With the deal successfully concluded, the dwarves' vigilance waned.

  A large throng of them poured out of the city to receive the supplies.

  Karin led the ogres to establish a temporary encampment outside the city.

  The dwarves kindled bonfires, dug shelters to shield the ogres from the wind, and provided them with provisions.

  Given that Giant Sand City boasted a population of nearly ten thousand, temporarily catering to the food needs of ten ogres was a manageable task.

  Moreover, the ogres had voracious appetites and were far from picky eaters, consuming nearly anything put before them.

  The dwarf leader hastened back to the city and promptly directed the craftsmen to commence forging heavy armor for the ogres without delay.

  The quality and speed of forging this heavy armor were of utmost significance for the safety of Giant Sand City, leaving him with no room for laxity.

  After satiating their hunger, the ogres promptly lay down and drifted off to sleep. Karin seated herself on the ground, her back against the dwarf's city wall, her legs casually crossed.

  "Why did you encourage the dwarves to attack the Hot Sand Consortium?"

  The Dog Captain sidled up, curiosity getting the better of him.

  "If I were those goblins who'd been thrashed, I'd think twice before provoking such a powerful adversary again."

  "Not bad, little dog. You're finally starting to think," Karin replied with a grin, her eyes fixed on the Dog Captain. "

  Do you know that the chief has been constantly grumbling about the Hot Sand Consortium?"

  "I'm in the dark about that..." the Dog Captain responded matter-of-factly.

  "Right, we were occupied with serving the chief then, so naturally you wouldn't know," the succubus said, sitting up straighter.

  Since this gnoll, like herself, bore the Branding of the Rock, she didn't begrudge taking the time to elucidate.

  "Though the chief didn't voice it plainly, I can tell he's highly displeased with the Hot Sand Consortium.

  Additionally, from my observations, the chief desires to keep the smelting furnace operational around the clock to churn out high - quality iron materials.

  Consequently, the number of camels for transportation and slaves for labor is insufficient.

  Finally, when I inquired about what the chief wished to trade with the dwarves, he once mentioned...

  He said the dwarves would never consent to part with their craftsmen.

  So, we can settle for the next best option.

  If dwarf craftsmen are out of the question for now, goblin craftsmen will have to suffice."

  The Dog Captain's eyes widened in realization, his mouth agape.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  "Oh~~~~ Now it all makes sense. That's why you've been goading the dwarves to assault the Hot Sand Consortium's headquarters and insisted on having the first pick of slaves and craftsmen!!"

  Connecting this with Karin's earlier conversation with the dwarf leader, the Dog Captain was filled with astonishment.

  "So, it's not that the Hot Sand Consortium intends to trouble the dwarves; it's you who have your sights set on the Hot Sand Consortium!"

  "Precisely. Otherwise, why on earth would I journey all the way to the Hot Sand Consortium's headquarters? Do you really think I did it on a whim?"

  The succubus smiled coyly, exuding her characteristic charm.

  "Truly diabolical..." the Dog Captain exclaimed, clicking his tongue.

  "It was you who wanted to attack the Hot Sand Consortium, yet you made it seem as though the Hot Sand Consortium was gunning for the dwarves of Giant Sand City, dragging them into the fray. So devious..."

  Subsequently, the Dog Captain voiced his perplexity.

  "I'm confused. Why are you going to such lengths? What exactly are you aiming to achieve?"

  " You have the Branding of the Rock, so you no longer need to engage in... certain services. The tribe offers safety. What's the point of all this commotion?"

  The succubus was momentarily taken aback, then spoke earnestly.

  "I yearn to do things for the chief. I want to prove that I'm not merely a pretty face relying on my allure."

  " I seek greater recognition! I wish to shed this disposable identity! Don't you feel the same, Dog Captain? "

  "You're no stranger to ambition. Are you truly content with being a mere tail - wagging watchdog?"

  The gnoll gritted his teeth, his expression turning somber.

  "What can I do even if I'm not? I'm just a watchdog. In terms of combat prowess, I'm near the bottom in the tribe. Besides guarding, what else am I fit for?"

  Karin pointed first at her own brand, then at the Dog Captain's, and said firmly, "No, you're mistaken! Among non - ogre races in the tribe, loyalty now trumps all else, regardless of combat ability. "

  "For any race here, lacking the brand means being overlooked and unprotected, no matter how skilled they are. "

  "In other words, within the Dragon's Lair Tribe under the chief's leadership, below the ogres, the brand is the sole determinant, not race or capability. "

  "You and I are equals, and that's why I'm sharing all this with you! Dog Captain, by racial standards, as a demon, I should outrank you, a gnoll, right? "

  "But here, since you bear the brand, we stand on equal footing. The chief desires comfort, and that's our ultimate objective."

  " We branded members must spare no effort to clear any hurdles on the chief's path to comfort. And rest assured, the chief won't short - change us. That's what I'm trying to convey."

  The Dog Captain was left stunned, a long - dormant sense of enthusiasm surging within him. "Although I don't fully grasp it, I believe you're right!"

  "You don't need to understand every nuance. Just know that we branded members should band together and wholeheartedly serve the chief. "

  "There are many things the chief hasn't articulated clearly, but we must infer and comprehend. The chief takes note of everything we do, whether it's substantial or minimal."

  A solemn and almost saintly glow suffused the succubus's alluring features.

  The gnoll gaped in wonder, muttering to himself.

  Good grief!

  No wonder she can now command the ogres... I'm no match for her... I really am not!

  If Gorgin were to overhear these words, he'd be astounded and likely offer a word of approval.

  Is this self - induced motivation?

  I didn't say a thing! I just muttered a few words while lounging around...

  "In this battle, I aim to ensure the chief acquires his own craftsmen, enabling the smelting furnace to operate around the clock. The chief should be able to forge whatever he desires. As for the Hot Sand Consortium..."

  "Consider them unfortunate. They happen to possess everything the chief covets... They have no one to blame but themselves. Also, I'm not entirely misleading the dwarves of Giant Sand City. "

  "Can you be certain that the Hot Sand Consortium will simply swallow their pride? If they do, they'll lose all semblance of intimidation. "

  "The dwarves understand this too. Otherwise, why would they have agreed so readily? It's a matter of mutual benefit."

  The succubus extended her palm, and a dark - purple energy ball materialized in her hand.

  "This battle presents the perfect opportunity for us to showcase our capabilities for the first time, Dog Captain. If you're tired of mediocrity, then fight with all your might!"

  The succubus clenched her fist, shattering the dark - purple energy ball, and energy dispersed in all directions.

  The Dog Captain's eyes bulged in surprise.

  "Wow, I thought you were just an ordinary succubus. I never expected you to have such a trick up your sleeve... "

  "So, in the end, I'm the plainest one here, huh?"