The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 539: Volume 13, Sea Rain and Heavenly Wind, - 9 - Journey to the Sacred Land (2)

Chapter 539: Volume 13, Sea Rain and Heavenly Wind, Chapter 9 - Journey to the Sacred Land (2)

The earth-shattering battle that had just taken place evidently alarmed the nearby Jellyfish People, but the turbulent storm made it impossible for them to approach and see clearly what had happened. Apart from the warriors of the Jellyfish Clan with a certain level of combat power, almost no one knew what truly transpired deep in the Reed Marsh. Had they seen their revered Pharaoh and Guardian Saint fleeing in distress before an Ice Dragon, Komer couldn’t help wondering whether that would shake and shatter the image of the supreme idols in their minds.

The Venerable Iris beside him was indeed a woman, just as he had suspected. Her gold scale-covered garments hid most of her feminine features, even her figure was unnoticeable, making him wonder if her chest was bound by some kind of silk bandage. Still, a faint scent of makeup betrayed a woman’s secret, indicating that women of all races could not escape customary vanities. Whether a saint or a commoner, the desire for beauty and charm seemed an innate nature of women, and the Jellyfish People’s Guardian Saint was no exception.

The river was crystal clear and calm as a mirror, with only the occasional chirping of birds from the reeds, creating a serene atmosphere, starkly different from the recent tempest of wind and thunder. Komer pondered how to start the conversation when he suddenly heard the Guardian Saint’s high-pitched and strange voice beside his ear, "Baron Komer, I know you are the lord of the Caucasus Region downstream of the Catania River. I’ve heard you’re a noble from the Homer region who almost got dismissed from your lordship due to personal affections. Would you consider your current post in the remote Caucasus as an exile?"

Komer was taken aback, not expecting Venerable Iris to be informed of such matters. Although this wasn’t a secret in the Caucasus or Homer regions, it was puzzling for the usually reclusive Jellyfish People to know about it. Perhaps the Jellyfish Clan was not as isolated and aloof as the outside world believed. In which case, coming to the Jellyfish territory might have been the right move after all.

"Heh, I did not expect Saint Iris to be so well-informed. Indeed, my relationship with Lord Homer, Duke Philip, is sour, and they see my assignment to the Caucasus as an exile. However, I do not view it that way. One’s quality of life should not solely be judged by external circumstances. The Caucasus, vast and sparsely populated, is not barren, only slightly isolated in terms of transportation, which, if improved, could transform the region into an enviable land of prosperity in no time," Komer said with a faint smile, hinting at something more.

"I am currently working towards that goal. Since you are so aware of my personal life, you must also know that Mattdam at the mouth of the Catania River has officially opened as a port. This is just the first step for the Caucasus to step forward. Confinement and isolation can only lead a nation and region into decline, a point which I believe anyone can understand," he answered pointedly.

Seemingly catching the implication in Komer’s words, the Saint, with half of her face covered by a white silk scarf, did not respond immediately. After a long silence as if pondering something, she finally said, "It seems, Baron Komer, you are quite a thoughtful person—perhaps you were scheming a visit to our Jellyfish territory even before assuming the role of Caucasus Lord?"

"Indeed, Venerable Iris. The navigation of the Catania River is the main purpose of my visit. I won’t deny that leaving such a golden waterway unused is intolerable to me, and it would surely be a great loss to the Jellyfish Clan as well. You might be indifferent to this, but the longer the Jellyfish People remain detached from the world, the closer they might be to their days of decline. I believe you must have traveled the Continent and are well aware of this. To reject something due to a small defect is unwise, a concept that I suppose you have pondered countless times and need not hear from me again," he said.

"So, are you planning to use the ’Curse of the Water God’ as leverage to persuade our Jellyfish Clan to open the Catania waterway?" Saint Iris asked sharply, "If we refuse to lift the blockade on the Catania River, does that mean you have no intention of helping us solve the curse issue?"

Hearing her tone turn significantly colder, Komer found himself in a difficult position. He hadn’t expected Venerable Iris to be so challenging—no wonder Hotep had allowed this woman on his ship to probe for information. These Jellyfish People had likely guessed his intentions, which explained their readiness. They were rumored to be rigid and reclusive, but in fact, they seemed to be exceptionally astute, at least their leaders were.

"This issue is too vast and important for me to furnish a precise answer right now. Perhaps it would be best to disembark and discuss the details at length. Venerable Iris, I admire the martial power of you and your fellow saint, but why must you challenge an Ice Dragon? If it wasn’t for the fact that the Ice Dragon was not yet fully grown, or had we not coincidentally arrived, have you considered the consequences? That could demand a painful price from the entire Jellyfish Clan," Komer deliberately deviated, shifting the conversation to a topic of his interest.

The Guardian Saint appeared somewhat dissatisfied with Komer’s evasive responses, but she too understood that he couldn’t possibly give a satisfying answer on the spot. If he came here full of confidence, it stood to reason he was seeking something in return. To lift the curse that plagued the Jellyfish People for centuries without asking anything in return—such saintly generosity did not seem a trait common among mortals.

"Baron Komer, the mystery and complexity of the Great Swamp are not something you can comprehend. Even we, who have lived here for generations, cannot fully grasp it—let alone you. We’re not sure why the Ice Dragon has settled here, but its presence has brought great trouble, frequently harming our people without cause. We do not seek its death, only its departure, as it terrorizes the inhabitants of the entire Great Swamp," Iris replied coldly, glancing at Komer.

"Are you saying the Ice Dragon actively attacks your people? Is that even possible?" Komer asked in surprise, knowing that the Dragon Clan usually refrained from killing and would typically not attack humans unless captivated by humans’ treasures. Otherwise, these avaricious creatures wouldn’t attack humans unprovoked—except for some very special types of dragons.

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