The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 279 - 20: Jellyfish People

Chapter 279: Chapter 20: Jellyfish People

In the tranquil gaze there seemed to be a faint anticipation, as Komer just quietly watched the shabby mage deep in thought, it was after a long while that he spoke, "Mr. Rebry, I may not be too clear about any treasures in the Great Swamp Area, but I believe Mr. Rebry must be aware of them. As for whether Mr. Rebry is interested or not, I think that is a matter yet to be discussed."

"It’s true that the Jellyfish People have a deep-seated enmity for outsiders, but that doesn’t mean they completely sever ties with the outside world. It seems that they too need traders to provide them with medicinal materials, and I have come to understand that most of the medicines supplied by traders are for treating a kind of skin disease that is quite common in humid and hot regions. It should not be fatal for mortals, but for the Jellyfish People, it has become the greatest threat to their lives. Perhaps it’s because their physique is different from ours, or perhaps the special geographical environment and climate of the Great Swamp have made this disease very severe. However, I know that this disease is actually not difficult to cure, the necessary medicinal materials are very common, and I also know that using some special White Magic to treat this disease can not only cure it immediately but also enhance the resistance of the treated individual, so much so that their future defense against the disease can be greatly improved. Do you think they would still refuse us if we possess these advantages?"

This speech left Mr. Rebry shocked and somewhat intrigued. It was a fiction that there were no treasures in the Great Swamp Area worth adventuring for. Within this vast area not only grew a variety of plants used for Water Magic, but some specialties were also high-grade materials for Water and Wood Magic. What kind of treasures the Jellyfish People had gathered in these waters over the hundreds of years was anyone’s guess. But compared to the risk of being antagonistic towards the entire Jellyfish People, these treasures seemed insignificant. Whether mage or adventurer, one must have a certain level of confidence to embark on a venture. An adventure akin to suicide is something no one, except for fools or madmen, would undertake.

"It seems that Lord Komer’s research on the Jellyfish People goes far beyond our understanding," said Rebry. "Indeed, I have heard that a majority of the Jellyfish People suffer from some sort of skin disease. However, it is unfortunate that I am neither a magic physician nor a magic pharmacist, as I have no knowledge of exactly what illness they have or what kind of treatment they need. But it seems that Lord Komer has already solved this problem. It appears Lord Komer has considerable expertise in using magic to cure diseases and create potions; may I be assured of this?" Rebry’s gaze fell on Komer’s face, obviously hoping for an exact answer.

The refined elegance of a noble was fully demonstrated at this moment as Komer nodded slightly with restraint, "Rest assured, Mr. Rebry, since Komer dares to invite you there, he naturally considers the safety issues. If even this cannot be ensured, Komer is not a reckless person and wouldn’t embark on such a futile act."

Feeling a slight warmth on his face, Rebry silently cursed the kid for being able to sneer without using a single swear word—was this not blatantly saying he was simple-minded? However, to enter the Great Swamp Area and catch a glimpse of the Jellyfish People’s territory, the truth or falsehood, was the greatest wish for an itinerant mage like him, who pursued the path of magic and took pleasure in adventures far and wide. With such an opportunity presented before him, Rebry would never refuse it.

"If that’s the case, perhaps I was overly concerned," admitted Rebry with a slight nod. "Then I shall await Lord Komer’s summons, ready to respond at any moment." With another nod, Rebry didn’t say more. This Lord Komer had profound thoughts, as intricate as those of veteran politicians who had been wrangling in the court for years, even considering the Jellyfish People’s weaknesses this confidentially premeditated. It seemed that this Lord Komer was determined to open up the Catania River passage, but it was uncertain what kind of changes this would bring to the whole situation on the Blue Continent. Should this passage be opened, the states and city-states along the middle and upper reaches of the Catania could easily use this river to reach the sea, which could bring unimaginable changes to the situation in the interior of the Central Continent, which had always relied on canals and land transportation.

Philip sat helplessly in the half-circular silver armchair, staring into space. The normally shining silver armrest now seemed slightly dull, as if symbolizing his current mood. The situation didn’t seem as good as he had imagined; although the navy had blockaded the entire midsection of the Nether Sea, it appeared that the situation in the Caucasus was not greatly affected. Food transport ships from the south continued to enter Mattdam in an unbroken stream, causing dissatisfaction among locals and Galle region food merchants. Watching such a large market being controlled by those damn southerners without being able to participate was distressing for anyone, and it seemed that Caucasus also had its first bountiful harvest. Although most of the newly cultivated lands were still virgin soils, this harvest seemed to have alleviated the food pressure on the Caucasus, which was rather worrying.

Yet these were not the main reasons for Philip’s disappointment and despondency. What made him feel angry and humiliated was the official announcement by the Romanov family of the Kingdom of Nicosia that the betrothal between Hoffman and Tracy had been dissolved, and it had only been a year since their engagement. This was a clear provocation, or rather, an intention to stir up his anger and make him lose his rationality. Although Zellin had written to him urging restraint, and he knew the Romanov family’s intention was to provoke him into an unwise action they could exploit to start a war, Philip still found an intolerable urge within him.

But now he needed to understand why Tracy hadn’t forewarned him of such a contingency, for he didn’t believe his daughter lacked any inkling about such a major event.

Duke, the county master reports she is unwell and needs to rest in bed. She asks to discuss matters another day." A flustered guard burst in and stammeredly reported.

"Unwell? Hmph, likely scared and feeling guilty. Tell her she must come today. I will wait for her here!" His eyes suddenly snapped open, and the icy glare made the guard’s own heart quiver; he hurriedly rushed out again.

Duke, at this point, calling the county master to discuss seems pointless. Since the kingdom has so blatantly terminated the marriage, it’s clear they are preparing to move against us in Homer. And look at those food merchant ships still brazenly transporting food to the Caucasus. Our navy intercepted them, but every one of them had paperwork from the Kingdom’s Ministry of the Interior. If we detain them, they threaten to complain to the Internal Affairs Department and the Star Chamber Court, which would give the kingdom an excuse to raise an army. But if we let them go, our embargo is worthless, and we’ll only be laughed at by outsiders."

There were no more than three people in the whole of Cyprus who could speak to Grand Duke Philip in such a tone. Of course, Marquis Surtz, as the military commander of the Homer region, was unquestionably one of them. He had helped the Duke lead Homer’s army for over twenty years, transforming it into one of the few elite forces in the kingdom. Although his prestige had suffered from the disastrous defeat at Leon, it did not affect his standing in Philip’s heart.

"What do you think we should do now? The kingdom’s Blue Dove Corps is also fully assembled. It’s impossible for our house alone to contend with the kingdom from any perspective, unless the Four Great Lords can unite. But Zellin is still urging me to restrain myself, and the two fellows to the north are now frightened by the beastmen’s ferocity, fearing they’ll break through the kingdom’s northern defenses and reach their territories. Consequently, they have been cozily aligning with the kingdom recently, even considering accepting the ’Utrecht Decree.’ Damn the beastmen. I don’t know whether to welcome them or curse them; they have caused me so much trouble."

With a long sigh, Philip seemed to have aged a few years. He found himself increasingly lacking in the spirit of exploration and adventure. Deep inside, he desired to maintain this peace, a mindset that worried him greatly. The more he felt this way, the likelier it was that trouble would arise. Now that the kingdom’s Blue Dove Corps was ready, there seemed to be signs they would use military force against Homer. If he still refused the "Utrecht Decree," either the Iron Cross or the Blue Dove might demonstrate the Central Kingdom’s sovereignty in Homer with military action, which was not something the present Philip wished to see.

Surtz and the man beside him who had been silent as if waiting for something exchanged a glance before he hesitantly said, "Sir, to avoid a confrontation with the kingdom under these circumstances, we must leverage other forces to pressure the Central Kingdom, making them realize that if we continue a civil war, the entire kingdom will face invasion by the beastmen, and the only outcome will be mutual destruction. Only this approach might deter the kingdom from such risky actions."

"Other forces?" He looked dubiously at his confidant for a long while before understanding dawned as he glanced at the silent man beside him and nodded, "The Church of Light, then?"

"Uh, yes, Your Highness." Swallowing with some difficulty, Marquis Surtz also felt that this nearly transactional affair with the Church of Light was somewhat discordant. However, it seemed they were the only power around capable of influencing the Central Kingdom’s decisions. If they didn’t prepare early, once the kingdom formally proclaimed a decree of subjugation, it would be difficult to ask the Church of Light to intervene.

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