Chapter 331: The Price of Diamonds

The region where the Zigrin and Fuchs clans lived was called Davor.

The Fuchs primarily operated in a network of mines connected to the Davor Abyss—the same place where Lann's team had recently fought. One of its tunnels had served as the battlefield's exit.

The Zigrin clan, in contrast, managed a few independent mines. Some of their members also cultivated underground mushrooms, hunted in the Black Pine Forest, and engaged in other activities, giving them a more diverse livelihood than the Fuchs.

Lann's mission was to work with the dwarves of both clans to eradicate monster nests near their settlements, ensuring that traveling dwarves would no longer be in danger.

However, when it came time to strategize, the Zigrin clan made an unexpected suggestion.

"To be honest, our clan hasn't been that affected by the recent wave of monsters," said Clan Leader Zigrin. "The scattered monsters here and there aren't nearly as troublesome as the swarms coming out of the Davor Abyss. You should focus your efforts on helping the Fuchs instead, Your Grace."

The sheer uncharacteristic humility in his words shocked not only Lann's group but also the Fuchs dwarves. The dwarves of the Fuchs clan looked at the leader of the Zigrin clan with deep suspicion, convinced that he was plotting something.

Since even the leader of the Zigrin clan had made the decision, and not even Gabor could dissuade him, Lann and the others had no reason to argue further.

Thus, Lann led most of his squad to join the Fuchs clan in their expedition into the Davor Abyss, while Geralt took a small team to assist the Zigrin clan in their own purge. Even if just as a precaution, they could at least provide some monster-hunting expertise.

"I think something's off," Geralt murmured, pulling Lann aside before they split up. "Even if the dwarves of the Zigrin clan were fortunate enough to suffer less at the hands of monsters than those of the Fuchs clan, it still makes no sense. Given the way these two clans treat each other, it's impossible for them to be so generous. Who in their right mind would refuse reinforcements, especially to hand them over to the enemy?"

"They should be pushing to get more of our people on their side," he added.

"But they did request reinforcements from Mount Carbon before," Lann frowned. "Geralt, in all your years as a monster hunter, have you ever seen a situation where someone puts out a contract, only to withdraw it at the last moment?"

The White Wolf thought for a moment before answering. "Plenty of times. If we're being optimistic, it's because the monsters disappeared on their own, and there's no need for hunters anymore. But if we're not… it means someone needs those monsters for something and doesn't want us getting too close and ruining their plans."

"Did any of those cases ever cause you trouble?"

"If I turned around and left, nothing happened."

"We don't have that option," Lann sighed. "If it's the second option... what would the Zigrin clan gain by keeping those monsters around?"

Geralt considered this, then shook his head. Instead of answering, he asked, "What do you think?"

Lann didn't reply. His golden, lion-like eyes simply shifted toward the Fuchs clan.

"I don't want to believe it," Geralt murmured. "They're dwarves… but if something like that is really happening, whose side are we on?" He hesitated. "Or do we just pretend we don't know and walk away?"

"We stand with the dwarves, Geralt," Lann said, deep in thought. "I'll get closer to the Fuchs. You stay with the Zigrins. Once their purge is done, report back to me with the details. Hopefully, we're just overthinking this."

…

After a brief farewell with Lann, Gabor left with his clansmen. Geralt nodded at Lann—a silent assurance that he had things under control.

Meanwhile, the Fuchs dwarves lingered near the Davor Pond instead of returning home, huddled together in discussion.

Not long after, Petrit Fuchs—the dwarf Lann had saved at the mine entrance—approached, bringing along his chieftain.

"Haha! Duke Lannister!" The bearded dwarf's booming voice echoed before he even got close. His laughter was like a hammer striking iron—firm and hearty.

"Let me properly introduce you this time—this is our chieftain, Tomor Fuchs."

A louder laugh followed. "Call me Tomor! No need for formalities! We dwarves don't mind!"

"I haven't even properly thanked you for saving Petrit and his mining crew! Just hearing about that battle was enough to give me chills. I didn't get to see you cut down those monsters myself, but I have no doubt we'll wipe out the rest of those brainless beasts with your help!"

Tomor Fuchs had the longest beard of any dwarf present. Several iron rings kept it from flowing freely, but instead of looking neat, it gave the impression of a giant broom swaying with his every word.

"You say there's no need for formalities, yet here you are being overly polite," Lann said with a smile. "As for helping—that's exactly why the Elder in chief sent me here. Besides, I'm sure Petrit could have handled the situation just fine, even without me."

"Ha!" Tomor gave his broom-like beard a hearty shake. "I wasn't worried about Petrit handling the monsters. But with the Zigrins around… that's a different story."

His eyes flashed with anger, and Petrit, standing beside him, wore a similar look of resentment.

Lann knew better than to comment on that. Instead, he attempted to steer the conversation elsewhere.

"Tomor, have you had a chance to read the Elder's letter yet?"

Lann's voice stretched slightly, laced with curiosity and expectation.

Tomor's anger toward the Zigrin clan visibly faded.

The bearded chieftain glanced around before shooting Petrit a look.

The loud-mouthed dwarf foreman immediately caught on. Without hesitation, he scurried off on his short legs, rounding up their kin and instructing them to pack up, leaving a space for Lann and Tomor to speak privately.

"Duke Lannister… I understand the Elder's proposal now," Tomor said. "You deal with the monsters and bring peace to our lands, and in return, we send our young warriors to fight for your nation. Then, depending on how many each clan contributes, you pass the corresponding diagrams to the Elder in chief. That's the deal, isn't it?"

Tomor huffed through his beard. "I have to say… it doesn't sound very pleasant."

"You're certainly straightforward," Lann chuckled. Unlike the Elder in chief, Tomor Fuchs didn't dance around the topic. "But yes, that's the general arrangement."

Tomor shook his head, then cast another glance at his people. Lowering his voice, he asked, "Duke Lannister, your kingdom—Cintra, right? How many warriors does it need?"

Lann raised an eyebrow. Something in Tomor's tone felt… off.

Could it be—?

The next moment, Tomor's expression turned serious.

"If possible, Duke Lannister, I would like to entrust you with half of the young warriors of Clan Fuchs," he said.

"And," he continued, stamping his foot on the damp soil beneath him, "I want your help… to blow up the dam at Davor Pond. Let the Yaruga River flood into the Davor Abyss—wipe it out completely!"

In just a few sentences, Lann found himself surprised twice by Tomor Fuchs.

"You're willing to entrust half of your clan's young warriors to me? I'm honored," Lann said, shaking his head. "But I don't understand."

"What baffles me even more is why you want to destroy the Davor Abyss. If I'm not mistaken, that mine is the backbone of the Fuchs clan's survival. You've even fought multiple battles against the Zigrin clan just to protect it!"

Hearing Lann's doubts, Tomor let out a cold snort—not aimed at Lann, but at the Zigrin clan.

"Our fights with the Zigrins weren't about keeping them from taking the mine's resources. We were simply defending our land and property. This isn't about profit—it's about our clan's honor!"

"The truth is…" Tomor sighed deeply. "The Davor Abyss is nearly depleted."

...

The diamonds from the Davor Abyss were among the finest in all of Mahakam and the entire Northern Kingdoms. Their brilliance adorned crowns, scepters, and holy chalices in royal courts across the continent. They decorated ceremonial swords and embellished noble attire. Even the dwarves themselves relied on these diamonds for their drill bits and cutting tools.

But because these diamonds were so valuable and practical, Mahakam had repeatedly pressured the Fuchs clan to ramp up mining efforts. Now, the once-rich veins were nearly exhausted.

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