The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 409: Volume 8 Gathering of the Storms - 5 Alliance of the Talks_3

Chapter 409: Volume 8 Gathering of the Storms Chapter 5 Alliance of the Talks_3

Komer’s candid words took Hoffman by surprise; he thought the situation in Leon was chaotic, but not to the point of utter loss of control. Could this fellow be exaggerating? But what purpose would that serve?

"Are you saying the situation in Leon could further deteriorate, perhaps even spiral completely out of control?" Hoffman asked again, emphasizing his words.

"That’s right, if the Army of Homer doesn’t intervene with martial power soon," Komer replied, his answer equally brief.

"Hmm, does the Caucasus have any involvement in this?" Mulling this over for a moment, Hoffman seemed to catch on and nodded as he inquired.

"Oh, Your Highness, Our Caucasus would never interfere with the situation in Leon. Certainly, I’ve heard that the border region adjacent to the Leon Region, Muscat, has become a trade center where there is a great demand for weapons and food. It’s not out of the question that the slaves and the mob might receive supplies from there. You know, we in the Caucasus have so few people now that it’s difficult for us to take care of remote areas; I’m powerless regarding this matter." A sly smile passed over his lips, and with a wink to the other party, Komer spoke in a very relaxed tone.

"I see, this cannot be blamed on you. The Caucasus Prefecture has only been established for less than half a year, and these problems should really be solved by Lord Leon himself," Hoffman nodded in understanding. "But what do you think if the Homer Army were to enter Leon? Could those mobs hold out?"

"Your Highness, you have too high expectations for them. They’re nothing but a group of untrained slaves, lacking weapons, with no food. How could they possibly contend with the regular army of Homer?" Shaking his head, Komer’s face betrayed a dismissive expression. "Did Your Highness truly pin your hopes on them, expecting them to perform some earth-shattering deed?"

"No, no, Your Baron, I’m not that naive. If we can have those wretches hold Homer back even one more day, that’s a day gained, allowing us more opportunity to restrain and drain Philip’s attention. Isn’t that exactly what we hope to see?" A bright smile spread across Hoffman’s fair face.

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

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

"Oh? Your Highness, the Caucasus has always had a lack of food, and as for weapons, we can’t produce them. Even my own guard needs to import them from outside, and that too comes with restrictions. Of course, if Your Highness can solve this problem, I think perhaps those rioters could perform better than they currently do." They exchanged a knowing smile, and Komer nodded; it seemed this time the other party would bring some unexpected gain his way. Being a lord felt good in certain situations, "Oh, and by the way, Your Highness, you seem to have forgotten your other identity. You’re still Grand Duke Philip’s fiance. Doesn’t this seem improper to you?"

"Heh, Your Baron, the interests of the kingdom come above all else. The Romanov family has never lacked for a mistress. How could an engagement prove anything? I see no problem there." Hoffman shrugged nonchalantly, eager to use the opportunity to distance himself from the issue, "Princess Tracy is too presumptuous. Besides, given the current relationship between the kingdom and Homer, Your Baron, do you really think there’s much chance left for me and her?"

Komer felt an indescribable sense of relief. Although he had long suspected that Hoffman’s engagement to Tracy was nothing but a political maneuver, hearing the other party outright deny the possibility still lifted a burden off him. He couldn’t even tell why he felt this way. Perhaps he still harbored unresolved feelings towards the other party? Komer carefully pondered the lingering warmth in his heart or was it perhaps a jealous desire to have her all to himself? The thought of this man enjoying and discarding Tracy at will caused a strange frustration to well up in Komer; he who had earnestly pursued her only to be met with her indifferent rejection, while this man could casually toy with her and then cast her aside as if she were nothing. Maybe it was just fate and fortune’s mockery.

Seeing the other’s face take on a peculiar expression, as though lost in thought, Hoffman quickly steered the conversation back to business, "Your Baron, the past is the past. Tracy is unsuitable for both me and you. What needs to be discarded must be done so with firm resolution, and I say this as a sincere piece of advice from a friend. As for the weapons and food, I believe I can lend some assistance to the Caucasus. Since Mattdam has been opened as a port, I’ve seen fleets from families like the Freeman and Montague docked there. Kingdom’s Grain Merchants are not limited to Palermo alone, and although weapons are prohibited from being traded in the kingdom, I think it’s not a problem as long as we get a permit from the Internal Affairs Department."

"Thank you for Your Highness’s kind offer, but as for the matter of weapons and food, please consider the price issue, Your Highness. Those rioters lack the ability to pay. If the price is too high, they might find it difficult to afford," Komer sighed lightly, forcing himself to focus back on the matter at hand.

"Heh, rest assured, Your Baron. The changing situation in Leon affects our interests. The people I arrange will surely satisfy Your Baron." Hearing the sound of footsteps outside, Hoffman picked up his coffee cup as a signal that this conversation could be wrapped up.