The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 744: Volume 22: Revival and Rise - 4: Entering the Game

Chapter 744: Volume 22: Revival and Rise Chapter 4: Entering the Game

Puber was at a loss for words after being choked by Komer’s rhetoric. Fortunately, Komer did not press on. Many things are understood implicitly rather than said explicitly. Although the boss in front of him still maintained many of his old temperament, his shrewdness had far surpassed that of the past, which caused everyone around him to develop a sense of awe—gradually, their feelings became slightly distant. Even Komer himself could vaguely sense this.

Perhaps sensing Lord’s unstable emotions, Maha Gummi’s report was much more concise. In addition to briefly describing the situation in Caucasus, Leon, and Bruce Fortress, Maha Gummi focused mainly on Homer, Galle and Jazair.

Even Komer did not expect that Maha Gummi would be able to quickly establish an intelligence network through Carreila’s connections in Galle and Jazair. Although it was not perfect, it was much better than their previous disadvantaged position, which greatly improved Maha Gummi’s ability to collect intelligence within the kingdom.

The Salvation Society’s activities have become more frequent in Leon and Caucasus, but they were not very effective in Leon. The Half-Beastmen have always believed in Martial Power, with the creed that the strong are revered, deeply ingrained in their hearts, and Komer’s performance has convinced them that he must be the incarnation of the War God Mars—a feat that was, of course, attributed to Maha Gummi’s efforts. On the contrary, the Salvation Society’s prospects in Caucasus were more optimistic. The upper-class wealthy immigrants from the three regions began to lose their strong faith in religion after being utterly disappointed with the Church of Light. It was somewhat difficult for these immigrants from the North to suddenly become devout followers of Hades, the god of darkness, but still, some people began to worship secretly. The Salvation Society, which masqueraded as a reformist faction of the Church of Light, seemed to be more acceptable to these Northern immigrants.

However, considering the deterrent power of the Church of Light, the Salvation Society’s activities in Caucasus were essentially a death sentence upon exposure, and the Religious Court’s crackdown on the Salvation Society was even more severe than their pursuit of the Dark Lineage. In their eyes, the activities of the Salvation Society threatened their rule in the North, while the Dark Lineage seemed more like superficial filth. Carreila and the others from the Salvation Society spared no effort in helping Maha Gummi expand the intelligence network in Galle and Jazair, also realizing this. As long as Caucasus and Leon cannot become independent from the Church’s influence like the Southern countries, the Salvation Society dared not openly preach and convert. To achieve this, they could only pin their hopes on Komer.

The Beastmen on the Mogan Plateau in the North seem to have hibernated, while the situation within the kingdom has been unstably stirring. The reason being nothing else but the king’s sudden deterioration of health. It seemed he no longer had the strength to grasp control of the kingdom’s situation after moving into Versailles to recuperate. Suddenly, the question of who would inherit the throne became the focus of everyone’s attention, and Jazair had become the center of the vortex. It seemed as if everyone was waiting for the moment the king would pass away.

Regent Hoffman already had the upper hand, and the Great Aristocracy of Jazair had explicitly sided with him. It was said that the two Great Lords of the North had also reached an understanding with Hoffman. Only the two Great Lords of the South had not made their positions clear. Although the Middle and Small Aristocracy in the kingdom’s direct territories tended to prefer Katya, Hoffman’s agreement with the other Great Lords would undoubtedly come at their expense. This was unquestionable, but their strength was not enough to influence the situation. Perhaps the only uncertain factor was the attitude of Minister of Internal Affairs Tez and Minister of Military Affairs Mathew, yet everyone believed they would not take any stand until the king’s last breath.

"Maha Gummi, what about the Traders and the Financiers?" Komer asked after a long silence.

"Lord, I am not quite clear on which merchants and financiers you are referring to," Maha Gummi cautiously inquired.

"Arms dealers, Food merchants, those merchants closely related to the military affairs of the kingdom, what is their stance? And what about the Usury Merchants and other financiers?" Komer asked sternly.

"The merchants have all fled outside of Jazair. Now, Jazair is completely under the control of the Great Aristocracy. As for the usurers you mentioned, although they are still in Jazair, they almost never leave their homes. It seems they are waiting for something," Maha Gummi seemed to have a realization but didn’t completely understand the rationale.

"Boss, what can those merchants and usurers do? They are either Common people or low-ranking Nobles; they have no say in the matter of the Royal Successors," Puber asked, somewhat puzzled, voicing the same confusion that Maha Gummi had.

"Hmph, on the surface, they have no right to directly influence the choice of Royal Successors, but you must understand that the kingdom is already on the verge of collapse. It relies entirely on merchants and usurers for Funds, especially military expenditure which is entirely dependent on Usury Merchants and a part of the merchant family closely linked to the Royal Family. The Great Aristocracy cannot compare to what they derisively view as lesser men. It would be harder for them to come up with 100,000 Gold Shields than to be killed. Perhaps the Great Aristocracy will not consider this, but Tez and Mathew will not ignore this reality. If the merchants and usurers do not have confidence in Hoffman, and they refuse to fund or even demand immediate debt repayment, the kingdom will instantly go bankrupt and be paralyzed. The Army will immediately mutiny, and the country will no longer be a country!"

Komer’s resonant words revealed the intricate subtleties of the situation, leading to a sudden realization for both Puber and Maha Gummi. No wonder Mathew and Tez had been reluctant to make a clear stance—they too must be waiting and watching.

"Tez and Mathew cannot allow this situation to occur. Thus I must understand the movements of those Big Merchants and Usury Merchants. If even they have aligned themselves with Hoffman, then there is no suspense in this battle for the throne, and we can give up on Katya. The matter of the Quke Valley can also be set aside for now. However, if these individuals are still observing, it may mean that Katya is biding her time, accumulating Power, waiting to strike at the last moment."

"Boss, are you saying there’s still a possibility for Katya to win?" Puber couldn’t help but ask.

"It’s merely a possibility; her background and bloodline leave her without any allies among the nobility who value lineage, and her choice of a down-and-out noble as her fiancé only reduces her allies’ strength. If I were her, even if I didn’t choose a noble from another country, I would at least pick a son from a wealthy merchant family." Komer shook his head.

"Then why would she make such a choice?" Puber was somewhat puzzled.

"Hmph, when the Creator endowed a woman with unparalleled beauty, He also gave her boundless ambition. She is not someone who’s content to be manipulated by others," Reno said indifferently.

Puber nodded silently as well. The inherent disadvantages women faced meant they had to seek a balance; otherwise, all their hard work would merely benefit others.

"Though the merchants do have some fondness for her, whether she is worth such a big bet, the merchants are in wait-and-see mode, hesitating. Fortunately, they have the capital to rely on. Any person who ascends to the throne in the current kingdom cannot do without the merchant, so they still have time to choose," Komer added. "The balance is tilting towards Hoffman, but the dust hasn’t settled yet. We must involve ourselves in this game. Being a spectator could keep our minds clear, but we would lose the joy of engaging in the strategizing of those involved."

"So Boss, when are you setting out?" Puber knew that Komer’s trip to Jazair was inevitable and refrained from persuading him further.

"Are things arranged on that end?" Komer replied with a question.

"Hmm, I’ve made contact with the Ferro family, but I didn’t specifically inform them. On the part of Caffrey and the others, the people from the Barefoot Society in Jazair have all been arranged, and they’re all waiting for your arrival." Puber nodded, "The Salvation Society has also provided some assistance, but since we’re dealing with them for the first time, I’m not entirely sure how effective they’ll be."

Seeing Puber’s gaze turn towards him, Maha Gummi quickly continued, "There should be no significant issues; they are all devout believers of the Salvation Society but have never been exposed. If Lord makes good use of them, perhaps they could play an unexpected role."

"Mmm, I hope the Salvation Society doesn’t disappoint me. I’ve given them so much; I expect a proper return from them," Komer nodded, "Is the ship ready for me? I plan to visit Gutenberg first and then head to Jazair."

"Boss, you..." Puber hesitated after a pause.

"It’s nothing, I have my own sense of proportion," Komer said lightly, but a trace of emotion flashed in his eyes that only Puber could see.

"Well, Boss, just be careful, Vero might not betray you, but Zellin is not an easy opponent," Puber felt his own advice wouldn’t be of much use, as no one could change what his boss had decided.

"Don’t worry, I’m aware." Komer nodded and stepped out the door, "Shatima, let’s go."

A voluptuous and alluring young woman stepped out looking vulnerable and charming. The fetching blush on her delicate cheeks could bewitch any man, and her full rosy lips puckered slightly as she took Komer’s arm. The sunhat perched on her head was tipped up just enough to reveal fiery red hair beneath it. She was none other than the beauty of a dragon who had vanished several months ago.

(To be continued. If you want to find out what happens next, please visit WWW.CMFU.COM for more Chapters and to support the author and authorized reading!)