The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 498: Volume 11: Misty Cage and Smoke Lock, - 10: Division

Chapter 498: Volume 11: Misty Cage and Smoke Lock, Chapter 10: Division

As the ship passed by Gutenberg, Komer finally suppressed the desire in his heart and gave up the idea of going to the Archduke’s Mansion.

He was no longer the same man he had been six months ago. The relationship between Duke Zellin and Philip seemed to have grown closer as they needed to stand united against the Central Kingdom. He did not dare take the risk. Vero’s cheerful and generous nature made it difficult to conceal the excitement of being with him, and it seemed somewhat unrealistic to take her with him to the Java Swamp.

Komer was more worried that Vero, knowing his destination, would insist on going. Therefore, he chose to avoid the issue, deciding to wait until after his trip to the Java Swamp was over.

Sailing along the canal from Gutenberg, one enters the waterway of the Dniester River which leads to an important member country of the Northern Alliance—the Duchy of Basarabia. The Buzak Plains, known as the corner of paradise, are said to be fertile land specially left to the Basarabians by the Creator as a reward.

"Who has seen that place? Its natural richness makes the wood trees lush and the land fertile; everywhere is vibrant greenery, a pleasing sight to see..."

The high-pitched song of a carefree bard on the riverbank echoed on both sides of the river. Everyone accompanying Komer, including Lome, and even Rebry and Hayreddin, became enchanted by the bard’s beautiful singing, except for Solonberg who maintained his indifferent demeanor.

Traveling westward along the Dniester River, the pace of the passenger ship noticeably slowed. Going against the current, when there was no wind, they had to rely on the help of the towpath workers.

The fertile black earth plains, dense forests, gentle hills, and scattered lakes—this was the Buzak Plains.

Compared to the Galle Plain and the Busen Plain, the land here was even more fertile. The black soil almost bubbled with fertility at every step; any grain seed tossed carelessly onto it could thrive with neglect and still yield a generous harvest.

"Mr. Reese?!" When a somewhat familiar voice came from behind, Komer turned around in surprise. The reddish-brown hair stood out conspicuously in the crowd. He had not expected to encounter the other party here, as the man’s prominent hawkish nose twitched and his meticulous attire suggested he must be a shrewd businessman.

"Oh, Mr. Piro, I didn’t expect to meet you here. It’s been a long time. How is Mr. Jack? I’m really sorry; I haven’t been back to Cyprus for quite a while."

Seeing Komer meet an acquaintance, those with him stopped as well. Meeting the other on the streets of Kishnioff was quite unexpected for Komer, indicating the Feller Family’s business was not just complex; they were even involved in Basarabia, which only proved the family’s sophistication.

Kishnioff is the capital city of the Duchy of Basarabia, not only an important grain trade center but also a famous site for grape wine. Stork Wine is reportedly the exclusive wine of the courts of all the countries in the Northern Alliance and, among the common folk, this wine commands a price of sixty gold shields per barrel, and it’s rarely available for purchase.

"Hehe, Mr. Reese, you’re now a lord of the Caucasus. As for Cyprus, it’s better not to return if you can avoid it," Piro said with a twitch of his hawkish nose, which always gave Komer the impression of it being false, yet the enthusiasm on the man’s face was quite heartwarming to Komer.

"Mr. Reese, how come you have the spare time to come here? Could it be that you also heard about the possible split of the Northern Alliance and came to stock up on food?" Piro asked tentatively, his shrewd eyes moving over Komer’s face.

A split in the Northern Alliance? Komer was shocked. When had this news come about? Why hadn’t he heard anything about it? Was the Caucasus too isolated or was it simply because of the events that had occurred while he was on the road?

"Mm, is there any new news? It seems like there’s no good news these days that can make people happy," Komer replied vaguely, avoiding a direct answer.

"Yes, Mr. Reese is right, there are only some disappointing pieces of news. Duke Ulysses of the Attica Duchy, during talks with the governor of the City-state of Naples, Joseph, demanded a ban on the activities of the Nether Guest Association, which was refused by Joseph leading to an unhappy parting."

"Ulysses and Franz II, king of the Knossos Kingdom, have again joined forces to demand that the City-state of Medea and the Netherland Kingdom completely outlaw the activities of the Nether Guest Association within their territories. The City-state of Medea has officially rejected the demand, and the Netherland Kingdom seemed hesitant at first, ..."

"The Kingdom of Nicosia has officially declared its respect for the opinions of the City-states of Naples and Medea, and encouraged by this, the Netherland Kingdom has informally indicated that it will not ban the activities of the Nether Guest Association, a group registered with the Kingdom’s Ministry of the Interior, unless there is sufficient evidence to prove they pose a threat to the kingdom’s security or incite the public to engage in evil deeds,"

"As a result, the Attica Duchy and the Knossos Kingdom have lodged protests with the Kingdom of Nicosia, objecting to the kingdom’s encouragement and support for non-Church of Light sects, especially the Dark Sect, within the member states of the Northern Alliance. They have stated that this is unacceptable to them, and if the Kingdom of Nicosia does not change its attitude, they will withdraw from the Northern Alliance and form a new alliance organization,"

Piro was clearly interested in this news and well-informed about the details, which Komer found surprising. Why would a slave trader be so interested in disputes between nations over religious beliefs?

Seeing through Komer’s skepticism, Piro explained with a smile, "Your baron, I fear you have not realized that once the Northern Alliance dissolves, the customs duties will vary by country, as will the transaction tax on goods, which will increase significantly. The tax on my goods will also surge, so naturally, I need to expedite shipments and complete transactions as soon as possible. This time, the Manor in Basarabia needs eight hundred slaves, and I am here to fulfill the contract. If I delay any longer and the transaction taxes rise, eight hundred will be no small number. Your baron, if you need food, you’d better stock up early."

Komer then realized that within the alliance, the member entities calculate taxes according to their own national or city-state tax rates, and there is no transaction tax in between. Of course, should the alliance no longer exist, the transaction tax would change immediately, something a merchant would naturally take into account.

"The Nether Guest Association? This is the first I’ve heard of such a thing, what is it?" Komer’s attention was quickly drawn to this detail.

"I’m not too clear either, it seems to be a missionary organization from the South, and it should have some connection with the Dark Sect," Piro shrugged and shook his head, "Anything associated with the Dark Sect will certainly face suppression from the Church of Light in the North. I didn’t expect that the governments of the countries and city-states would get involved this time, it looks like the Nether Guest Association is not simple at all."

A missionary organization from the South? Could it be related to the Great Mysterium Sect? Komer was startled, wondering if the Great Mysterium Sect was also secretly expanding northwards?

Xerob’s figure once again floated into Komer’s mind, wondering how their dragon-slaying mission in the Baden Gold Mountain Range was progressing. It could be a very challenging mission; these things demanded further investigation into the true power of the Great Mysterium Sect.

"Would Basarabia also support Attica and Knossos?" Komer brought his focus back to the present.

"That’s exactly why I came rushing here to settle this deal, unable to ascertain where Basarabia stands. It’s said that there is a lot of controversy within Basarabia, and the Nether Guest Association has not yet been active here. Although Duke Antonescu has not yet stated his position on this matter, he is already under pressure from both sides and now finds himself in a difficult dilemma,"

While signaling to Komer to be mindful of their surroundings, Piro also lowered his voice.

Although Basarabia has always remained neutral, its economic ties make it closer to Nicosia on the east side, but since it borders the states of the Church’s faction directly, it has always adopted an unbiased middle policy in these areas. However, it seems this tightrope policy now faces a challenge.

"Mr. Piro seems to be quite familiar with the important people of the Northern Alliance," Komer joked with a half-smile.

"Your baron, business is tough nowadays, especially in our line of work, where it is essential to be aware of changes in the political landscape and policy adjustments of each country at all times, otherwise you might run into trouble, it’s the nature of the situation," Piro’s dark grey eyes twinkled with guile, "I wonder what brings Your Baron to Basarabia this time? Perhaps planning to import a batch of food? It seems that Homer has a tight blockade, and it might be difficult to get through."

"Heh, no, I’m planning a trip to Bohemia to see the wonders of the magic paradise. A few friends of mine also hope to procure some essential magic materials in Prague, as they are magic practitioners," Komer replied offhand.

"Hmm, the Mage Guild in Prague is supposed to hold the round-table meeting these days, and there will also be a magic competition in a single discipline. It should be quite attractive. Many magic enthusiasts have already flocked to Prague. It is said that the winners will receive quite generous material rewards,"

Piro nodded, assuming that Komer’s party was heading to Bohemia, which is the true kingdom of magic, the Holy Land for magic practitioners. The upcoming convention is a gala that all mages dream of attending.

"Oh?" Komer was unaware that his visit coincided with such an event; no wonder that old man Rebry had been pressing him to start his journey sooner—it was all premeditated, likely intending to make the most of the annual Magic World Conference, "I hope to have some good luck in Prague."