The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 575: Volume Fourteen Accumulation - Nineteen Bargaining

Chapter 575: Volume Fourteen Accumulation Chapter Nineteen Bargaining

"Three leaders, I can understand your sincerity and desires. Caucasus has never forgotten a friend, and the Sanjia Tribe is an especially close neighbor to Caucasus. You probably are aware of the situation I am currently facing. The Kingdom Star Chamber Court has ruled that the lordship of the Leon Region to the north of my territory will be taken back by the kingdom. Due to the special circumstances the Leon Region is currently facing, with hundreds of thousands of Half-Beastmen in a state of unrest, a small oversight could lead to great disaster. Therefore, the kingdom has requested that I temporarily assume the lordship of the Leon Region."

"The livelihood of several hundred thousand Half-Beastmen now falls upon my shoulders. I’m not emphasizing my difficulties, but as you are aware, the Leon Region is even more barren than your Cordillera Wilderness, especially in terms of food. At least in Cordillera Wilderness, there are areas that produce food and hunting is feasible. But the Leon Region produces nothing, save for coal and iron ore. Furthermore, the north, the Homer region, is blockading us from all sides. All supplies must depend on logistics provided by Caucasus, and I am under immense pressure."

After a pause, Komer continued, "Of course, the recent opening of the Catania River shipping route has solved a major problem for us, otherwise even I, Caucasus, might not be able to ensure my own food supply, let alone provide for Leon and your tribes."

Komer’s words took a wide turn, and while Chief Dvanch and Sike didn’t catch what he truly meant to express, the shrewd Chief Bellamong knew that the other party had, in fact, indirectly shown some signs of loosening his stance. It seemed that he might still be dissatisfied with the conditions; this man’s appetite was not small. The Earthwalking Dragons and Thunder Pengs might not suffice to fill his desires; he probably had designs on the mines within his own territory.

"Your baron, our Sanjia Tribe has come with great sincerity. The Sanjia Tribe has no conflict of interest with Caucasus. Although the other tribes of the Mountain People Alliance are still fighting in the east and south against other countries, our Sanjia Tribe seldom participates. If we had any concerns regarding Caucasus, we would never have offered Earthwalking Dragons, nor the potential future offer of Thunder Pengs. You must understand that these creatures are unique military units of the Mountain people, and they could play an extraordinary role in war."

"As you stated, Caucasus is currently in a difficult situation, especially, your relationship with Duke Philip, the direct lord to the north, has always been tense. The transfer of lordship over the Leon Region may even heighten the conflict between you two. I believe it’s critical that you accurately gauge the martial power you currently possess. To my knowledge, the armed forces of Caucasus consist of just over a thousand Half-Beastmen soldiers—possibly adequate for maintaining order within your territory. No, to be precise, if a rebellion were to occur in the Leon Region, even your thousand-plus men might not suffice. And once Homer repairs the Floating Bridge of Bruce Fortress and dispatches his great army southwards, I fear the troops you hold will be utterly ineffective. You need not mask reality with the victory you secured in the Leon Region last time. Though I’m unaware of how you achieved that triumph, one thing I can assure you of—if Duke Philip truly resolves to deal with Caucasus, with your current power, you simply can’t alter the outcome."

Having kept silent all this time, Chief Bellamong made a stunning remark, hitting Komer right where it hurt most. His understanding of the situation in and around Caucasus was incredibly accurate, surprising not only Chief Dvanch and Sike, but Komer was also taking notice. Who says Barbarians lack wisdom? Whether it was Chief Dvanch or Chief Bellamong, neither was someone to be easily played. It was clear that becoming a tribe chief indeed was no fluke.

"Chief Bellamong, you are correct. It is precisely because Caucasus is in such dire straits that I must consider each decision carefully," Komer pondered the other’s intentions in his words.

"Baron Komer, it’s prudent of you to be cautious. However, is it necessary to be so concerned about those distant countries and cities to the south and east of the Cordillera Wilderness? I think not. Right now, all three leaders of our Sanjia Tribe are here, and we can candidly make our terms. If you can support us with food and increase the export of weapons, armor, and raw iron to our Sanjia Tribe, we assure you that these increased supplies will not flow out of Sanjia Tribe. In turn, we can provide you with exotic creatures like Earthwalking Dragons and Thunder Pengs, as Chief Dvanch mentioned. Moreover, should Caucasus face danger and you need our help, our Sanjia Tribe can offer the necessary martial support."

Martial support?! That was a bombshell, one that even Chief Dvanch and Sike hadn’t anticipated. How could the normally conservative Chief Bellamong shift from one extreme to the other so suddenly? He, who had been reluctant even to offer Thunder Pengs earlier, was now willing to provide direct martial support. This was nearly akin to a military alliance, a striking contrast indeed.

But Komer didn’t see it quite the same way. He had to admit that Chief Bellamong was no easy adversary. Offering Earthwalking Dragons and Thunder Pengs was akin to enhancing his own armed forces. As for the Barbarian martial support, even if Komer needed it, he would not dare to casually request it without knowing what the Barbarians ultimately wanted. Once the Barbarians tasted the sweet fruits of their military force, their desires would grow boundlessly. By then, he might face even more trouble. Of course, he also recognized that there was merit to what Chief Bellamong had said, especially regarding the somewhat weak military power of Caucasus. Over a thousand soldiers, particularly after taking over Leon, seemed increasingly insufficient. Perhaps he really should consider this problem.

"Chief Bellamong, I will carefully consider your proposal. How about this? You three can rest in Ugru for two days while I discuss your proposal with my administrative officers. You also should detail your demands and conditions, and I will respond in the shortest possible time." Komer felt it necessary to deliberate. He needed to hear the latest information from Puber about the situation in the Central Kingdom. The situation was growing more complex, and Komer could almost smell the scent of war, though he was clueless as to where the problem might arise.

"Very well, we have always hoped to witness the changes that have taken place in the once desolate lands of Caucasus under the rule of Lord Komer. We shall await your good news," agreed Chief Dvanch and the others with a nod.

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