Chapter 132 Truth and Awakening Late at night, the temporary Fortress Court…

Late at night, in the temporary prison of the Forge Royal Court, Green was chained to the wall, his face ashen, and his forehead soaked with cold sweat.

The eldest prince, Sorek, sat opposite him, his eyes as cold as knives.

“Green,” Sorek said slowly, “now, it’s time to tell me the truth.”

Green kept his head down, not daring to look Solek in the eye.

"Your Highness... I was truly thinking of the dwarves..."

"Enough!" Sorek slammed his fist on the table. "Are you still lying now?"

He stood up and paced back and forth in the cell: "Stonehammer has told me everything. The plan to massacre the city, burn down the granaries, slaughter civilians... were these all your ideas?"

Green's body trembled violently.

"I...I..."

"Speak!" Thorek roared. "You're giving me one last chance!"

Grimm finally broke down. His body went limp with fear, barely able to support him against the chains and the wall. Tears streamed down his face. "It...it was my idea...but Your Highness, I really did it for the dwarves! If we win this battle, we can..."

"Win?" Sorek sneered. "Are you sure you're in it for the sake of winning?"

He walked up to Green and looked down at him:

"General Ironbeard has searched all your secret rooms and ledgers. How much grain did you hoard? Three thousand sacks, enough to feed ten thousand people for three months, and you've hidden it all away!"

“And the evidence of poisoning,” Sorek’s voice grew colder, “you poisoned the food that humans gave us. Although I acquiesced at the time, I made it clear that it couldn’t kill anyone, just make people sick was enough.”

“But what about you? Not only did you administer a lethal dose of poison,” he pointed at Green, “but you also secretly poisoned the black bread distributed by the royal court?!”

"What?" Green suddenly raised his head, wanting to explain, "Your Highness, I..."

“Stop pretending,” Sorek tossed a small bottle. “This is the poison we found in your secret room, exactly the same as the poison in those poisoned miners.”

"You've prepared for both scenarios, haven't you?" Thorek's eyes were bloodshot. "In case the dwarves don't eat the food provided by humans, you'll poison the food we provide ourselves and then frame them for eating canned food from humans!"

Green collapsed to the ground, completely exhausted.

"I...I just wanted to..."

"What are you thinking?" Thorek pressed. "To poison and kill more dwarves, and then pin all the blame on humans? That way, war will inevitably break out, and you can continue to profit from the war?"

Green remained silent. That silence was the best admission.

Solek took a few steps back, as if struck by lightning.

He admitted that he did indeed condone the poisoning of food distributed to humans in an attempt to create conflict and incite hatred.

But he made it clear that no one should die; it was only to make people sick, just to make a show of it.

But what about Green? Not only did he administer a lethal dose of poison, he also secretly poisoned the food distributed by the dwarves' own royal court!

"Why... why use a lethal dose of poison?" Sorek's voice trembled slightly. "I clearly said that it shouldn't kill anyone, just make people sick."

"Why poison our own food?" He clenched his fist. "Those miners trusted Wang Ting, trusted us, but you poisoned them, made them suffer, and even caused them to die."

Green raised his head, a hint of madness flashing in his eyes: "Because only in this way can the war continue, and only if the war continues can I continue to hoard food and continue to make money."

"Your Highness, do you think I really care who wins or loses?" he sneered. "All I care about is the war itself. The longer the war goes on, the richer I can get."

"As for those commoners? Those miners?" A ferocious expression appeared on Green's face. "They were already lowly people! What does it matter if a few die? As long as I can become the richest merchant in the Dwarf Kingdom, their deaths will have value."

“Moreover,” he continued, “if the elves hadn’t intervened, my plan would have succeeded. In that case, everyone in the human camp would have died, and we would have continued to expand, so that their wealth, land, and minerals would all be ours.”

"I will become a war hero, you will become a conqueror, we will both..."

"Shut up!!!"

Solek kicked Green in the face.

Green's nose gushed blood, and he collapsed to the ground.

“You traitor who has betrayed the heart of the mountains,” Thorek trembled, “you are not doing this for the dwarves, you are only doing it for yourself!”

“You hoard food, leaving our people to starve,”

"Poisoning us and framing us has brought shame upon us!"

"Planning the massacre almost made me a sinner for all time!"

"What...what do you take me for?"

Green got up from the ground, blood at the corner of his mouth, but he was still smiling:

"Your Highness, stop pretending. Didn't you also tacitly approve of the poisoning plan? Didn't you also want to win this war and prove yourself?"

“We’re the same,” he said ominously. “We’re both ruthless and unscrupulous in pursuing our own ends. You’re just a little more hypocritical than me.”

Sorek was stunned.

Yes, he tacitly approved the poisoning plan.

He also wanted to win the war to prove his abilities.

Is there really a difference between him and Green?

“No…” Sorek shook his head, “It’s different… I did it for the dwarves, but you did it only for yourself…”

"Hahaha!" Grimm laughed loudly. "For the dwarves? Your Highness, do you really think you started this war for the dwarves?"

"Ask yourself honestly, don't you also want to prove that you deserve the position of crown prince? Don't you also want the dwarf king to see your abilities? Don't you also want to shut up those nobles who look down on you?"

“So,” Green sneered, “we are essentially the same. It’s just that I admit my selfishness, while you dare not.”

Solek stood there, as if struck by lightning.

He wanted to argue, but found himself speechless. Because what Green said... was partly true.

He really wanted to prove himself.

but……

“No,” Sorek suddenly said, “I’m not like you.”

"Oh?" Green looked at him sarcastically.

“Although I want to prove myself, I have never thought of harming my people.” Thorek’s voice gradually became firm. “Although I may be reckless, I would never poison the dwarves who trust me for my own benefit.”

“More importantly,” he looked directly into Green’s eyes, “I now know I was wrong. And you still don’t think you were wrong!”

"That's the biggest difference between us."

Green's smile froze.

Sorek turned and walked towards the door, saying without looking back:

"Guards, take him to the dungeon and let him await my father's judgment. From this day forward, I do not wish to see this filthy man again."

As he stepped out of his cell, Sorek took a deep breath.

The night breeze outside was both hot and cold, but his mind had never been so clear.

General Ironbeard approached: "Your Highness, have you asked everything clearly?"

“I’ve found out.” Solek nodded, his voice a little hoarse. “It’s worse than I imagined.”

"So, what are you planning to do...?"

“Summon all the generals,” Sorek said. “I have something to say.”

...

Fifteen minutes later, all the generals gathered in the council chamber.

Solek stood at the front, his face grave.

“Everyone,” he said, looking around at the crowd, “I’m sure you all already know the results of Green’s interrogation.”

The generals nodded in agreement, but their faces were grim.

“He hoarded food, poisoned and framed people, and plotted to massacre the city,” Sorek listed one by one. “What’s worse, he didn’t even spare our own people.”

“Those poisoned miners,” his voice trembled slightly, “thought they were eating relief food distributed by the royal court, unaware that it had been poisoned.”

“They trust us,” Sorek clenched his fist, “but we…”

The entire council chamber was silent.

“Your Highness,” an old general stood up and sighed, “this is not your fault. You were also deceived by Green.”

“No,” Sorek shook his head, “I was wrong.”

“I was too eager to prove myself,” he admitted. “I was too eager to win this war, which is why I was taken advantage of by Green.”

“If I had been calmer, if I had thought more about the cost of war, if I had listened to the advice of the moderates…” His voice trailed off, “maybe things wouldn’t have come to this.”

General Ironbeard stepped forward and patted Thorek on the shoulder:

“Your Highness, being able to recognize your mistakes is itself a form of growth.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” another general chimed in, “You are still young, making mistakes is not terrible.”

Sorek raised his head and looked at the generals who had followed him:

"Everyone, I'd like to ask you a question."

"Please speak."

“Do you,” Sorek said slowly, “really want to fight this war?”

The generals exchanged bewildered glances. These officers, who had suffered greatly from shortages due to human economic blockades and had witnessed their people fall into famine, were filled with complex emotions.

After a long silence, someone finally spoke:

“Your Highness, we initially advocated war because humans cut off our salt and iron trade, making life increasingly difficult for our people. We longed to reclaim our dignity and allow our people to stand tall like our ancestors. But now, to be honest, Your Highness… doesn’t really want to.”

"Why?" Solek asked.

“Because we also have families,” the general said. “I have a wife and children. What will happen to them if I die on the battlefield?”

“Besides,” another general said, “do we really need to fight for food? Aren’t humans already willing to sell it to us?”

"...If there were a way that would allow us to feed and clothe our people without bloodshed, and even... allow them to eat hot and delicious food...then the necessity of war might really need to be re-evaluated."

“Yes,” the third general chimed in, “those canned goods, sweet potatoes, tofu… they’re not expensive. Why must we fight a war?”

“Because…” Sorek wanted to say “because of our dignity,” but the words wouldn’t come out.

dignity?

Is dignity gained at the cost of one's own people's lives truly worth it?

“Your Highness,” said General Ironbeard, “this old minister has something to say, but I am not sure if I should.”

"Please speak, General."

“A true strongman,” Ironbeard looked at Thorek, “is not one who can kill many enemies, but one who can protect many of his people.”

“A true king,” he continued, “is not one who conquers how much land, but one who enables his people to live a good life.”

"If fighting this battle can bring a better life to our people, then we will fight it."

"But if fighting this war will only cause more people to die and more families to be broken, then it shouldn't be fought."

Solek stood there, silently processing what he had just heard.

Just then, a commotion broke out outside.

"Report!" A guard rushed in. "Your Highness, the humans...the humans have sent something."

"What is that?" Solek frowned.

“Food,” the guard stammered, “lots and lots of food, and it’s hot.”

Everyone was stunned.

"What?" Sorek thought he had misheard. "Humans are sending us food?"

"Yes! They said... that they were thanking us for our restraint today and hoped that our soldiers could also have hot meals."

Solek and his generals looked at each other in bewilderment.

They had prepared to massacre the enemy overnight, but now they were given a hot meal instead.

Is this an insult?

Or... sincerity?

“Let’s go,” Sorek said, “let’s go take a look.”

...

Outside the camp, several Hope No. 1 heavy trucks were parked neatly.

The vehicle was filled with insulated wooden buckets, and the aroma of steaming sweet potato porridge and Mapo tofu wafted through the night air.

Ah Hu and several young people from Hope Town were there, with Captain Gray standing nearby.

Seeing Thorek lead his generals out of the city gates, Gray nodded slightly from a distance.

"Your Highness, good evening."

Thorek stared at the barrels, frowned, and asked loudly:

What does this mean?

“Literally,” Gray said calmly, “Lord Ryan was pleased to hear that there was no bloodshed between the two sides today. So he specially sent us to deliver some hot food to reward your soldiers.”

"To comfort us?" Sorek sneered. "We are your enemies."

“No war has broken out today,” Gray said. “That means we are not the real enemy.”

“Moreover,” he looked at Thorek, “Lord Ryan said that war is a game for the rulers, but it is the ordinary soldiers who go hungry. Regardless of one’s position, it is always right to feed the soldiers.”

Solek remained silent.

Just then, Ah Hu came over carrying a bowl of sweet potato porridge:

"Your Highness, would you like to try some? We just made this today, it tastes absolutely amazing!"

"Why should I believe you didn't poison him?" Sorek asked warily.

"Poison?" Ah Hu rolled his eyes. "If it's poisonous, I'll drink it first to show you!"

As he spoke, he actually picked up the bowl and, in front of everyone, gulped down a large mouthful.

"How is it? It's not poisonous, is it?" Ah Hu wiped his mouth. "And it's really delicious. This sweet taste and soft, chewy texture are much better than the black bread porridge in your army camp."

The dwarf soldiers began to stir.

They hadn't had anything decent to eat for several days.

The sweet aroma made everyone's stomachs rumble.

"Prince, may I...may I have a taste?" Finally, a soldier couldn't resist any longer.

"Of course!" Ah Hu readily ladled out a large bowl for him. "Come on, everyone gets some, don't be shy!"

The soldier saw the prince nod and cautiously took a sip.

Then his eyes lit up instantly.

"Delicious!" he exclaimed. "Really delicious! This taste... I've never had such delicious porridge in my life. Is this what sweet potato tastes like? Sweet potato is so good!"

"I want one too!"

"I want one too!"

The soldiers rushed forward.

Sorek stood at a distance, watching his soldiers hold bowls and drink the porridge that the humans had brought them with satisfaction.

Some people drank too fast, their breath coming in gasps from the heat, but their faces were beaming with happy smiles.

Some people were crying as they drank, not knowing whether it was because it was too hot or because they hadn't eaten something so good in a long time.

“Your Highness,” General Ironbeard walked to his side and handed him a bowl of porridge, “Try it. I just had someone check it, and it’s definitely not poisonous.”

Sorek looked at the bowl of golden porridge and finally accepted it.

He took a small sip.

The sweet taste melted in my mouth, and warmth flowed from my throat all the way to my stomach.

At that moment, he suddenly remembered something from many years ago.

Every winter, his mother would cook hot wheat porridge for him and his younger brother.

At that time, they were just children, with only the title of prince, and not much responsibility or pressure.

He and his brother only needed to sit by the warm fire, drink the porridge their mother cooked, and listen to their father tell ancient stories.

Those were such simple times. Unfortunately, the relationship between the dwarves and humans deteriorated, his brother died, his father grew old, and he gradually took over the affairs of the royal court. Everything changed.

"Your Highness?" Ironbeak's voice pulled him back to reality.

Solek looked up and found that his eyes were a little wet.

"General," he suddenly asked, "tell me, what exactly are we fighting this war for?"

Ironbeard was silent for a moment, then said:

"At first you said it was to give your people a better life."

“But now,” he looked at the soldiers happily drinking their porridge, “our soldiers are eating food sent by the enemy, and they have more smiles on their faces than they have in the past few months combined.”

"So you think," Ironbeard countered, "was it war that brought them a better life, or peace?"

Solek did not answer.

Because he already knows the answer.

He finished the porridge in his bowl and took a deep breath.

"Issue my order to summon all generals and prepare for negotiations."

"Yes!" A look of relief flashed in Tie Xu's eyes.

“And also,” Sorek continued, “send someone to the palace to report everything to my father. Including Green’s crimes, including my decision.”

"If my father blames me, I will bear the consequences alone."

Ironbeard bowed deeply:

"Your Highness, you've finally grown up."

Solek gave a wry smile.

Yes, he's grown up.

However, the price is a bit too high.

...

As night fell, the camp gradually quieted down.

The soldiers, having eaten and drunk their fill, drifted off to sleep contentedly.

Many people are still laughing in their dreams.

Shi Chui was released from his place of confinement.

“You did the right thing,” General Ironbeard said to him. “Go back and get some rest.”

"Thank you, General." Stone Hammer bowed deeply.

He left the camp, but instead of going straight home, he went to the outskirts of the human camp.

Gray was standing there, seemingly waiting for him.

“Captain Gray.” Stonehammer said somewhat awkwardly.

“Hmm.” Gray nodded faintly.

“I…I’ve come to express my gratitude,” Stonehammer said. “If it weren’t for you, if it weren’t for Hope Trading Company teaching us the skills and giving us hope, I might…”

His voice trembled slightly:

“I might actually become an accomplice to that massacre.”

Gray looked at him and, unusually, said a few more words:

"Stonehammer, remember one thing."

"Please speak."

"A knife can kill people, but it can also be used to cut bread."

“I understand. Captain Gray, after the war is over, I want to… I want to continue learning more technology and then teach it to more dwarves.”

"Okay. I hope the business will support you then."

"Really?" Stone Hammer looked up in surprise.

"real."

Shi Chui nodded heavily. He turned and left, his steps more determined than when he arrived.

...

Meanwhile, the tents of Ryan in the human camp were brightly lit.

“Grey,” Lane asked, “do you think Thorek will agree to peace talks?”

Gray wiped his sword expressionlessly.

"Yes, because he has no other choice."

“More importantly,” Gray looked up, “a wise person is easier to communicate with than a stubborn one.”

"That's good." Ryan breathed a sigh of relief.

He watched Gray wipe his sword and suddenly laughed:

“You know what, Gray, I feel like you’re a completely different person now.”

Gray stopped what he was doing and looked up at him.

“When you first arrived in Blackrock City, you couldn’t even speak coherently,” Ryan recalled, “you just silently followed Lin Yue’s instructions.”

"Later, you learned to fight from the veterans who had retired from the battlefield and formed your own guard squad, but you were still incredibly cold and never said anything except to follow orders."

“But now you,” Ryan looked at Gray seriously, “are capable of standing on your own. Not only can you command battles, but you can also see the situation clearly and predict the enemy’s movements. You’ve become…mature.”

Gray was silent for a moment, then continued wiping his sword: "Everyone changes."

"That's all?" Ryan pressed.

"The battlefield taught me a lot, but the most important thing is that if you want to protect the people you care about, courage alone is not enough; you also need to be smart."

Ryan nodded and didn't ask any further questions. The "important people" Gray mentioned were probably Lin Yue and the people in Hope Town.

“However,” Gray suddenly said, “the real challenge lies at the negotiating table.”

"What's the meaning?"

“Sorek is just a prince,” Gray said. “The one who has the real power is the Dwarf King.”

"But as far as I know, King Ironbeard VIII of the Dwarves hasn't made a public appearance for ten years. So what about us...?"

"Wait, we've done what we had to do. The rest is up to the Dwarf King to decide."

Ryan nodded.

The night outside was deep.

But everyone could sense that an even bigger change was about to happen.

...

“Your Majesty,” the old guard asked, “Prince Sorek has decided to negotiate. What do you think…?”

The Dwarf King picked up a report, read it for a long time, and then sighed:

"This child has finally come to his senses."

"However, elves... humph!"

"It's time to end this farce."