The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 573: Volume 14: Accumulate Thinly, Erupt Mightily, - 17: One Step Ahead

Chapter 573: Volume 14: Accumulate Thinly, Erupt Mightily, Chapter 17: One Step Ahead

This seemed like a cause for optimism, but intuition told Komer that there were likely too many hidden dangers behind it. The calmer and more normal it appeared, the more it indicated something ominous, but Komer couldn’t figure out what Philip was planning to do. What could he do, or rather, what did he dare to do? Even with the full support of the Galle Region, the mere forces of Homer and Galle would probably have a hard time confronting the kingdom’s army. The two lords in the North would not be able to provide much substantial support and aid to Homer and Galle, not to mention their average relations with the two southern lords and the powerful pressure from the beastmen on the Northern Border that demanded their full attention, leaving no spare strength to involve themselves elsewhere. The kingdom probably took this into account when they dared to make such a bold judgment.

But would Philip accept defeat so easily? Komer did not believe so; Philip was not that kind of man. He must be brewing something, possibly even a decisive countermeasure, before acting. Philip always believed in planning thoroughly before making a move. His calm demeanor was often mistaken for timidity and weakness, but Komer knew it was the moment a venomous snake tenses before striking. Any who underestimated him were bound to pay a painful price.

Komer lacked the ability to change any of this or to interfere with the decisions and changes in situation at the kingdom’s center. The only thing he could perhaps do was to seek ways to strengthen his own power. While Caucasus had been developing rapidly, compared to regions like Homer and Galle, it still amounted to nothing significant. Komer was aware that if Philip really wanted to destroy him at all costs, it would be far too easy without the kingdom’s constraints—Philip might have already made his move.

Opening the Catania Channel was for accumulating strength, and taking control of Leon was also for enhancing his own power, and the visit from the Barbarian seemed like an opportunity as well. It all depended on how he could seize it. The Barbarian was a double-edged sword—handled well, it could be a sharp weapon to defeat the enemy, but mishandled, it could be a tool for carving one’s own epitaph.

No matter what Philip planned to do next, the issue of the Barbarian remained. Since Komer had become their neighbor, he couldn’t avoid it. They had demands, desires, and difficulties, but also strength, opportunities, and hope. If he could establish a good and harmonious relationship with these people, perhaps they could provide unexpected assistance in the various crises and difficulties he might face in the future.

"Chief Dvanch, welcome to Caucasus. On behalf of all the citizens of Caucasus, I express our sincere pleasure at the visit from our neighbors," Komer said, embracing the other warmly. Then feigning a casual look at the two individuals beside Dvanch, he added, "May I ask you to introduce your two friends? We Caucasians are quite hospitable, you know."

"Respected Baron Komer, you may have heard that our Garong Tribe is a member of the Sanjia Tribes. These are the chiefs of the Galong and Gapeng Tribes. This is Chief Bellamong of the Galong Tribe, and this is the Sike Leader of the Gapeng Tribe. Chief Bellamong is my elder, and Sike Leader is my dear brother. For this time, the Galong Tribe and the Gapeng Tribe each provided three of the Eight-headed Earth Dragon Cubs to show our respect for our neighbors," replied Dvanch, very pleased with Komer’s enthusiastic reception and respect, especially in front of the chiefs of the two brother tribes.

"Thank you, three leaders, for your generosity. The Earthwalking Dragons are a specialty of the Mountain Clan, and I am quite fond of them. I also hope to form an Earth Dragon Warrior Squad. I do not expect to build a particularly strong martial power with the Earthwalking Dragons, but as you all know, my territory is inhabited by citizens of various races, and I need a deterring force to display before them. That’s why I wish to acquire the Earthwalking Dragons. I have discussed this with Chief Dvanch before, and I hope it won’t cause any misunderstandings," explained Komer with a smile, gesturing for the three chiefs to take a seat.

"Baron Komer, I have already discussed your thoughts with the two chiefs, and they are very supportive of your ideas. If it were not for the limited number of Earthwalking Dragons available to our Sanjia Tribes, we would be more than willing to provide you with more Earthwalking Dragons."

Komer was also surprised by the smoothness Dvanch exhibited. It seemed that these Barbarians had gradually learned the deceit and performance of Mortals in their dealings, a good sign because it would make them more focused on reality and benefits. But it was also a sad thing since it would gradually erode the innate simplicity of the Mountain Clan. However, Komer still hoped they would adapt to this world faster and not seclude themselves in their own world, for he needed them too.

"The three leaders, Komer is already very grateful for your selfless help, and perhaps Caucasus will need assistance in the future, but I hope it is based on mutual equality and benefit, exchanging what we each need," Komer said with a nod and a smile, "How about it? Chief Dvanch, how have things been going for you all this time?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Baron. We, the mountain people, are not ones to mince words, please forgive my frankness. If you, Lord Komer, could make your smuggling enforcement teams a little less strict, or, say, open up food exports from Caucasus to our territories, that might greatly improve our situation," Dvanch replied, returning to his "frankness," which forced Komer to admit that this guy was adapting too quickly.

"Haha, Chief Dvanch, you jest. The smuggling enforcement teams are under the jurisdiction of the Reese Judicial Officer and not under my control, but it should be pointed out that as long as one has an export permit from the Lord’s Mansion, the enforcers absolutely will not make trouble out of nothing. They are strictly enforcing the law, which is my demand as much as the law’s. Otherwise, they would be neglecting their duty. Regarding the opening of food exports, if any country or power around your mountain clan opens their export markets to you, I, Komer, will immediately follow suit. But to ask me to be the first to do so, don’t you think that’s asking too much of me, Chief Dvanch? You should be aware of the financial situation of Caucasus. Can I withstand the pressure from other mortal forces? Although I’m quite confident, I must admit I cannot handle that. Even if I don’t consider my own interests, I still must consider those of the citizens within my territory. I don’t have enough power to be the enemy of all mortals."

"Moreover, if you think about it honestly, my policies toward you, the mountain clan, have been quite lenient, except for the food exports. Which country or power exports weapons, armor, or crude iron—these strategic materials—to you? As some have warned me, this is a crime against all mortals. It’s supporting and encouraging your slaughters in the south and east. Every item I trade from you is soaked with the blood of mortals and other races. This might sound alarmist, but after careful thought, it’s not unreasonable. Wouldn’t you agree?"

Komer’s words were somewhat biting, even cold, causing Dvanch and Bellamong, who had wanted to object, to fall silent.

This was an undeniable fact—the mountain clan and the mortal countries and cities in the east had been at war almost ceaselessly. Although the scale of their battles with the Dwarves and Elves in the south was smaller compared to their wars with mortals, they were nonetheless fierce. The Elf Clan and Dwarves had formed an alliance and had gained the help of some native giants, resisting the southern offensive of the mountain people. Every year, thousands of valiant warriors died in combat, creating a vicious cycle; the more the barbarians were suppressed, the harder their lives became, and the more they wanted to break free from the shackles binding them, leading to even more frequent wars.

Similarly, mortals and other races acted out of fear of the barbarians’ destructive power, suppressing and limiting the growth of the barbarians, tightening control over export of materials to them, which only provoked more ferocious and desperate attacks from the barbarians struggling to survive. However, in this hundreds-of-years-long war, the alliance of mortals and other races held the advantage. The numbers of the barbarians had declined by thirty percent compared to fifty years ago, and it was believed that if the war continued, the barbarians would be eradicated from the Blue Continent within a hundred years.

"But our Sanjia Tribe seldom takes part in wars against the south and east, Your Baron should be aware of this," Sike, unable to contain himself, interjected as Dvanch and Bellamong remained silent. The Gapeng Tribe was the weakest in terms of strength and location compared to the other tribes, and could be considered the weakest among the entire Mountain People Alliance of thirteen tribes. Except in the case of very large wars, the alliance rarely considered this tribe, which made Sike both happy and disappointed. Being able to represent the alliance in wars against other races was a symbol of strength, and he could not recall a single instance since he took charge where the alliance had called upon his tribe; the few summons had been directed at the Garong and Galong Tribes instead.

"Chief Sike, I am aware of this, but does anyone else know? Moreover, as far as I understand, many of the materials I export to the Sanjia Tribe don’t end up in the hands of the Sanjia Tribe but are acquired by the other tribes of your so-called alliance, right? Isn’t that using the weapons produced in my territory to slaughter my own people?" Komer asked coldly in response.

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