The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 313: Volume 5 Lord’s Path - 4 Challenge_2

"No, no, with Mr. Palermo’s assistance, I’ve changed my mind. Since Duke Zellin is merciless, there’s no need for me to play nice with him." Komer replied with a smile.

Looking gloomily at the man before him, he had only intended to give him a reminder, but somehow he found himself being dragged into the matter. Frowning slightly, the chubby man asked, "Your baron, what do you plan to do?"

"Those fools think Duke Zellin can provide them with a safe and stable environment, it’s enough to let them know the people here do not welcome them. As for the particulars, I think Mr. Palermo should be able to handle them for me. I believe the farmers in the Galle Region wouldn’t like so many competing for resources either, just make them understand this point, and I think they should know what to do." Casually picking up a cigar from the wooden box and smelling it by his nose, Komer continued with a faint smile, "Mr. Palermo, please don’t frown, it makes one age more quickly. Rest assured, I, Komer, haven’t forgotten the aid of my friends, every bit you’ve done for Sault, I always keep it in mind."

Raising his chubby right hand, the portly man exhaled a thick plume of smoke, clouding the interior of the horse-drawn carriage and obscuring their faces. His deep grey eyes gleamed with satisfaction as they gently slapped Komer’s approaching hand, his mumbled words swirling in his throat, "I hope Your baron remembers what was said today."

Calminess returned to the carriage, creating an odd atmosphere. Komer did not suggest leaving, nor did the other man issue an order to leave. Both seemed to be waiting for something, yet at the same time, they found it difficult to express with words. The smoky space added a hazy distance between them, making them feel somewhat more at ease mentally, also allowing them to calmly consider some issues.

Palermo found himself developing a subtle fondness for the lord, whose eyes were filled with melancholy, weariness, and contradiction, reminiscent in some ways of someone behind him. Believing in his own intuition and various pieces of information confirmed this; the fellow was a mage, a Magic Lord. This combination was unheard of on the Blue Continent. A whole gang of bandits wiped out in the blink of an eye left him unsure how much to believe, but at least one thing was certain, this man’s identity was far from as simple as it appeared. Hmph, a rural lord, perhaps this stature was merely sheepskin covering a fierce tiger.

Political investment is always a high-risk investment, greater than any business investment. However, this was not the primary reason for Palermo’s willingness to help. He couldn’t quite put his finger on what was so captivating about him, but an aristocratic child, not even twenty yet, was showing shrewdness and calmness. After soaking in Versailles, this great melting pot for over half a month, Palermo could not imagine that this man had no other hobbies besides occasionally visiting bars for coffee and drinks. Common aristocratic pursuits such as gambling, women, hunting, and light conversation seemed to elude him, which was not only inconsistent with the rumors about his past behavior but also did not fit with the current restlessness of high society in the kingdom. Palermo would not have been surprised if he favored men, but because he showed no special interest, Palermo found him all the more intriguing.

"Mr. Palermo, don’t you think your investment is a gamble? I think the returns you’re hoping for from me might be hard to satisfy you, at least that’s how I see it. Once Duke Zellin learns the truth, I doubt he’ll easily forgive the actions of a distant relative," Komer said, returning the cigar to its box, finally lifting his dark eyes to scan the other’s chubby, smooth cheeks.

"Relatives? Haha, if the marriage and blood ties of several generations ago count as relatives, then half of the beggars on Jazair Street could claim to be relatives of His Majesty the King. Your baron, don’t worry about me; Palermo may have a big head, but he’s not stupid. Such matters will never be known by outsiders, and even if Duke Zellin knew, he’d pretend not to, as he needs me as much as I need him," Palermo’s large head swayed slightly, the few strands of hair on top falling limply with gravity.

"So there must be a reasonable explanation for Mr. Palermo’s willingness to help Komer, right? I can’t believe Mr. Palermo is a philanthropist. Since our deal is already done, and doesn’t seem to be worth taking such a risk for," Komer said, still with his unflappable demeanor.

With a harmless smile on his face, Palermo opened his mouth wide letting smoke billow through his teeth, lounging comfortably against the backrest, "Your baron, I simply don’t want to lose a friend, one who could possibly become a long-term business partner. Of course, I personally hope it’s not just business."