Outside the Bluewind Tribe's stone wall, Chief Silvertooth patiently waited with Cindertail, who he requested to accompany him to the Northern Region.
He figured it would be easier for the Northern Region to capitulate if he showed them a glimpse of Hegemon Leonhardt's authority, and there was no better way of doing that than to use the Golden Suanni Clan.
Nevertheless, Chief Silvertooth didn't expect the Northern Region to be far colder than he remembered.
The last time he visited the Northern Region, it was cold but not freezing. Since that was the case, the Frost Mountains must be even colder.
Surprisingly, the Northern Region's tribes could bear living under such brutal cold.
Fortunately, Chief Silvertooth brought Cindertail along. With Cindertail's golden flames warming up the area, he did not feel as cold.
"How much longer do we have to wait here? Why don't we just enter and find the Northern Region's leaders ourselves?" Cindertail said with a disgruntled look.
"The Bluewind Tribe's sentries have already been alerted of our presence and sent the news to their chief. We shouldn't have to wait much longer, Paragon Cindertail," Chief Silvertooth replied respectively before requesting, "Please have a little more patience, Paragon Cindertail."
"If we were to barge into the Bluewind Tribe uninvited, it would provoke their hostilities and may impact the process of acquiring the North Region's allegiance for Hegemon Leonhardt."
"Although I don't doubt your strength, our goal is not to force their submission but to persuade it. So, we should try to avoid antagonizing them, Paragon Cindertail," Chief Silvertooth explained.
After Cindertail heard that, he no longer showed any more impatience. He didn't want to cause trouble for his lord.
...
Sometime later, Alliance Leader Hasaar-li and the northern tribe chiefs emerged from the Bluewind Tribe's walls with their crowd of warriors.
Shock, surprise, and stronger doubt quickly filled their ranks as they confirmed Chief Silvertooth's presence with the company of a Paragon-level Golden Suanni.
"It's true... Chief Silvertooth did come with a Golden Suanni... But why? No, how?"
"Right? The Mighty Whitewolf Tribe shouldn't have any relationship with the Golden Suanni Tribe, let alone THE Golden Suanni Clan, ruler of the Western Jungle... This doesn't make any sense."
Even so, it still wasn't as shocking as having a Paragon-level Golden Suanni for a follower.
That was truly shocking!
How proud were the Golden Suannis? And yet, a Paragon-level one was willing to serve a human for its master? Who would dare cause trouble in front of a Paragon?
"I-Is that true, Lord Paragon Cindertail?" Alliance Leader Hasaar-li sought answers from Cindertail, but he wasn't sure if he understood human speech.
"Everything is true," Cindertail nodded before saying, "As the nominal Supreme Leader of the Golden Suanni Clan, I give you my word."
"Even the entire Golden Suanni Clan has pledged its allegiance to my lord. What does a mere Infertile Plains amount to?" Cindertail added with disdain.
Plop!
Everyone suddenly fell back onto their bottoms with sheer shock after the revelation. Even Chief Silvertooth was no exception, as he felt weak in the knees.
"Why are you also shocked, Chief Silvertooth? Didn't you know?" Alliance Leader Hasaar-li asked with surprise.
"Fart! Of course, I knew the Golden Suanni Clan submitted to Hegemon Leonhardt! I just didn't know Lord Cindertail was its Supreme Leader!" Chief Silvertooth cussed in fright.
He wasn't sure if he had been showing Cindertail enough respect; he only hoped Cindertail had not been dissatisfied with him in any way.
Gulp!
Alliance Leader Hasaar-li swallowed his built-up saliva nervously before asking, "What message did Hegemon Leonhardt have for the Northern Region, Chief Silvertooth?"
Since even a proud Paragon-level Golden Suanni had given its word, how could they keep doubting Chief Silvertooth's claim?
The entire Infertile Plains was nothing in front of the Western Jungle's Golden Suanni Clan.
Chief Silvertooth smiled wryly at the ill-timed question.
He had intended to shock the Northern Region into submission with his lords' feats. However, he ended up losing his bearing and joining that shocked group.