Way of Overlord
Chapter 76: Envying the Young

Chapter 76: Envying the Young

Garron had many thoughts about Aeryon. But one that he noticed and envy the most....it is that Aeryon had time.

One of Garron virtue is that he knows himself

Garron himself knows that the way of intrigue that he had done in the years since he is in the Southern Steppe has given him a reputation of being untrustworthy.

That is also one of the reasons why it was so hard for him to expand because no one could trust him long enough for him to do any plots.

When he was young, he was also patient.

But as he grew older, he could no longer afford to be patient. Because time is running out for him

Aeryon, a young chief, possessed a valuable resource that Garron could never reclaim—the luxury of time.

How he envies that.... being young, feeling the whole world is yours to take

The realization both enthralled and unsettled Garron.

Aeryon had spared his life, acknowledging him as a formidable player in the grand tapestry of the Steppe’s power struggles.

Deep within, a flicker of fear danced alongside admiration.

"But even if he did not try to kill me, it is clear he still has very hostile intention" he thought to himself.

"At least this marriage would probably ease down his hostile intention" Though even if he mutter this, he did not believe that someone like Aeryon would let such marriage hold him down.

But at least if Aeryon wanted to attack Utgard in the future, he would think twice because of the damage he might inflict into his own reputation, attacking his own father-in-law.

This is the marriage of the high-ranking people in the Great Steppe.

Marriage serves as a tool to forge alliances, establish peace, secure territories, or consolidate influence.

The focus shifts from personal compatibility or romantic love to the broader interests and objectives of the parties involved.

Garron felt nothing wrong about it.

His father himself uses marriage as a tool to unite conflicting factions, prevent wars, create diplomatic ties, or secure economic advantages.

By joining families through marriage, leaders aim to strengthen their position, enhance their status, or advance their political agendas.

While political marriages may lack the emotional connection found in love marriages, they often carry significant responsibilities and expectations.

The individuals involved are expected to fulfil their roles as representatives of their respective families and contribute to the objectives of the alliance.

The marriage itself becomes a symbol of unity, cooperation, and mutual benefit.

He just hopes that even though this marriage is a political one, that his daughter could find happiness in it.

After all, when he married Ayera mother, it was also a political marriage.

But they found love in each other. They argue, they fight, they make up and they love.

He and Ayera mother find ways to navigate their roles while maintaining personal happiness

"In the end, the Fates is hard to change. But the sincerity of people moves the Heavens" he mutters to himself

It depends on the people inside that marriage. He could only hope that Aeryon would treat his daughter right

Tactic of marriage are almost a necessity in the Great Steppe filled with warring tribes

He approves of the marriage between his daughter and Aeryon but in his heart, there is always the intention to seize the land that Aeryon had taken.

In the vast expanse of the Steppe, power was coveted, and tribes vied for supremacy.

Garron had observed the Brolgadhr tribe closely and discerned their weaknesses, which lay paradoxically within their greatest strength—their reliance on Aeryon.

Belarion, Aeryon sworn brother, fought with unwavering loyalty because of their deep bond.

Mayeux, a talented strategist, thrived under Aeryon recognition and leadership. Without Aeryon, Mayeux could not have shown his talent

Aeryon, like a driving force of wind and storms, propelled the development of the Brolgadhr tribe.

Without him, Belarion would falter, and Mayeux’s talents would go unnoticed. The tribe owed its progress to Aeryon guidance and vision.

Garron recognized that challenging the Brolgadhr tribe as it stood would be a futile endeavour.

Right now, they are united, growing in numbers, and actively recruiting wandering warriors and horse riders.

Word had reached Garron through Ayera that small clans seeking refuge had flocked to the Brolgadhr tribe, enticed by the promise of food and protection.

The once small population of the Brolgadhr tribe had now swelled to an impressive size, bolstering their strength.

Garron understood that a massive construction project was underway

In the morning, he did come to the settlement, disguising himself

Garron observed the bustling activity of the Brolgadhr tribe, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of both admiration and envy.

"Aeryon only had a few days but he managed to already consolidated these many people" Garron believe this has something to do with Mayeux, that strategist of Aeryon.

His tribe did not yet have the time to consolidate the resources that they have.

His resources remained scattered and unconsolidated.

The stark contrast between the two was evident, further diminishing his confidence in a direct confrontation with Aeryon forces.

His tribe lacked the time and stability to harness their resources effectively.

The absence of a formidable warrior like Belarion, who could wreak havoc on the battlefield, weighed heavily on Garron’s mind.

He yearned for a force that could match the ruthlessness and ferocity that Aeryon embodied.

Similarly, the absence of a capable strategist and someone who could govern like Mayeux left Garron feeling vulnerable.

The lack of someone who could effectively manage the tribe in his absence further eroded his confidence in a head-on clash.

Garron acknowledged that engaging the Brolgadhr tribe in a traditional battle would likely end in defeat.

Aeryon own prowess on the battlefield was legendary, a force to be reckoned with.

Garron had witnessed first-hand how Aeryon deftly dodged arrows and swords, his relentless killing spree reminiscent of a God of War descending upon the mortal realm.

Such power was not to be underestimated.

Recognizing the true essence of the Brolgadhr tribe’s strength, Garron had devised a plan from the outset—a plan to eliminate Aeryon.

He understood that it was not solely Belarion who defined the tribe’s might, but rather their chief himself.

By striking down Aeryon, the Brolgadhr tribe would lose its edge and become no different from any other tribe in the Great Steppe.

Garron saw this as the key to levelling the playing field.

Drawing a parallel, he reflected on the Utgard tribe, a small clan surviving on the fringes of the Great Steppe.

If not for his father’s influence and leadership, the Utgard tribe would have been just another struggling faction in the vast expanse.

Garron recognized that it was the presence and strength of a chief that shaped the destiny of a tribe, elevating it above mediocrity.

"Today, let me make up my mind"

Garron still did not know much about Aeryon.

Garron’s anticipation grew as he awaited the arrival of Aeryon.

The meeting they were about to have would shape the future of their tribes and determine the course of their alliance.

With the plan he had devised lingering in his mind, Garron understood the delicate balance he needed to strike.

He desired to eliminate Aeryon, yet he also required his assistance for now.

"What a contradiction" he thought to himself.

Upon his initial arrival near the Brolgadhr settlement, Garron had purposefully refrained from meeting Aeryon immediately.

It was crucial to establish the proper dynamics and assert his own tribe’s autonomy.

Approaching Aeryon directly would have conveyed a sense of subordination, and Garron was determined to maintain his own tribe’s dignity and strength.

He also did not want Aeryon to think that his tribe is easy pickings.

Instead, he had sent a messenger to propose a meeting at his own tent.

This approach ensured that they would convene on equal terms, focusing on the important matter at hand—the marriage alliance.

Garron knew that this arrangement would not demean Aeryon, as it was a common understanding that their meeting would revolve around the discussion of the union.

Once the marriage was sealed, Garron would officially become Aeryon father-in-law, solidifying their ties.

"Waqu!"

Garron called out, his voice resounding through the camp.

Someone emerged from a nearby tent—it was Waqu, his loyal sworn brother. As Waqu approached, Garron greeted him with open arms, a rare display of affection between the two.

"Andawan, what’s the matter?" Waqu asked, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.

The camaraderie between Garron and Waqu was evident, a bond forged through countless battles and shared experiences.

Garron, still beaming with a mischievous glint in his eyes, whispered something to Waqu, his voice filled with excitement.

A grin stretched across Waqu face as he heard the plan.

The prospect of an adventure or an intriguing diversion always appealed to them, reminding them both of the vibrant spirit of their youth.

Garron is usually very stern and solemn. It is only when he is with his Andawan that he seems to regain back the liveliness of his youth.

"It is interesting" Waqu replied, barely able to contain his anticipation.

With a chuckle, Garron nodded affirmatively. "Let’s go!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing with contagious enthusiasm.

Without wasting a moment, both men mounted their steeds and swiftly rode away from the camp, leaving the hustle and bustle behind them.

As they ventured farther into the vast expanse of the Steppe, the wind whipped through their hair, carrying with it a sense of freedom and exhilaration.

The rhythmic sound of their horses’ hooves pounding against the earth reverberated in their ears, punctuating the excitement of their impromptu escapade.

Garron and Waqu rode side by side, laughter escaping their lips as they revelled in the sheer joy of their shared adventure.

For a brief moment, the weight of leadership and the responsibilities that burdened their shoulders seemed to fade away, replaced by the sheer exhilaration of the open Steppe.

Waqu has always been Garron right hand man.

But now, as they rode on the grassland, it was like it was all those years ago, in the Central Steppe, both of them against the world

Together, they embraced the spirit of brotherhood, relishing the fleeting respite from their duties.

In the company of his Andawan, Garron felt a renewed vitality coursing through his veins, a reminder of the indomitable spirit that had driven him in his youth.

As they ventured deeper into the vastness of the Steppe, their laughter carried across the plains, mingling with the whispers of the wind.

With each passing mile, their spirits soared

Their laughter echoed through the boundless expanse

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