But it was precisely because of these armies that Gene didn't encounter any bandits along the way.

Also, with these armies, he was able to secure such low prices from the farm owners. Some wanted to curry favor with Michelle, but more feared the soldiers' military prowess.

Some farm owners once argued that the prices were too low, preferring to sell their goods to other conglomerates. Others claimed they had no more grain, only supplies for personal use, citing various excuses.

Yet upon seeing the army, they immediately changed their tune, showing enough compliance to him.

To some extent, Gene also enjoyed the power brought by the army, even if it was just bluffing with borrowed strength.

However, during his discussions with the farm owners, Gene sensed something was amiss: the Walter Conglomerate had started hoarding grain recently.

Regardless of the price issue, what about the grain?

He's manipulating the market, yet there's no sign of this grain flowing into Ovando.

Could it be his father was thinking of the Totnes channel all along?

But it didn't pass through the port, and taking the land route to Totnes would be a huge loss.

Gene quickly gave up pondering. He's already planning to use Michelle's sword to eliminate Walter and annex the conglomerate at the right opportunity.

It doesn't even require any strategy; he just needs to reveal that Walter has a unique daughter and trusts Michelle would be interested.

Gene appeared to have it all under control, planning to resolve the matter quickly.

Since Walter started collecting grain early following Lance's instructions, where did these grains come from?

These grains were deducted from their rations, meaning until autumn harvest they'd go hungry, but who cares about them?

Farm owners? Gene? Michelle?

Under the labor of free workers, the convoy took away the town's remaining grain. It wasn't enough to satiate his appetite, so the convoy headed to the next town.

Gene returned to his carriage, which seemed cramped compared to Michelle's.

But the bigger contrast was in Gene's attitude; his previous submissive demeanor vanished, his face turned fierce, his fists clenched, muttering under his breath.

"Someday, I'll become such a big shot…"

Ordinary people couldn't possibly withstand Michelle's overwhelming aura, but Gene endured it, proving how frightening people like him are; who knows what's hiding behind that smile?

...

After causing a commotion, the Wolf Fang Tribe's youth hurried back to the tribe, truthfully somewhat panicked due to being forced into the previous behavior.

Except for the priest, only he understood the current situation: a slight misstep could lead to collapse, so he must act regardless.

Upon his return, he went to the sacred site behind the tribe and found the hunched priest, explaining the situation.

"To sustain themselves, large tribes must plunder; previously, they relied on mercenary subsidies, but since Bastia cut off contact, they have to raid unless they wish to decline.

With my provocation, they should soon enter the fray."

After hearing the youth's words, the priest shook his head, "I think they still dare not act."

"Why?" Though curious about the priest's words, the youth didn't resist, proving he wasn't as self-centered as a Warwolf.

"You underestimate the Imperial People. If Count Bastia was so simple, he wouldn't have suppressed the Mountain Tribe for years.

You also underestimate the Elders' wisdom; if they were so easily fooled, they couldn't sustain the large tribes.

More crucially, large tribes will prioritize autumn hunting; failed raids reduce warriors, and less hunting yields can make winter survival difficult.

Recently, their actions focus on hunting; only with enough resources can they risk the Empire's raids.

Additionally, like our autumn hunt, the Empire has its autumn harvest; only after completion are they vulnerable. Otherwise, we can't take away crops still growing in fields. Should warriors harvest them?"

The old priest explained simply: large tribes need more resources for winter. They can't abandon relatively stable autumn hunting in favor of risky raids on the Empire.

It's really a life-and-death gamble; despite eagerness to raid, preparation is necessary.

"So, before the autumn hunt and harvest complete, both sides will constantly probe until someone exposes themselves, leading to real war. Meanwhile, we must endure pressure from those tribes."

With the priest's explanation, the youth seemed to understand; war is nearing, but there's still some distance.

"Exactly." The old priest nodded slowly, glad he listened; learning is crucial.

"Should we think of ways to propel the war?" The youth wasn't just learning; he directly mentioned the Wolf Fang Tribe's current mission.

"Then what should we do?"

The priest's question made the youth ponder. Ultimately, he shook his head, choosing to listen further.