The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 571: Volume 14: Accumulate Thinly, Erupt Mightily, - 15: Poor Bug

Chapter 571: Volume 14: Accumulate Thinly, Erupt Mightily, Chapter 15: Poor Bug

The Catania River shipping lane was finally declared officially open during the grand ceremonies, and the Jellyfish People did not send anyone to attend the ceremonies simultaneously held in Rosenborg and Bahomon Port. It was clear that deep down, they were still resistant to the opening of the Catania River channel but had to acquiesce due to circumstances.

Judge Rayse of the Caucasus represented the Caucasus Prefecture as he presided over the inauguration ceremony at Bahomon Port, while Komer had come to Rosenborg for the first time to participate in the celebration event held by representatives of Rosenborg and several countries and cities in the middle and upper reaches of the Catania River. He displayed the Jellyfish People’s authorization letter to these representatives, making them almost insanely jealous. On the same day, the representative office of the Caucasus Prefecture in Luxembourg was officially established. It would play a key role in facilitating communication between the Caucasus and the countries and forces in the middle and upper reaches of the Catania River. Owing to gaining control over the Catania River shipping lane, the Caucasus’s influence on this region of the river continued to increase day by day.

"Look at this lowly fellow, now he’s actually so popular. Can you imagine that he’s nothing but a lowly baron from the Kingdom of Nicosia?" A noble watched Komer, who was mingling with ease at the banquet, and said with envious irritation.

"Heh, you might just be jealous that the navigation permit has fallen into your opponent’s hands," another noble said with a laugh. "But no matter, I’ve made inquiries through reliable channels. I’ve heard that three more permits will be issued in the near term. It’s just a matter of whether we can seize the opportunity."

"Oh? Reliable?" The first noble perked up immediately.

"Absolutely reliable. It’s said that on the side of the Caucasus, local merchants are protesting that this fellow has given our upstream merchants too many navigation permits while they have received very few. They are demanding equal treatment, and under pressure, that guy has gone to negotiate with the Jellyfish People again. It’s estimated that there will be an increase of ten navigation permits. Prince Maxim has already made a request to them, and that guy has agreed to consider it," another noble stated, feigning an air of mystery.

"Is that so? But it seems to me that this guy is quite cozy with Prince Thomas and Lady Dolomites," the first noble said skeptically.

"Hmph, that I don’t know. But I happened to be present when Prince Maxim made his request to that fellow, and I heard it with my own ears. It seemed like they were on good terms. As for Prince Thomas and Lady Dolomites, maybe that guy wants the unattainable—harboring improper desires for Lady Dolomites," another noble said with a sly smile. "No matter whose efforts it was, these three permits are tangible. As long as we can secure one, we’ve got nothing to worry about."

Komer was indeed in high spirits. Both Prince Maxim and Prince Thomas were eagerly extending olive branches to him. He knew the reason behind this: Duke Luke’s emphasis on the matter was the primary cause. This was also due to the ongoing tension between Luxembourg and the Kingdom of Bohemia to the north. The Kingdom of Bohemia had once again raised the transit tariffs on goods entering and exiting the Luxembourg Kingdom and had increased its efforts to crack down on smuggling along the border regions. This greatly affected the land transport of goods in the Luxembourg Kingdom. Although the Catania River navigation channel was still restricted by navigation permits, one could clearly feel that this route’s importance to Luxembourg was set to grow significantly.

Duke Luke had solemnly requested Komer to secure more navigation permits from the Jellyfish People. Although Komer had promised to do so, he was also aware that it was highly improbable to expect the Jellyfish People to make too many concessions in such a short time. The current volume of ships passing through was already considerably impacting the lives of the Jellyfish People along the coast. Securing even ten more permits would require additional conditions to be met.

The struggle between Prince Maxim and Prince Thomas seemed to be intensifying by the day. Even Komer, an outsider, could vaguely sense the tension in the air. Thomas had gained the upper hand in this recent Catania River navigation incident, earning praise from Duke Luke. This put a great deal of pressure on Maxim, that idiot. Komer had once given him an opportunity, but he failed to seize it, focusing only on his own profits. In contrast, Thomas’s performance was quite impressive. Not only did he lose nothing in terms of profit, but he also took the chance to rally a large number of nobles who had been sitting on the fence. In one move, he had bridged the gap between them, and there was even a sense that he had surpassed Maxim and gained the upper hand. Now Maxim’s warmth towards Komer was probably thanks to Thomas’s doing, Komer thought with a sneer.

The situation to the north was becoming increasingly tense. That guy Puber seemed to be quite content in Jazair and had yet to return even after the judgment had been published, which seemed to confirm what was written in Caffrey’s letter. Philip had not reacted yet, but Komer knew that the kingdom was already making military preparations. The Blue Dove Corps was ready for deployment at any moment. Should Philip make a move, the kingdom might declare him a rebel, and the Star Chamber Court would swiftly strip him of his noble status and territory. However, Komer was not sure whether it would come to that.

"Your baron, what are you thinking about?" A light green figure approached Komer slowly. The figure-hugging silk dress outlined the young girl’s beautiful curves exquisitely, befitting the breathtaking beauty of the Luxembourg Duchy. It was said that her mother was a renowned beauty among the people of Luxembourg before being taken into Duke Luke’s harem and transformed from mistress to a duchess. It was said she still maintained her charm, but Duke Luke had moved on to new affections. It seemed that if this woman before him were to be nourished by a man, she too would become a captivating creature that could mesmerize all.

"Lady, your dress complements you so beautifully that I cannot find the right words to describe you. If you had a scepter in your hand, I believe you would be the very embodiment of the goddess Athena," Komer effusively praised, becoming ever more adept at this fundamental function among the nobility.

"Is that so? Your baron, you have changed a lot since you were in Jazair. Such words can easily capture a girl’s heart," Princess Dolomites said, her smile brighter than a blooming rose, but deep down she was somewhat disdainful. Despite his sincere appearance, this man was attempting to play a balancing act between Maxim and Thomas.

"I wonder if I could capture Lady Dolomites’s heart as well?" Komer joked rather presumptuously. Though he was but a minor baron, once the boundary between nobles was broken, gender barriers meant little. Moreover, while she appeared dignified on the surface, Komer knew she was merely a pitiful creature clinging to Thomas. That pervert Maxim even wanted to desecrate his half-sister. Had it not been for an accident, this woman before him might already have become a plaything for a bunch of nobles, her chastity tarnished. A woman without virtue was like a pair of worn shoes that anyone could wear, even a princess.

Over the past few days, Komer had left a very good impression on the upper echelons of Luxembourg society. Many nobles and traders, busy ingratiating themselves with him, were virtually an open book, spilling secrets and rumors like gossipy housewives, all to prove how well-informed they were. Lady Dolomites was not popular among the elite of the duchy; her birth was the main reason, and her aloof demeanor had rebuffed many with ill intentions. The Duke showed little interest in his illegitimate daughter, otherwise, Prince Maxim’s act of incest would have seemed to face no punishment, not even a verbal warning. If she had not been under the protection of Prince Thomas, she might truly have been unable to escape the vile clutches of Maxim.

"Your baron is joking, but unfortunately, I am already betrothed," Lady Dolomites’s eyes flashed with anger, this man was too presumptuous, not even considering his own status when speaking to her like this.

"Viscount Carey? He really is a good man." Just a good man, a spineless good man. He just nods along, no matter how Maxim insults him in front. If it’s not because he’s exceptionally patient, then he’s truly a coward.

Komer had no intentions of doing anything.

Lady Dolomites, sensing the mockery in his words, felt even more irritated, but she knew this man could not be offended just yet—she had to swallow her anger.

"Does Your baron plan to leave tomorrow?"

"Hmm, the embassy has been established. If there is anything you need in the future, Lady, you can directly inform the embassy, of course, I cordially welcome Lady Dolomites to visit my Caucasus. I believe it will give Lady Dolomites a whole new experience," Komer said with indifference.

"I have heard that Your baron has obtained another batch of permits from the Jellyfish People. Is this true?" Lady Dolomites finally got to the heart of the matter.

"Indeed, but it seems Duke Luke is more interested in them, I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you, Lady," Komer demurred.

"But I’ve heard that Maxim has some sort of control over them. Why is that?" Lady Dolomites pressed on.

"Is that so? Maybe, I might have changed my mind and given them to Prince Maxim," Komer said carelessly.

"Why?" Suppressing the rage within her, Lady Dolomites’s chest rose and fell with emotion.

"Why? I should be asking you and Prince Thomas that. Has my establishing an embassy in Luxembourg impeded on Prince Thomas’s interests? Your behavior makes me feel as though I might have chosen the wrong friends," Komer shot back darkly.

"We...," Lady Dolomites started, a sudden shock hitting her heart. She and Prince Thomas had only expressed their opposition to the establishment of the Caucasus embassy in Luxembourg during a private conversation with Duke Luke, realizing there weren’t supposed to be others present. That’s right, there was a servant there; it must have been Maxim’s doing, that damned Maxim!

"All right, Lady Dolomites, if you want to prove your sincerity, then show some sincere gesture. Your current attitude disappoints me greatly," Komer interrupted rudely, even brazenly letting his gaze linger over her body before continuing, "Pick the right side, Lady Dolomites. Otherwise, no one will recognize you as a princess when the time comes."

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