The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 316: Volume 5 Lord’s Path - 6 Broken Dreams

Chapter 316: Volume 5 Lord’s Path Chapter 6 Broken Dreams

Narrowing his eyes as he took in the handsome fellow before him, Komer’s impression of the man diminished considerably. To think he would disregard his conscience to help his own master attack him; while understandable, it seemed somewhat out of line with a knight’s code. Komer never considered himself among those knights who possess a humble, just, proud, and conscientious spirit, but he still held genuine knights in great respect and esteem. However, in his view, truly chivalrous individuals were exceedingly rare in real life. More often, those who professed to be knights were actually wolves in sheep’s clothing. The man before him seemed to belong to that category. He could tell the man had some designs towards the girl who had burst out the door, but to agree with old Zellin to such an extent, even going so far as to exaggerate the truth in order to slander his own territory, was crossing the line of knightly principle.

"Hehe, Knight Sate, it seems to me that your words are an insult to the intelligence and knowledge of these representatives. Do you mean to suggest they don’t yearn for a better life? Sure, most areas in the Galle and Homer regions are more suitable for them, but those places already have indigenous inhabitants who have lived there for generations. One hundred and fifty thousand refugees might not sound like many, but they’re not few either. If they were truly to flood into these areas, wouldn’t that bring many troubles to the lords? Doesn’t today’s event prove just that? As Duke Zellin said, a baseless rumor can provoke such a strong reaction from the locals. What if it were true? Setting aside the need for royal approval, even if they were to settle down here, wouldn’t the refugees still live amidst endless attacks and fear? Besides, refugees without the kingdom’s recognition would undoubtedly be worse off than slaves; their lives and properties unprotected. Is that the life the refugees need? They might as well have accepted Boninski’s offer and gone straight to the Leon Region to work as mine slaves."

"Moreover, Knight Sate is right in saying the Caucasus Region is on the southern edge of the kingdom, and the barbarians’ lands lie to the south of the Caucasus. But the barbarians haven’t conflicted with the kingdom in decades, and all has been peaceful between us. As for magical beasts, I’m sure they exist everywhere, it’s just a matter of more or less. In the Caucasus, at least, I haven’t heard or seen reports of magical beasts intruding into our human settlements. Of course, to say that there would be no magical beasts at all in the remote mountainous areas, I believe, would not be possible even in the Dun River Swamps of the Galle Region. As for Damarlinsk Castle, I fear Knight Sate might be exaggerating a bit. True, that is the castle where the lords of the Caucasus have lived, and indeed there have been some issues in the past. However, I don’t think that necessarily means it will always be like that. I must tell you, after I return to the Caucasus this time, I plan to move into the castle at a suitable time. And when I do, I will have to invite Duke Zellin and Knight Sate to come and vacation in our Caucasus, to hunt and relax. Our Caucasus has a warm climate and an abundance of game, a prime destination for adventures and hunting."

In the face of the other party’s provocation, Komer still responded unhurriedly with a smile, his tone not deeming the other party worthy of a serious response. His sharp and caustic words were exactly Komer’s forte, leaving the young knight blushing and then turning pale. Clearly, Knight Sate’s eloquence did not match his combat abilities; faced with Komer’s biting sarcasm, he couldn’t find the right words to retort, instead fixing a venomous stare on the crafty bumpkin, internally resolving to pay him back if an opportunity arose.

"Hehe, Your Baron, your eloquence is indeed excellent. The decision to relocate the refugees from the three regions to the Caucasus is a matter for the kingdom. Although the Caucasus is remote, at least it’s a far better fate than becoming Beastmen slaves. I’m convinced you all agree. I am truly sorry about today’s incident, and I ask you to forgive my daughter’s earlier impoliteness. I had hoped you would feel at home here and rest, but I suppose you’re not in the mood now. Therefore, I will host a banquet at the mansion tonight as compensation for today’s regrettable events, and I hope you will grace us with your presence."

Since the plan had been exposed, halting this immature and poorly conceived scheme was an unfortunate necessity, and Komer believed the others felt the same. It was a shame to lose the opportunity to profit handsomely from this group of wealthy lower-class people. The silver-haired old man could now be certain that today’s commotion was related to the nonchalant bumpkin before him, although at this moment, he couldn’t ascertain which powerful individual within his territory had managed to stir up such a storm without his knowledge, whether it was to hinder his acceptance of these wealthy refugees for a substantial profit, or if it was a kingdom-sanctioned plot intended to provoke an incident that would damage his reputation. If it was the latter, that deserved his deep contemplation.

With six hours left before the banquet, there was plenty of time. The representatives from Meine and Susoer politely declined the lord’s cordial invitation, needing to return to their people’s dwellings outside the city first, to explain today’s events to the part of the wealthy merchants and landlords who were eager to live on the Galle Plain. Duke Zellin’s last words undoubtedly marked the end of this covert plot.