The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 553: Volume 13: Sea Rain and Heavenly Wind - 23: Can You Understand Me?

Chapter 553: Volume 13: Sea Rain and Heavenly Wind Chapter 23: Can You Understand Me?

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Komer and his entourage had not intended to stay in Bahomon for long, but the enthusiastic locals, particularly the traders, made it necessary for Komer and his companions to patiently introduce the outcomes of their recent visit to the Great Swamp Area.

Since the mission had been successful, there was no need for secrecy anymore. Komer was keener on spreading the astounding news through the well-informed merchants, hoping they’d relay it far and wide. He especially emphasized the antagonism and hostility of the Jellyfish People towards outsiders, as well as their dangers, warning people not to attempt any futile adventures without a navigation permit issued jointly by the Caucasus Prefecture and the Jellyfish Clan Government Affairs Hall. However, his warning seemed somewhat superfluous; the infamous reputation of the Jellyfish People, built on countless predecessors’ lessons, was well-known, and now that there was a chance to safely traverse the Golden Waterway, no one was willing to undertake such foolish actions.

Many merchants immediately realized the value of the navigation permits Komer held. Even before he could depart from Bahomon, savvy northern immigrant merchants had already piled up requests to purchase the permits on Komer’s desk. Whether they owned ships or had never been involved in shipping, securing a navigation permit meant a sure stream of wealth due to the restricted navigation conditions, especially considering the significant material complementarity between the Caucasus and the middle and upper reaches of the Catania River – a fact clearer to the merchants than anyone.

The somewhat chaotic order made Komer realize that Bahomon’s geographical significance was unmatched by the past. Bordering the Barbarian Territory increased its complexity to a new level. Pressured by survival and influenced by the Caucasus’s relaxed atmosphere of ethnic equality, the Barbarians clearly preferred moving to Bahomon to make a living. Moreover, once the Catania River navigation opened up, mortals from all nations would flock there, leading to more complex security situations. It was apparent that the mere patrolling of a small self-defense squad was insufficient for such intricate social affairs – the immediate placement of an Administrative Officer and the pressing need for a Judicial Officer were evident.

This issue troubled Komer throughout his journey back to Ugru. Puber, as the entire Caucasus’ Administrative Officer, was already quite busy. Neptune had always been Komer’s protégé, but the incorporation of the Mandu Region forced Komer to prematurely assign Neptune as Mandu’s Administrative Officer, even though the region had not yet been fully integrated into the Caucasus. The area’s issues were no less challenging than Bahomon’s. It was another monumental task to integrate newly freed slaves back into a lawful society and make them understand that only labor, not revolt, could bring about a genuinely peaceful and free life.

Perhaps it was time to carefully select from amongst the northern immigrants. Aside from those obviously more interested in making money, the less fortunate immigrants could be a suitable choice. After all, whether as an Administrative Officer or a Judicial Officer, while the salary might not be generous, it was still a respectable profession. Of course, the job also required good family education and manners, a threshold sufficient to deter many.

The condition of the road between Bahomon and Ugru surprised Eve and her companions once again, seeming too advanced for a place recently developed. Of course, they were unaware of the enormous employment pressure the massive influx of Half-beastman slaves and immigrants had brought to the Caucasus at that time, and how much effort Komer and Puber had invested in this critical road for the Caucasus’s survival.

"Komer, is this the legendary Caucasus? How did you manage to transform this land so dramatically in such a short time? I can hardly imagine how you accomplished this."

Eve, who had purposefully kept her distance from Komer since agreeing to return to the Caucasus with him, unexpectedly requested to ride in the same horse-drawn carriage with Komer on their journey from Bahomon to Ugru. This surprised not only Komer but also Burianos, Havier, and Bayezid. The companions were well aware of the shepherd girl’s soft exterior but firm will, and such a request at this time surely didn’t imply a thaw in their relationship. Even Grace was unsure of the specific reasons.

Komer had also long realized that the shepherd girl’s identity was not as simple and ordinary as she claimed. Still, he disliked prying into others’ privacy. If she chose not to share, she must have her reasons. He preferred to let things happen naturally, although he could tell from her speech and behavior that she must come from a noble and affluent background. Her recent questions further confirmed this.

"Eve, it seems you’re quite interested in this matter. What was the Caucasus like in your mind? A desolate land sparsely populated by people, a wild forest overrun with Magical Beasts, or perhaps a natural magic den haunted by Ghosts?" At this point, Komer was also eager to seize the opportunity to understand her perspective.

"No, not as bleak as you describe, but also quite different from what I see now. To my knowledge, this place was rather barren and cold, mostly inhabited by descendants of exiled criminals and Refugees; the social order was extremely chaotic. Bordering the Barbarian Territory, it was supposed to be a very dangerous place. However, it seems there are significant misconceptions about these widespread views."

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After a pause, Eve’s calm gaze filled with a tranquility that made Komer’s heart stir, "Maybe I was wrong about you. Being able to have so many races living together without riots, turning the legendary cursed land of devils into what we see today, if all these changes truly happened after you arrived in Caucasus, then you are indeed a respectable Lord."

With a wry smile, Komer hummed lightly through his nose, speaking slowly, "Eve, the situation is not as optimistic as you imagine, and Caucasus is hardly a paradise overseas. You’ve only seen the pleasing aspects, but haven’t seen the shadows behind them. If it weren’t for my efforts this time to open up the shipping lane on the Catania River, I estimate that by next year at the latest, this place will become desolate again, with no food sources, leaving everyone with nothing to do but wait for death. Caucasus has inherent disadvantages, with not only harsh natural environments and poor roads but mainly because I’ve always been a thorn in the side of my direct Lord, Duke Homer. His intention was for me to come here to die; I just got a bit lucky, and due to some other reasons, I’ve managed to maintain until this stage."

"The arrival of over 100,000 immigrants from the North has changed the situation here and also brought considerable food pressure. Duke Homer has been trying to strangle Caucasus in its infancy, so I had no choice but to risk a trip through the Great Swamp Area, fortunately, it went smoothly. But the crisis still exists. The rebellion in the North by Leon has left a vast void, hundreds of thousands of rioters deplete their resources, and without food, who knows what they will do, ..."

"Similarly, the barbarians to the south also have various excessive expectations for Caucasus. If their demands are not met, there’s another hidden crisis. And then there’s the sea, ah, it’s a long story. Although my territory has a mix of different races, I feel as a Lord, I have a responsibility to keep them away from disaster, hunger, and poverty, a responsibility to give them the good life they dream of. Although this is a distant and perhaps unattainable goal, I cannot abandon it."

"Sometimes I really want to put down the burden in my hands and immerse myself in the pursuit of the Magic Heaven, but when I think of the responsibility on my shoulders, I feel I cannot act so rashly. Living in the world, one shouldn’t only consider their own personal needs and desires. Loving all beings and being kind to the world might just be a saying from the Church of Light, and the Church isn’t truly accomplishing it, but for me, I feel I should do my part. Eve, can you understand me?"

Seeing the complex expression on Komer’s face, Eve’s heart quivered as well. She had already witnessed Komer’s magical talent, able to reach the realm of an Archmage at such an age, could anyone deny his talent in magic?

As a Magic Practitioner, the relentless pursuit of the Magic Heaven may compel them to give up everything. A prodigy like Komer, if he could dedicate himself to it, might truly become a groundbreaking Magic master. But he is also a Lord, and everything he saw and felt on Bahomon Street, especially the admiration in the eyes of the Half-Beastmen and Mortals, the respect shown by the Half-Elves and Barbarians, was genuine, not a facade. For these diverse races to support a Mortal Lord to such an extent truly shocked Eve.

This level of esteem is not achieved simply by doling out small favors. Whatever means this man used to reach this point, it was indeed commendable.

"Mr. Komer, I did not expect you to have such a benevolent heart. The knight’s code requires people to struggle without regrets for the noble ideals they pursue, and aren’t you now advancing towards this ideal? I agree wholeheartedly with your views. A selfish person cannot be called a true knight, but as long as one holds a benevolent spirit and persists for the welfare of the people, even if it means making personal sacrifices, it is worth it. Please forgive my initial misjudgement of you. I apologize for this. Well, if I can be of any assistance to you, I would be willing to help alleviate some of your burden."

Eve’s soft and graceful words were like a warm breeze passing through Komer’s heart, extremely comforting. Securing the approval of this young shepherdess felt even more valuable to Komer than obtaining twenty more navigation permits, and indeed, he had many areas where he needed the support of Eve and her peers.

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