My Kingdom Building Done Right!-Chapter 51: The Price For Power

"Thank you for giving me an opportunity to talk with you, Sir Leone," Kael said in a respectful tone. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"The Riverfang Tribe is my ally. It’s my responsibility to discuss important matters with you,," Leone said. His features were still obscured by wolf pelt clothing and a mask, keeping his origins a secret from Kael.

The venue of their discussion was a small cavern Maximus had dug a few days ago out of boredom.

Kael had requested a private audience, but Maximus and Arion were there to ensure that the old man wouldn’t do anything funny to their Master.

"Sir Leone, I won’t beat around the bush. Were you the one who helped the Alborin Tribe repel the raid of Arlo and his allies?"

"I only helped a bit," Leone answered. "The Alborin Tribe was brave warriors, and they fought with everything they had. Their courage had helped them overcome Arlo’s forces."

Ulric was undoubtedly a strong warrior. But it was simply impossible for the Alborin Tribe to defeat a stronger, more powerful force on just their own.

"Then I’ll be direct, Sir Leone," Kael said. "Those Raptors that belong to the Alborin Tribe and the one gifted to me... are you the one who procured them?"

"Yes," Leone replied.

"I knew it!" Kael smiled. "I’ve lived in the Borderlands all my life, yet never have I seen such creatures. If I may ask, where did you get them and how? Of course, I’m willing to pay for this piece of information."

If all the warriors of his tribe also had those mounts, they wouldn’t have to worry about the other weaker tribes bullying them again.

"I cannot tell you how I procured them." Leone crossed his arms over his chest. "All you need to know is that I can get them whenever I want to. Well, they have stronger variants. But I don’t think you can offer a fair price for them."

Kael didn’t even notice his own clenched fists, nor his eyes that fervently stared at Leone as if he were a treasure chest that would let him and the Riverfang Tribe soar to greater heights.

"Are these two beasts something you procured as well?" Kael asked cautiously. "They look incredibly strong and fierce. I’m sure they also played a role in Arlo’s defeat."

"You can think of it that way," Leone replied without hesitation. "But in their case, it’s more like I gave them the power to grow strong. Given time, I believe the two of them will overpower the Lord of the Grimjaw Mountain."

Kael drew in a deep breath after hearing Leone’s words. He was already old enough to tell apart lies from the truth. From what he could see, Leone meant those words.

Seeing his reaction, a faint smile appeared on Leone’s face. But since he was wearing a mask, the chieftain couldn’t see it.

"You’ve seen Ulric, right?" Leone asked. "He looks younger... and stronger than before. Fury was also obtained through me."

The more Leone spoke, the more Kael’s eyes grew bloodshot. Ulric indeed looked younger and sharper than ever.

Not to mention, the Dire Bear was a true monstrosity. He even believed that no warrior among the tribes in the Borderlands had the strength to fight the Dire Bear in a one-on-one battle.

"Of course, Ulric paid a price for this power," Leone said in a serious tone. "For the safety of his tribe, he decided to make me his Lord. His determination was naturally well-received, and I bestowed upon him and the Alborin Tribe the power they needed to survive."

"T-Then, can you also bestow that power upon my tribe and me?" Kael asked hoarsely.

"I can," Leone didn’t bat an eye and gave his answer. "But this will not come free. I will only bestow power upon those who swear their absolute loyalty and allegiance to me. As the Chieftain of the Riverfang Tribe, that will mean your people will become my subjects as well.

"My words will hold more importance than yours. But in exchange, I will give them power. As long as they stand by my side, they will only grow stronger.

"You’ve noticed it, haven’t you? The Alborin Tribe doesn’t have many warriors, but they are all stronger than yours."

Some of his missions increased the stat parameters of the entire Alborin Tribe, so they had grown much more powerful than before.

Of course, they knew this power came from Leone, and they were very thankful for it.

"I-I... will talk to my people," Kael said. "I cannot make this decision alone."

"Had you agreed without their opinion, I would have looked down on you," Leone stated. "It is alright to desire strength. It is alright to be selfish. But that doesn’t apply to you, for you are the chieftain of a tribe. So go and talk to them."

"What if they disagree?" Kael asked anxiously. "Will you kick us out of the Grimjaw Mountain?"

"No." Leone shook his head. "Nothing will change. But you’ll have to watch the Alborin Tribe grow stronger every day and soon leave the Riverfang Tribe in the dust."

The young man paused for a bit before continuing his words.

"But remember this," Leone added. "I am certain Ulric and the warriors can bring the Black Wolf Tribe here safe and sound. You’ll be of the same status when the time comes."

"But if they choose to make me their Liege Lord, they will gain the same footing as the Alborin Tribe. They will be equals and grow stronger together. With my power, I can heal Jason and make him a fine chieftain and warrior."

Leone had heard the young man’s discussion with Yuni.

Jason truly cared for the Alborin Tribe and even wished they wouldn’t be surpassed by the Riverfang Tribe as his strongest supporter.

He was also qualified to become Leone’s vassal, and his Favorability Rating was at 50%.

Given his attitude, he certainly wouldn’t hesitate to take the final step and accept vassalship from Leone, making the Black Wolf Tribe one of the latter’s retainers.

Kael also understood the implication of Leone’s words. But he still had something to ask, so he took the chance.

"By the way, Sir Leone, are you already married?" Kael asked.

It wasn’t uncommon for the chieftain of tribes to have more than one wife, just like noble families.

Marriage alliances were very common among their people, believing only blood ties could stand the test of time.

"I’m still single," Leone admitted.

"Then have Ulric made any arrangement to wed you to Yuni?" Kael inquired.

"He has done nothing of the sort."

"R-Really?"

"Yes."

Kael didn’t know why Ulric hadn’t taken advantage of this opportunity to make the man in front of him his son-in-law.

If Yuni became the First Wife, then her position would be unshakable!

Of course, he wasn’t aware that Ulric and Yuni already knew what kind of person Leone was. He was like a lion that didn’t want to be tied down.

All he wanted was to be free and go wherever his legs could take him. He needed this freedom to reach a goal no one dared to even conceive.

And that was to build a kingdom in the Borderlands that would stand the test of time!

The Chieftain of the Riverfang Tribe coughed lightly and took a leap of faith.

"Then are you open to marriage?" Kael asked. "I have a few grandchildren who are of age. Maybe you’d like to meet them? They are not the least bit inferior to Yuni’s beauty."

Leone already expected the honey trap, which almost made him laugh out loud. However, he kept his cool and simply gave his honest answer.

"Truth be told, marriage is not on my mind right now," Leone replied. "My goal is to create a place where everyone can live in peace. Right now, the Borderlands is far from peaceful. I have no time to entertain flights of fancy, for my goal is to continue to grow and expand my territory."

Kael couldn’t help but be awed by the young man’s words. Very few men had this kind of drive and ambition at his age.

This made him even more anxious. He feared that the Black Wolf Tribe might beat him into becoming Leone’s second Vassal Tribe.

If that were to really happen, they would be pushed further down the pecking order!

"Thank you for your time, Sir Leone," Kael said. "Time waits for no one, so I shall make haste and hold a meeting with my tribe. Please look forward to some good news!"

"I’ll be waiting then." Leone nodded.

After their talk ended, the chieftain of the Riverfang Tribe hurried to return to the barracks, where his people were gathered.

He understood that if he couldn’t convince his people to be part of Leone’s grand undertaking, they would be left behind in the dust, with no one even mentioning their name in the pages of history.