The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 406: Volume 8 Gathering of the Storms - 5 Alliance of the Talks_3

Chapter 406: Volume 8 Gathering of the Storms Chapter 5 Alliance of the Talks_3

Komer’s candid words greatly surprised Hoffman; although the situation in Leon was chaotic, he had not thought it would escalate to such an extent. Could this man be an alarmist? But what would be the point in doing so?

"You’re saying that the situation in Leon could deteriorate even further, perhaps even spiral completely out of control?" Hoffman had to emphasize his tone to ask again.

"Correct, if Homer does not intervene with martial power soon." Komer’s response was equally succinct.

"Hmm, is the Caucasus assisting in this matter?" After some thought, Hoffman appeared to understand, nodding as he inquired.

"Oh, Your Highness, our Caucasus will definitely not get involved in the affairs of Leon, though it is said that next to the Leon Region, at the boundary of Muscat, a trade center has cropped up with a substantial demand for both weapons and food. It is not out of the question that slaves and mobs could be resupplied from there. As you know, we are short-handed in the Caucasus right now, and it’s difficult for us to take care of remote areas; I’m powerless to change that." A sly smile flickered at the corner of his mouth; winking at the other party, Komer’s tone was very relaxed.

"I see. This is not your fault, as the Lord’s Mansion in the Caucasus has been established for less than half a year, and these issues should indeed be resolved by Lord Leon himself." Hoffman gave a knowing nod, "But what do you think would happen if the Homer Army entered Leon? Could those rioters hold out?"

"Your Highness, you have too high expectations for them. They’re nothing but a group of untrained slaves, lacking both weapons and food; how could they possibly stand up to the regular army of Homer?" Shaking his head, Komer wore a dismissive expression, "Your Highness, do you truly place your hopes on them, expecting them to do something earth-shattering?"

"No, no, Your Excellency the Baron, I am not that naive. But if we can tie Homer up even for one more day by these wretches, it’s one more day of restriction and attrition to Philip’s attention—that’s exactly what we want to see, isn’t it?" A radiant smile appeared on Hoffman’s pale face.

"However, they might end up disappointing Your Highness," Komer said noncommittally.

"If we could supply them with more weapons and food, do you think the situation might improve?" Hoffman finally began to show his hand.

"Oh? Your Highness, the Caucasus has always been lacking food, and as for weapons, they are beyond what the Caucasus can produce. I have to import weapons for my own guard and still face various restrictions. Of course, if Your Highness could resolve this issue, maybe those rioters would perform better than they are now." They exchanged a knowing smile – it looked like Komer was about to unexpectedly gain something from this conversation. The feeling of being a lord could be really good in certain situations. "Oh, by the way, Your Highness, it seems you’ve forgotten your other identity – you are also Grand Duke Philip’s fiance. Don’t you think what you’re doing might be inappropriate?"

"Ha-ha, Baron, the kingdom’s interest comes before everything. Members of the Romanov family never lack a mistress; what does an engagement prove? I don’t see any point," Hoffman shrugged off nonchalantly, eager to clear himself of this matter by using the opportunity, "Princess Tracy is too presumptuous, and given the current relationship between the kingdom and Homer, what chance do you think she and I have left?"

A feeling of relief that Komer couldn’t quite articulate washed over him. Though he had long suspected that Hoffman’s engagement to Tracy was nothing more than a political ploy, hearing him outright deny any possibility still gave Komer a sense of liberation—as if a burden had been lifted off his shoulders. Even he couldn’t discern why he felt this way. Could there be lingering affections for the man within? Komer pondered the residual warmth in his heart, or perhaps it was the jealousy buried deep within that wanted to possess solely? The thought of this man atop Tracy, wantonly indulging himself, sparked an indescribable outrage in Komer; his sincere pursuit had been met with cold rejection, while this man could cavalierly toy with her and cast her aside like nothing. Maybe this was just the mockery of fate and destiny.

Seeing Hoffman with an odd look on his face as if contemplating something, Komer quickly brought the conversation back to the matter at hand, "Your Excellency the Baron, let bygones be bygones; Tracy is not suitable for you nor me. We must abandon what needs to be discarded with firm resolution, and I believe that’s a sincere piece of advice from a friend. As for the weapons and food supply, I think I can offer some assistance to the Caucasus. Since Mattdam has opened its port, I’ve seen fleets from the Freeman and Montague families moored there, and the Kingdom’s Grain Merchants are not limited to just Palermo. Although weapons are prohibited from trade within the kingdom, as long as we obtain permits from the Internal Affairs Department, I don’t consider that an issue."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but please consider the pricing issue with regards to the food and weapons; the rioters lack the ability to pay. If the prices are too high, they may struggle to afford them," Komer sighed softly, forcing himself to refocus on the matter at hand.

"Ha-ha, rest assured, Baron, the changing situation in Leon is in our interest. The people I arrange will certainly satisfy you." Hearing faint footsteps outside, Hoffman picked up the coffee cup as a sign that the conversation could come to a close.