murderous intentions, before retaliating. The vixen's seductive allure not only attracted the inexperienced young men in the city but also garnered support from many within the Magic Armor Knights. When news of the wedding was announced, it immediately sparked widespread outrage, with the anger levels rivaling those directed at the alliance’s notorious Casanova, Romeo.

"In the human world, just a few years ago, there was a famous grand mage who married a twenty-eight-year-old beauty at the age of eighty-two. You’re just ignorant; they were truly in love. What are you getting worked up about!" said one of the most furious Shamans. "However, Xuanfeng, it seems your treatment solved some of their hard-to-discuss issues, leading to this marriage."

"Rest assured, when you pass on, I’ll throw a celebration." (In memory of my once idol, Yang XX)

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The formidable Lion Clan knight's departure from Fontainebleau brought us some relief, but the situation regarding our city defenses became even more dire. According to intelligence from the human world, the Duchy of Langton has mobilized an army of twenty thousand soldiers and recruited a large number of mercenaries, demonstrating their full commitment. After all, while the Duchy of Langton is the closest nation to Fontainebleau, it is not the only country along the upper reaches of the Red River. Moreover, the Red River region has never been part of Langton’s territory; it merely forms its border. Therefore, to monopolize the trade route, they must quickly seize Fontainebleau, the sole strategic pass.

On the bright side, the Duke of Langton has refused the Radiant Temple’s suggestion to send troops for support. The specific excuse used remains unknown, but it’s clear that no other power will be allowed to share in this prize. Additionally, the first and second heirs to the Duchy of Langton seem to be at odds, which might lead them to split their forces, advancing separately. Such tactics, if not executed with perfect coordination, would create significant vulnerabilities, offering us a chance.

Regardless, our current military strength is insufficient. Keeping the Wolf Knights inside the city would be a waste, and relying solely on the Half-Orcs for defense is laughable. Moreover, we cannot expect any reinforcements. To secure the city, our goal must be offense, not defense. Only by completely defeating the Langton army can we achieve true victory. No fortifications or magic arrays can help here. To crush twenty thousand regular troops plus approximately ten thousand mercenaries, I need at least five thousand Orc soldiers.

No matter how talented Catherine is, conjuring an army out of thin air is impossible. Watching her train my Werewolf guards and Half-Orcs until they complain bitterly leaves me helpless. The Orc King and the Red, Gray, and Black Tribes clearly intend to take advantage of the situation and won’t provide a single soldier. The War God Temple has no troops to spare and wants to share the spoils. The Heavenly Wolf Tribe remains ambiguous, staying silent. My Snow Wolves are far away, and nearby tribes have already been drained of their fighting force.

Where could I find more troops? As I gazed out the castle window, I noticed the training Yaks and Mastiffs. Yes, although the Dog Clan’s combat capability is low, even below that of the Half-Orcs, and the Mastiffs are limited in number, the Yak Clan’s strength is considerable. Previously, I excluded them due to fear that involving this major tribe might bring in unwanted complications. However, I suddenly remembered a special tribe not under the control of the Yak Clan’s leadership, with whom I have some connections. If I could recruit them, they would be a powerful force.

After delegating my tasks to others, I left Fontainebleau again, riding Iceflame through the marshes and across the Half-Orc wasteland, heading straight for the Red River Valley where the Yak Clan resides.

Among the five major Orc tribes, the Yak Clan is generally considered peaceful, yet no one can overlook their presence. Their strong warriors rival those of other races, and in numbers, as vegetarians, they outnumber other races significantly. The Red River Valley is just one of their major settlements in the southern part of the alliance, with their population reaching over two million. Even the Lion Clan dares not provoke this vast race.

Regardless of their inherent nature, once someone reaches the upper echelons, their considerations shift away from humility and selflessness. Thus, I did not contact any Yak Clan tribe, instead traveling through the Red River Valley towards the mountains in the southwest.

After two days of trekking through the valleys, I finally reached my destination: a massive stone labyrinth.

"Moo~ Isn't this Little White Wolf? Long time no see."

"Shut up, Big Dumb Ox, don’t call me Little White Wolf!"

Emerging from the labyrinth was my target—the chief of the Minos Tribe, Bloodhoof.

Many assume that Minotaurs and Yak Clan members are the same, but they are not. While the Yak Clan members have horns and some even have complete bull heads covered in fur, their legs, especially their feet, are humanoid, with toes. In contrast, the Minotaurs living underground have complete bull heads, are hairless, have reverse-jointed legs, and hooves, and possess night vision. However, the biggest difference lies in their diet: the underground Minotaurs are strict carnivores.

These two races would normally not conflict, as the Orcs do not enter the underground world, and the Minotaurs do not venture into the sunlight. Yet, four hundred years ago, when a large number of Orcs returned to the north, the newly settled Yak Clan discovered a strange tribe living there. These people had the heads and hooves of the underground Minotaurs but the fur of the Yak Clan, eating both plants and meat—a hybrid of the two races.

During that chaotic era, numerous Yak Clans from various parts of the Mainland gathered together, facing severe shortages of resources. Under various pretexts, the persecution and plundering of the Minos Tribe began. The vast stores of food and supplies accumulated by this tribe helped many Yak Clan-led races survive the difficult period. However, the once-thriving Minos Tribe, numbering tens of thousands, was reduced to mere thousands, fleeing into the deep mountains to survive.