The Deal with the Tiger

"These Freljordians are different..."

The leading man had his hair neatly slicked back and looked at the surrounding tribesmen with a scrutinizing gaze.

His name is Jessica, and in Noxus, he has a surname that can make a name shine, but for now, he is just an ordinary businessman.

These slovenly guys didn't interest him at all; what really caught his attention was something else.

"They don't seem afraid of us at all."

Jessica tapped the Noxus emblem on her chest and spoke to her entourage behind her.

"We've never heard of this tribe before. The Winter's Claw? From some backwater, where did they come from?"

His taunts drew laughter from his followers and also earned him a death stare from Winter's Claw.

But Jessica remained unmoved, staring intently at their hostile gaze like a lion.

However, this changed when the tribal leader, known as the War Mother, arrived.

"Stranger, state your purpose. If you are a friend, we have fine wine; if you are an enemy... could your hairy head serve as a suitable wine bowl?"

"hehe……"

Sejuani's attitude was not friendly. She didn't hear Jessica's mockery, but she could see the dissatisfaction of her people. She didn't care who was right or wrong; she stood with her people.

Udyr followed behind her, and Herren also arrived late, but he immediately noticed the Noxus logo on Jessica.

Harren calmly placed the newly forged Frostblood Renewal into Sejuani's hands.

"Let me introduce myself. I am Jessica, the president of the Black Crow Merchant Guild. We are just here to pay a visit. A new tribe has come to this area, and we have never heard of it."

Upon seeing Sejuani, Jessica's attitude softened somewhat; at least she no longer displayed the disdain she had shown before, and wore a formulaic smile.

"This is Freljord. Do we need the Noxians' permission to get there?"

"Of course not, that's your freedom, but..."

Jessica coughed lightly and shrugged.

"Our trading post is not far away, and we need to make sure you don't pose a threat to us."

"What do you mean? What do you mean by 'no threat'? Do you want us to hand over our weapons?"

Sejuani sneered, walked up to Jessica, picked up the Frostblood Renewal she had just acquired, and handed it to Jessica.

"Then come and get it."

Jessica looked at Frostblood Reincarnation in front of her. The chilling aura emanating from him made her, who did not have the bloodline of ice, frown slightly and her face felt frozen. However, she stubbornly refused to take a step back.

However, he also changed his opinion of the War Mother in front of him... As the commander of the outpost, he could naturally sense that this was a power that only the Freljord people with the icy bloodline could control.

Even the most powerful Noxian warriors would pay a heavy price to wield True Ice.

A tribe led by such a war mother is clearly incomparable to the other tribes they encounter here.

Seeing this, Jessica's stiff face twitched, and her smile became even more polite.

"What are you saying? Perhaps my words did not mean to offend you, but I sincerely hope that you can know that we came with good intentions. Like the other tribes here, we fear the threat of powerful tribes like the Winterclaws."

Noxians are afraid? Nobody believes that.

Herren stepped forward.

"From what you're saying, you have contact with other tribes here?"

"Of course, but don't worry, we know the boundaries. We just do some legitimate business transactions with the local tribes, exchanging food for minerals, and occasionally buying some high-quality furs."

"Oh? You bunch of merchants, what do you need so much ore for? To take it back to Noxus to make weapons?"

Herren said with a smile, and Jessica did not argue, but instead frankly admitted it.

"We are businessmen. In order to make money, we obtain raw materials from Freljord, hire people to manufacture weapons, and then sell them to the military. This is a big business."

"Well……"

Heron stroked his chin, glanced at Sejuani, walked up to Jessica, and asked.

"So, do you think our tribe could join this deal? As you can see, our tribe is very powerful, with hundreds of strong warriors and the most valiant war mother. Whether it's mining or fishing and hunting, we can reap considerable rewards. And we... happen to be in great need of food. If there were more Noxian 'local specialties,' that would be even better."

"Of course, or rather, we would be honored!"

Jessica's purpose in coming was to confirm that this new tribe posed no threat to Noxus's outposts... If it were a small tribe, she could easily threaten them and then bribe them with some petty benefits.

But the Winter's Claws were clearly not a small tribe that could be easily manipulated, so Jessica was in a bit of a predicament... but Harren just happened to offer the conditions he wanted most.

"but……"

Jessica hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting between Sejuani and Harren, her meaning quite clear.

To be honest, Sejuani was also puzzled at this moment. She had only gone this far because she couldn't stand the deal with the Frost Priest. Now, she was going to have to deal with wolves like Noxus.

But after thinking for a moment, she answered.

"Herren's words are my words; you can treat him as me."

"In that case, I have no more concerns."

Jessica smiled with relief.

"Then I think we can discuss the specifics of the cooperation."

"There's no rush. We'll host a banquet for guests like you tonight. As for the cooperation, let's discuss it after you've tasted our fine wine."

Sejuani, without batting an eye, described the banquet originally prepared for Olaf as a special treatment for Noxians, giving him ample face and conveniently postponing the cooperation.

After all, Sejuani herself was full of doubts... Even if she trusted Harren, she had to wait until she understood the situation before making a final decision.

"Of course, I'd be happy to oblige."

Jessica smiled and instinctively prepared to offer a greeting characteristic of Noxian nobles, but she instinctively withdrew it.

Even though these down-on-their-luck folks might not be able to tell the difference, it's better to be safe than sorry...

……

……

"Heron, what are you thinking? Why are you making a deal with the Noxians?"

After arranging accommodations for the Noxians, Sejuani immediately summoned Harren to her residence, and together with Udyr, the three leaders of the Winter's Claw reunited for a meeting.

Udir couldn't help but offer a reminder about this matter.

"The Noxians are cunning and adept at hiding their true nature... In Freljord, they may appear friendly, but if you hear what they do elsewhere, you won't think so... Heron, don't be fooled by the Noxians."