The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 699: Volume 20: Wolves Lurking in the Mediterranean, - 7: The Back Garden

Chapter 699: Volume 20: Wolves Lurking in the Mediterranean, Chapter 7: The Back Garden

Despite the other party’s less-than-courteous words and actions, Kamado still maintained considerable restraint. The Barbarossa Family was not yet a threat to the Odysseus Family in the armor and weapon manufacturing industry and wouldn’t be for some time. Kamado didn’t mind introducing Komer to them as the Odysseus Family still had business dealings with the Barbarossa Family. A significant portion of the goods transported from Patre to the North also passed through the Barbarossa Family’s ships. Although the relationship between the two families wasn’t cordial, they still maintained a semblance of courtesy.

After the introduction, this member of the Barbarossa Family, Baski, seemed quite interested in Komer, especially upon learning that Komer was here to place an order for armor with the Odysseus Family—he couldn’t take his eyes off him, clearly harboring some schemes. However, Kamado didn’t care about what the other party was thinking. The Barbarossa Family’s armory and weapon workshops had only recently been established and were simply incapable of handling such a large order, both in terms of technical experience and scale. Considering that they might need to use the Barbarossa Family’s ships to transport the goods to the Caucasus once they were completed, Kamado let Baski prattle on endlessly.

But Komer didn’t mind having another talkative travel companion on the scenic journey. Since Hayreddin had been driven out by the Barbarossa Family, it showed that this group held some power in Sparta and even the Southern Mediterranean. From Kamado, one could learn that the Barbarossa Family still held a pivotal position in the shipping industry in the Kingdom of Sparta. If Komer wanted to stir up the waters in the Southern Mediterranean, he would have to deal with these prominent families.

The aimless chitchat continued until they arrived at the lakeside of Kastoria Lake to dock. There, a beautiful lakeside restaurant provided an unforgettable lunch for Komer and his party. Thankfully, Mr. Baski restrained himself during the lunch, not incessantly chattering away, which allowed Komer to quietly enjoy a grilled Arctic char. The fish, skewered with bamboo and hollowed of its innards, was stuffed with spices, then soaked and coated with oil before being roasted over a pine wood bonfire. The rich aroma that filled the air was intoxicating even before tasting it. Paired with fine Lime Wine, it was truly a joy that made one forget all their troubles.

This lavish lunch greatly improved Komer’s mood. Tea time was spent on the deck, and even though Kamado didn’t want to sit with Baski, he begrudgingly joined Komer on deck to enjoy the serene scenery of Kastoria Lake. It wasn’t until they passed through the lake and entered the Pindus Gorge that the weather cooled, and the trio returned to the cabin to continue tea time.

After some mutual probing, Komer realized why Mr. Baski of the Barbarossa Family was so interested in him. His interest wasn’t in Komer himself, but in using him to learn about the political changes in the Caucasus. It seemed that word of Komer’s disappearance had already spread to the Southern Mediterranean. Considering the Caucasus and Leon had become the Southern Mediterranean’s most important suppliers of iron ore, crude iron, and smokeless coal, the Barbarossa Family’s fleet benefited greatly from the substantial goods trade between the two places, and naturally, they were very concerned about the whereabouts of the lord of both lands. Komer also wished to learn more detailed information about the Southern Mediterranean from Baski, particularly regarding the significant figures attending the Olympic gathering in Athens City.

By now, Komer hadn’t fully decided on the exact purpose of his trip to Athens. In addition to ordering 500 sets of armor for the Caucasus Self-Defense Forces, he also wanted to understand the intricate relationships of grudges and indebtedness between the Southern Mediterranean countries and city-states to better utilize them for the benefit of the Caucasus and Leon in the future.

After traversing the rugged and magnificent Pindus Gorge, they entered the plains of Central Sparta, an important agricultural area for Sparta. Olive groves and vineyards stretched far and wide, with olives and grapes being Central Sparta’s most important crops. The pressed olive oil and the wines produced were long famed, especially Sparta’s olive oil, which was the region’s most important export. Even in the wealthy households of Homer and the Caucasus, Sparta’s jarred olive oil was a symbol of luxury, not something every family could afford to enjoy at their leisure.

Baski’s somewhat sleazy appearance was in complete contrast to his endless chatter. Even Kamado paled in comparison, and after becoming somewhat exhausted, he retreated into his private room. Inside the spacious indoor café, only Komer and Baski remained. It was clear that Kamado had no fondness for Mr. Baski, but the Barbarossa Family wasn’t someone the Odysseus Family wished to offend. Under such circumstances, a somewhat discourteous evasion might be a sensible choice. Kamado had long noticed that Baski seemed to want to dig something out from his esteemed client.

When Baski learned that Komer had spent 300,000 gold coins to buy Xifnos Island from the Tilo People, Komer felt that in the other’s eyes he’d become a fool with deep pockets. Baski’s eloquence became even more fervent, as he kept promoting the various properties of the Barbarossa Family, such as two castles and a large woodland pasture in Athens City, a vast tract of land in the Northwest of the Iberian Kingdom, and a small island off the coast of Patre.

"Mr. Karadin, Kapok Castle and Crystal Castle are definitely the best investment choices for you. Athens City is the most prosperous and beautiful city in the Southern Mediterranean region, whether for business or residence, choosing Athens would be a wise decision. With your financial power and status, not having a proper residence in Athens City is unimaginable. You wouldn’t want to borrow someone else’s castle to host a grand banquet for your guests. In your leisure time, you can also race horses and hunt in the castles, as the pasture and woodland can satisfy all your various hobbies and needs."

"Ah, Mr. Baski," Komer replied apologetically, "as you said, I indeed have intentions to purchase some properties in Athens City. However, I’m not very familiar with the city and the properties you’ve introduced. Besides, the main purpose of my visit to Athens this time is to order armor, so..."

"It’s alright, Mr. Karadin, you can inquire whether Kapok Castle and Crystal Castle are worth your investment. Our Barbarossa Family’s reputation is well-respected throughout the Southern Mediterranean, there’s no doubt about that. We hope to maintain a good relationship with you, Mr. Karadin, and believe that we will have more business interactions in the future." The smile on Baski’s face seemed to twist somehow, appearing peculiar in Komer’s eyes.

"Mr. Kamado, what is your opinion on the properties Mr. Baski has recommended to me?" As the sunset cast a golden crimson glow, the calmly flowing Akmon River revealed its most beautiful side at that time, Komer casually asked, leaning against the cabin.

"If Mr. Karadin truly intends to purchase properties in Sparta, Athens City is naturally the best location. Moreover, I must admit that the property Mr. Baski has recommended to you is indeed worth so much money. I can’t understand why you would spend 300,000 gold coins to purchase Xifnos Island, but Kapok Castle and Crystal Castle, along with their surrounding pastures and woods, are definitely worth 500,000 gold coins. Um, to be honest, it should be a very good deal." After pondering for a moment, Kamado, who had rested all afternoon, appeared very spirited.

"Oh? I feel like Mr. Kamado doesn’t have a very favorable impression of Mr. Baski, so why do you speak so highly of his recommendation? Is it because Mr. Baski said the Barbarossa Family will use Patre as a base, so they will gradually transfer their properties in Athens?" Komer asked in surprise.

"Oh, that property being a bargain has nothing to do with the Barbarossa Family transferring their assets. Mr. Karadin, it seems you are not quite aware that, apart from the shipping industry, the Barbarossa Family is also involved in another business, are you?" Kamado’s gaze at Komer took on a peculiar light.

"Usury?" After a brief contemplation, Komer quickly realized, "Was that property acquired through a mortgage?"

"Hmm, the original owner was the Marquis of Solomon from the Iberian Kingdom, a famous playboy. He had a large territory in Iberia. Unfortunately, Barbarians breached Iberia’s border fortress of Gdansk and utterly destroyed it. His territory then became the Barbarians’ backyard. Moreover, he fell for a woman in Athens City that he shouldn’t have, and to win her favor, he spent one million gold coins within half a year and also amassed a huge debt with the Barbarossa Family. Naturally, Kapok Castle and Crystal Castle became properties of the Barbarossa Family," he explained.

Sighing softly, Kamado shook his head with some regret, "Now, the Marquis of Solomon is penniless."

"Oh, no wonder. Mr. Baski said he was willing to include a large piece of land in Iberia as a bonus if I purchased the property. I wonder if it’s the Marquis of Solomon’s territory?" Komer mused.

"Hmph. That territory is large, but now it’s worthless. The Iberian Kingdom has completely abandoned that region and has rebuilt another fortress line. A bonus, huh? Mr. Baski is truly generous," Kamado scoffed, then continued, "But Kapok Castle and Crystal Castle are indeed worth the money. However, everyone knows that members of the Barbarossa Family would not reside in those castles, so everyone is waiting for the Barbarossa Family to sell off these assets at a low price. Unexpectedly, Mr. Baski has turned his attention to you."

(To be continued. To find out what happens next, please visit WWW.CMFU.COM. There are more Chapters, support the author, support authorized reading!)