The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 312: Volume 5: Lord’s Path - 4: Challenge

Chapter 312: Volume 5: Lord’s Path Chapter 4: Challenge

Palermo looked hesitantly at the long procession approaching from afar, and the horse-drawn carriage in the middle of the lineup, bearing the grinning Bear Head Emblem, was quite conspicuous. Without a doubt, that was the distinctive clan emblem of the lone and unique Caucasus Lord, a way, perhaps, to publicly sever ties with his kin in Cyprus City.

Recalling the warnings Princess Katya had given him, Palermo grew apprehensive, "This fellow may seem inconspicuous now, but he is certainly not a common person. I cannot predict what he will do in the future, but whatever he does, it will surely be astonishing." This was Princess Katya’s prediction about the Caucasus Lord, and while Palermo was not fascinated by politics, his business could not do without it. Since he could not separate himself from politics, he had to take the initiative politically, for only then could he convert his investments into profits with the greatest probability. This was Palermo’s creed.

Palermo now faced a choice, his plump face’s muscles seemed to be accumulating excessively, squashing his eyes down considerably under the pressure of fatty cheeks and bags. However, this did not affect the liveliness of his eyes. Since he was not a common person, why not make a modest bet on him, hoping this fellow wouldn’t disappoint him.

Palermo’s secret invitation surprised Komer. The deal had been completed; what remained was but the servants’ work. What else could be so important that this man would send someone to secretly invite him in such a furtive manner? Could it be that someone was plotting against him again? Filled with doubts, Komer followed a carriage without any markings and was guided along a side road well off the beaten path, where he met another unmarked carriage.

Upon entering the carriage, the spacious interior suddenly seemed cramped because of the other’s presence. Komer didn’t know if it was psychological or something else, but the inside of the carriage felt so stuffy that even the air seemed thin.

"Mr. Palermo, it’s a pleasure to meet you here, but this hardly seems a good place for a heart-to-heart. If Mr. Palermo has the leisure, I’d like to invite you to hunt in Our Caucasus, I assure you it’s more flavorful and stimulating than His Majesty the King’s Versailles Hunting Manor. And if Mr. Palermo enjoys adventure, the Damarlinsk Castle is a renowned destination for exploration in the kingdom, guaranteed to give you an unforgettable experience," Komer said, feigning the carefree demeanor of a prodigal son, a stark contrast to his appearance during the negotiations.

"Your baron, you truly have the leisure, huh? The Caucasus might indeed be a great place for hunting and adventure, but common people prefer a stable and safe life. Have you considered, Your baron, if there was a suitable place willing to take them in, would they still go to the Caucasus?" He shrugged his shoulders, an action that would seem elegant on a lean figure but appeared comical on his bulky frame. However, at this moment, Komer had no concern for the elegance of Palermo’s gestures, even if they were as graceful as a swan or as noble as a member of the Royal Family.

"Mr. Palermo, what do you mean by that?" Komer’s mind raced, quickly guessing that it must have something to do with those Immigrants. He knew without guessing that the prosperity of the Galle Plain must have tempted them, and the role Duke Zellin played was yet unknown, but Komer was certain it was not unrelated to him.

"Your baron, it seems your political instincts aren’t very sharp. That’s not like a Lord at all. Aren’t you aware that many people within and outside the kingdom are displeased with you for suddenly acquiring so much free labor? It’s wise to be prepared, Your baron. You should possibly start making some preparations," Palermo said with a trace of sarcasm on his face. Seeing that the other seemed utterly unaware, Palermo began to regret and wonder if he had misjudged him. A Lord without even this bit of awareness and vigilance would soon become nothing but maggots in the wilds of the Caucasus.

"Heh, Mr. Palermo, please don’t be overly anxious. Are you referring to some secret agreement between the Meine City-State and the Susoer City-State, those decrepit old folks, and Duke Zellin?" Komer replied, not wanting the other to underestimate him, and went straight to the point.

With a look of surprise, Palermo’s anxiety eased a bit. It seemed that the seemingly carefree man before him wasn’t simple at all; perhaps he had underestimated him earlier. Nodding, Palermo took a thick cigar from the wooden box on the table in front of him, and with a fine Magic Crystal Firestone that looked like a heirloom work of art, he sparked a blue flame between their faces. Pale-green smoke began to curl inside the carriage, disappearing into the gaps of the ceiling.

"Your baron, since you already know, I haven’t seen any countermeasures from you. Could it be that Your baron really trusts those fools’ loyalty?" Palermo said, enjoying the pleasure of the burning tobacco greedily inhaled into his lungs—a delight not easily perceived by everyone. His eyes glanced at Komer while his left hand, as thick as a carrot, tapped lightly on the window sill’s edge.

"No, Mr. Palermo, my information isn’t as accurate or sensitive as you might suppose. However, the behavior of those idiots indeed makes me vigilant, but if Duke Zellin indeed harbors such intentions, I’m afraid even if I am prepared, it will be difficult to prevent such things from happening," Komer replied, his expression seemingly relaxed and even nonchalant.