Warhammer: Return of the Dragon.

"Creon, how do you distinguish between gifts and bribes?"

Two wooden boxes full of gold and jewels, this was Marienburg's answer, and it was also the reason why Imrik hesitated.

Wow, these merchants seemed to have grown up smart. They didn't send the gold to the Norse barbarians, but instead handed it over to the Elf Embassy in West County, under the pretext of praising the Phoenix King for his help over the years.

The captain of the guard was alert. This cannot be said casually. Those in high positions must distinguish the dialectical relationship between gifts and bribes. Some things can be done, and some things cannot be done.

"It's called a bribe only if you get something done. Since you didn't get anything done and you don't ask for anything in return, it's naturally a gift."

As if somewhat surprised by the answer, Imrik looked at the captain of the guard for a few more seconds. He did not expect that he could make such a philosophical and double-standard statement.

“Can something presented to a foreign monarch be called a bribe?”

"It should... not be possible." Creon's answer was difficult. He didn't understand what His Majesty and North were planning. They had been hanging around in the border area of ​​Rickland. The empire was now facing internal and external troubles, but the elves were still watching the show and slacking off. It didn't seem to be in line with the policy that had been determined in the past.

The gift list and instructions sent by the embassy also clearly stated that Marienburg was not asking for support, but was merely showing respect.

With a sigh, Imrick vaguely guessed that things might not develop as expected. It seemed that Marienburg was still somewhat concerned about Colonni's attitude. If they gave the golden treasure to the Yankee barbarians, they would have to bear a serious stigma.

"Have you figured out the composition of the Yankee fleet?"

"The Sali and Skelling tribes, led by Ulfric the Wanderer and Egil Stirbjorn, and some smaller tribal warbands."

North handed over the intelligence he had gathered so far to His Majesty. Although he was a little disappointed that the plan did not succeed, it did not affect the overall situation.

This Yankee fleet needs to be dealt with, and as for what happens next, it will depend on Asuyan's arrangements.

"Ulfric the Wanderer...Egil Stybjorn..." Imrik pinched the paper, feeling it was interesting.

Judging from the strength on paper, the dukes of Laun will never lose to the Eternal Challenger and the Executioner of Khorne. When the Yankee barbarians faced Grandpa Batto, their best tactic was to first strangle the low-quality serf auxiliary army, and then slowly fight with the elite knights.

However, I heard that Lawn seems to be reforming the composition of the serf army and has signed an arms trade agreement with the Lord of Wissen, allowing the lowly serfs to take up muskets to defend the lady's territory... and by the way, sacrifice their lives for grandpa's finances.

"How did the Patriotic Army react?"

"The general intends to provide military assistance to Bretonnia, but with some not-so-subtle conditions attached."

"So Lawn refused."

"Well, the rhetoric is quite radical, thinking that Kislev is insulting the sacred alliance of mankind."

Holy Alliance of Humanity...

Hearing this word, Imrik couldn't help but laugh out loud. Even though the knight always talked about honor and courage, when it came to doing something that really lacked benefits, he would usually not put in any effort.

Their support for Northern Shield is not even as good as that for Stirling, one of the poorest provinces in the empire.

"Tell Marienburg that I will help them through this difficult time...but the area of ​​the Elven Port District needs to be expanded."

"This may offend the emperor."

North was not without worries. Establishing friendly relations with the emperor was an important matter at the summit, but His Majesty's recent actions seemed to be contrary to this goal.

"Karl is a wise man who will make reasonable decisions. He should tell the outside world the truth. If we are fast enough, maybe we can help Bretonnia? Haha."…………

On the Norse dragon boat, blood and skulls dotted every corner, and pieces of peeled skin were hung on the wall waiting to be washed by the sea breeze and become the next interesting decoration.

A tall man with a Mohawk hairstyle and a brown beard tied into a small braid. On the fine steel plate armor forged by Chaos Dwarves are skulls that have long lost their life. He carries an iron stake on his back, with human bones hanging on it, shining white.

The man sitting opposite Ulfric was taller than the Eternal Challenger. His mountain-like body was covered in brass plate armor covered with evil runes, and his eyes under the horned mask were full of anger.

Egil Stirbjorn, Chieftain of the Skjelling Tribe and Chosen Champion of Khorne, has spent his entire life killing in the name of the Blood God.

Egil clenched the skull cup in his hand and spoke to Ulfric in a tone full of oppression.

"You brought a lot of interesting toys from Kurgan..."

"Some mammoths that can fuck the shit out of Skelling's mom. I love these guys, the sound they make when they stomp on the weak is like the most beautiful music.

And the kurgan riders, they can't drive a boat, but they can definitely kill those holy grail grandfathers who are kept by whores in no time."

Ulfric's mockery of Egil only elicited a low laugh from the Khorne champion. The Skailin and the Salli, two tribes that also worshipped the divine dog, united and marched south far less often than they fought in the Norse Mountains.

Unexpectedly, one day, the opponents who had fought on the battlefield were drinking in the dragon boat.

Egil crushed the skull, let the bright red wine slip from his palm, supported his knees with his elbows, and took a half step forward.

"The Four Gods order you to kill the king of the elves. If you succeed, you will be honored as the Eternal Chosen... If you fail, you will be cursed forever."

The destiny of the Eternal Challenger is to kill powerful enemies one by one under the instructions of the Four Gods. So far, Ulfric has proved that he is a qualified executioner, but he is not the best.

Ulfric showed no sign of weakness and made the same gesture as Egil, staring into his angry eyes.

"I will kill him. This is my destiny."

"Haha, what did I hear? Do you really think that you can defeat the successor of Aenarion by yourself?!"

The successor of Aenarion, at some point, the forces of chaos began to call the eleventh Phoenix King this.

Each executioner wants to kill the Phoenix King in order to gain the favor of the Chaos Gods, but they are also deeply afraid of the incarnation of Asuryan.

Ulfric placed his hand on the sword of Torgard. It seemed like a good choice to practice with Egil before killing the Phoenix King. This is a tradition.

But unexpectedly, Egil's tone suddenly changed and he stopped laughing.

“I don’t doubt your strength, although you may not be able to defeat the Phoenix King...but you should understand that this is a war, not a duel.

As long as Oliveira reacts, he will immediately withdraw the legion from Nordland to support their monarch. It will be difficult to escape from the elves' encirclement.

But as long as you hand over the people of Kurgan to me..."

"Ridiculous." Ulfric interrupted Egil's words. They both had their own missions, and he didn't believe that Egil would really help. (End of this chapter)