Way of Overlord
Chapter 140: Opportunity

Chapter 140: Opportunity

As Aeryon walked through the settlement, he was met with a mix of greetings and respectful gestures.

His clans and the people of the Brolgadhr tribe were among those who greeted him warmly.

The Brolgadhr tribe, though it had grown in size since he became chief, still had that close-knit feeling from its earlier days.

Despite the expansion, his relationship with the original members of the Brolgadhr tribe remained unchanged, because of the bonds he had forged over the years.

Most of the commander of the warriors come from the members of his clan and his tribe.

Of course, Aeryon knows this could not continue.

If he continues only favouring the people of his tribe and did not relegate some of the important tasks to some other tribes that he had conquered, there will be problems in unity

He wanted to follow Genghis Khan example of promoting people based on merit

Genghis Khan might be the most terrifying conqueror that has ever lived in his time but he is also of the people that is ahead of his time

The feudal system that existed throughout Asia before Genghis Khan’s time primarily rewarded aristocratic privilege and birth.

But yet, despite being the son of a chief, Genghis himself despised this system, and as he swept across the continent he implemented a new one that rewarded loyalty and individual achievement on the battlefield.

And one of the other things that Aeryon wanted to do is outlawing slavery. The bitter and economic strain that slavery created could be relieved.

And Genghis Khan understood that

In history, Genghis Khan himself had also been a slave during his teenage years, when he and his wife Börte were captured by a rival clan.

So, when Genghis Khan began unifying the Mongol tribes, he outlawed the taking of Mongols as servants or slaves.

Though, he might not extend that to another race.

However, he knew all the changes he wanted to make must be gradual and he must not shock the people.

The condition of the Great Steppe of this world has some similarities to the Great Steppe of his world, but it is not entirely the same.

And it is not entirely different.

He needs to plays it by the ear, and play it by the circumstances

As he walks around the settlement more and more people greeted him.

The casual yet deeply respectful relationship between Aeryon and his tribe members is because of the unique dynamics of the Great Steppe.

Unlike the more formalized structures of regimes like the Yan dynasty, the tribe shared many aspects of life more intimately.

In times of war and battle, the chief’s orders were followed with unwavering devotion, because of the chief’s role as a leader and protector.

However, during peacetime, relations between the chief and the tribe members were marked by a casual familiarity.

Among those who bowed to him were individuals from tribes he had recently subjugated.

These actions symbolized both submission and acknowledgment of Aeryon leadership

Ttak!

Ttak!

Aeryon walks along the way, looking at the settlement, the snow falling, the wind blowing

Winter on the Great Steppe is a harsh and unforgiving season.

The vast plains, once a sea of green, is now blanketed in a thick layer of snow that stretched as far as the eye could see.

The landscape, typically teeming with life, appeared serene and tranquil under the pristine white cover.

In the territory of the Brolgadhr tribe, construction projects is in full swing, the scene was a fascinating blend of industriousness and the enduring spirit of the steppe people.

"There is also merchants of the Great Steppe" he thought and there is an idea in his mind but he did not expand on his idea.

Instead, he keeps looking around

Aeryon vision for a city, reminiscent of the grandeur of Karakorum, was taking shape against the backdrop of the winter’s chill.

"A city that would connect Yan and the Great Steppe. A trade center and a place for my tribe to exert its influence" he muttered.

The hustle and bustle of activity is relentless, despite the biting cold.

Tribespeople, bundled up in fur-lined clothing, went about their tasks with determination.

The clang of hammers against stone and the creaking of wooden beams filled the air as structures slowly rose from the ground.

It is a testament to the resilience of these people, who had not only adapted to the harsh winter but were thriving in it.

Large tents served as makeshift shelters for workers, where they gathered around fires, sipping on warm broth and sharing stories to stave off the cold.

Aeryon sponsored many of their food and that is why the meat and the vegetables in his own private supply is dwindling

But he did not feel pained by this at all. After all, to gain some things, he still has to lose some thing

The flickering flames danced in the cold wind, casting long shadows on the snowy ground.

Aeryon then decided to ride around the settlement to oversee the construction

"It is not like I want to go home right now" he mutters to himself. He goes to his stable and ride his horse.

Aeryon then oversee the construction personally, often riding his horse from one site to another, his presence a symbol of leadership and unity.

Despite the harsh conditions, his people worked diligently

He could see that because of the people hard work, the city has slowly taken shape, with walls and buildings emerging from the winter landscape like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Aeryon retreated to the warmth of his tent after witnessing the bustling activity of his people

Inside, the air was thick with the comforting scent of burning wood.

A large hearth stood in the center, radiating much-needed heat.

The interior of his tent was a stark contrast to the harsh world outside.

Colourful rugs adorned the ground, and thick furs were spread across the wooden floor, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

Aeryon settled into his favourite furred chair, its cushions plush and inviting.

Nearby, a low table held a spread of dried fruits, nuts, and a flask of warmed mead. He poured himself a drink and took a sip, the honeyed warmth soothing his throat.

The morning sunlight even though it is a little dim filtered through the thick fabric of the tent, casting a slightly warm, golden glow on Ayera face.

She lay on the fur-lined bedding, her dark hair cascading over the pillows. Her eyes, filled with a mixture of curiosity and affection, met Aeryon as he returned to their shared tent.

"The curiosity is bait, the affection is lies" he thought to himself

"Husband, where did you go?" Ayera inquired, her voice soft and filled with a hint of playfulness.

Aeryon responded with a gentle smile

He didn’t feel the need to explain himself in detail

Ayera, too, didn’t press the matter further

Both of them do not insist on each other and they did not force each other

Ayera tries to close the distance between husband and wife, and Aeryon tries to remain unattached.

Both of them have their own schemes and plot.

He sat down and close his eyes for a moment

"The winter is becoming colder"

Aeryon remained silent after his return to the tent, and Ayera, understanding his disposition well, did not press for further information.

There is only silence between them

However, the silence is interrupted by the arrival of a messenger.

Mayeux had something to say and decided to meet with him. Aeryon who already is looking for something to do quickly exited the tent and decided to meet with Mayeux on another tent.

Mayeux, bearing news of some importance, awaited Aeryon in another tent. Without the need for formalities, he began to relay the message he had brought.

Arriving at the tent, Mayeux dispense with all the formalities and quickly tell him the news that he got

"The Nurshira merchant could not come?"

Mayeux nodded. Aeryon hearing this smile.

"This is good" the words he said, shocked Mayeux.

"This is good," Aeryon remarked, his words causing Mayeux to raise an eyebrow in surprise.

There is a custom between Yan and the Great Steppe.

The custom of an appointed Imperial Court merchant visiting the Great Steppe during the winter months

This custom had significant implications for both Yan and the tribes of the Great Steppe. In his world, such a tradition did not exist, and it underscored the complexity of the relationships and customs in this new realm.

For Yan, this practice likely served as a diplomatic measure, helping to pacify the nomadic tribes of the Southern Great Steppe by providing them with valuable goods during the harsh winter months.

By facilitating trade and cooperation rather than confrontation, the Yan Empire may have reduced the likelihood of raids and conflicts.

On the other hand, for the tribes of the Great Steppe, this annual visit likely brought goods that were otherwise scarce or unavailable in their region, such as silk and other luxury items.

It could have also provided an opportunity for interaction and exchange with the settled Yan Empire, potentially fostering better relations and easing tensions.

And he was already having a headache on how to solve this.

Because he knows this is the kind of soft power that the Yan is employing upon the people of the Great Steppe.

Of course, since he wanted to unify the Great Steppe, he could not allow this to continue. But, how do he solve it? Who would have thought that now, the merchant could not come?

"This is an opportunity" he thought to himself

Aeryon is still standing and Mayeux waited for Aeryon to say something.

In the heart of the winter, when food resources in the tribe were typically scarce, the situation had become even more challenging for the people of the Brolgadhr tribe.

Historically, when faced with food shortages, the tribe had resorted to raiding the Yan Empire to sustain themselves.

However, in the past, the Imperial Merchant’s visit had often provided a temporary solution. They could purchase some necessities and even receive food bribes from the merchant.

But the dynamics had changed significantly.

The Brolgadhr tribe had grown into a considerable force with tens of thousands of mouths to feed.

Their supplies is now dwindling, and this year’s absence of the Imperial Merchant had amplified the food crisis.

Mayeux, unaware of the resources Aeryon had in his personal storage, was concerned about the tribe’s situation.

He had just begun to express these worries when the opening curtain flutters

Mayeux was not shocked

Aeryon was about to say something when suddenly his uncle and Belarion also burst into the tent.

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