The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 778: Volume 23: Rising Winds and Swirling Clouds, - 14: Fanged Teeth

Chapter 778: Volume 23: Rising Winds and Swirling Clouds, Chapter 14: Fanged Teeth

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"We might say that it’s a bit of both. I’ve always found the atmosphere conversing with several chiefs inside the mansion to be somewhat oppressive, so I asked the Sike Leader to invite you here to experience the free atmosphere of our Caucasus, as well as to get a taste of the ordinary people’s daily life of entertainment and leisure in the Caucasus. I hope that wasn’t too abrupt?"

The voice from behind drew the attention of Dvanch and Bellamong, as Komer’s slightly slender figure appeared in the tavern, it also caused a stir among some of the tavern customers across. The customers sensibly restrained themselves, casting curious glances from a distance without swarming over.

"Is that so? Lord Komer, we are mountain people, and perhaps we don’t adapt well to the lives of mortals," Dvanch said with a meaningful undertone, his deep gaze piercing through his slightly squinted eyes.

"Oh, if Chief Dvanch thinks so, all I can say is that it’s regrettable. I’ve always believed that although mortals and mountain people come from different races, the yearning for a better life is common to all. The shine of civilization should be equal for every race. If one fails to recognize this, it goes against the current and will be abandoned by the times. I believe that fact has been amply demonstrated."

Komer’s tone was light and accompanied by a smile, yet it was incredibly sharp.

"Lord Komer, the change in traditions requires specific stages and ample time to develop—it’s not as simple as you imagine. The traditions of our mountain people are not so easily altered by mortals," Bellamong chimed in supportively.

"Heh, it seems we still have considerable differences in our views, but no matter, it’s good to talk them over. We have plenty of time to discuss this issue, and plenty of time to prove who is right and who is wrong," Komer replied with a laugh, noticeably easing the atmosphere.

The broad platform behind the Lucky Horn Tavern became the gathering place for Komer and his party, offering a panoramic view of the expansive hall of the tavern. The traders knew to keep their distance without intruding. Although the presence of the Lord with several barbarians in the tavern aroused the curiosity of many, given the rapidly growing number of barbarians in Caucasus territory, it wasn’t something to fuss over.

"Lord Komer, you have successively approved the settlement of thirteen small mountain tribes into the Caucasus as formal citizens of the Caucasus, which severely damages our relationship with the Caucasus. We are in talks with your Administrative Officer, and yet you’ve approved the treaties for another six tribes to join. We are very disappointed by your actions," Bellamong started aggressively as soon as he was seated.

"Chief Bellamong, do you think I need your consent to approve these treaties?" Komer countered, "No, no, you seem to overlook one fact: those mountain tribes, although small, possess their own sovereignty. They are not vassals of any large tribe. As long as it is their autonomous wish, I believe it meets the basic criteria for me to approve these treaties, without needing anyone’s consent."

The atmosphere turned tense again as Dvanch and Bellamong didn’t expect Komer’s stance to be so firm. It was Dvanch who spoke up to ease the situation: "Lord Komer, we do not intend to interfere with the internal affairs of the Caucasus, but you should consider the impact this situation has on the Sanjia Tribe. As faithful collaborators of the Caucasus, can’t you even meet this small request of ours?"

"Chief Dvanch, I value our cooperation with the Sanjia Tribe highly. From the very start, our partnership has been quite pleasant, and we have both gained what we needed. However, this doesn’t mean that the Sanjia Tribe can dictate the actions of the Caucasus," Komer softened his stance. "Actually, I’ve never quite understood what the Sanjia Tribe is worried about. How does the affiliation of these small tribes to the Caucasus negatively affect the Sanjia Tribe? In my view, apart from fostering and solidifying the relationship between the Caucasus and the mountain people, I truly see no disadvantage in this."

Komer’s retort left Dvanch and Bellamong somewhat helplessly embarrassed. The unrest within their tribe was indeed a result of the actions of these small joining tribes, but this was not something they could easily discuss. The stark disparity in power combined with the contrasting realities had involuntarily drawn the Sanjia Tribe closer to the Caucasus. They feared this centripetal trend more than anything, and it was precisely this situation that both Dvanch and Bellamong wished to avoid.

Seeing that Dvanch and Bellamong had no response, Komer said nothing more, instead taking a delicate sip of his Red Maoshao to savor it quietly.

"Lord Komer, we don’t wish to conceal anything. We greatly admire your brilliant strategies, but we wish to understand your true intentions. Of course, we of the Sanjia Tribe also hope that our mountain people can lead better lives. The natural conditions of the Cordillera Wilderness are indeed harsh, and the pursuit of a better life is within reason. However, we don’t wish for the traditions and customs of our mountain people to gradually disappear into the annals of mortal history. As mountain people, it is our duty and obligation to uphold the historical traditions and customs of our Mountain Clan."

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Though the words were quite implicit, the meaning behind them was very clear. Having thought it through, Dvanch spoke honestly. He realized that dragging the issue out in a shroud of mist and clouds would solve nothing, better to be frank and understand the ultimate goal and intentions of the other party.

"I have no intention of changing the traditions of you mountain people. In my view, neither the Caucasus nor the Cordillera Wilderness belong exclusively to any single race to enjoy alone. Have you mountain people always lived on the Cordillera Wilderness? No, it wasn’t always so. History has evolved to bring us to this point. You mountain people are well aware that being trapped and isolated in the Cordillera Wilderness will only lead to increasing stagnation and weakness. History is precedent, and civilization is advancing. If you cannot keep up with the times, you are sure to be obliterated by history’s flow, and such examples are not rare. Therefore, I believe if the mountain people truly want to survive on the Continent, it is no longer feasible to proceed with your original thinking, and only by breaking free from the constraints of tradition and territory may you possibly find a new path. On this matter, I hope the Chiefs will consider it carefully. There’s no need to rush to conclusions. I trust that with your wisdom, you should be able to see the essence of this thoroughly," Komer said.

Komer’s words once again rendered them silent. Almost every sentence struck at the heart of the issue, paining both Dvanch and Bellamong and forcing them to seriously contemplate the views Komer presented. Though the mountain people occasionally welcomed splendid but fleeting moments of glory, such flashes could not hide the general trend of decline. As civilizations of other races, mainly mortals, around them flourished, the narrow-mindedness and shortsightedness of the mountain people, still looking at the sky from the bottom of a well, became increasingly apparent. They naively wished to reclaim their past glory through Martial Power, but they completely forgot that formidable Martial Power is built on a solid economic foundation. Without such a foundation, everything is like water without a source, a tree without roots.

The Sanjia Tribe, which has looked out through the window of the Caucasus to the outside world, has already felt this reality, but to have them suddenly abandon the burden of history and accept this reality is no easy task.

Taking a deep breath, Dvanch strived to keep his mind calm. Seeing the pained look filled with inescapable confusion in Bellamong’s eyes, Dvanch knew that the other party, like himself, had already grasped the core of the problem but was equally unable to make a decision easily. The shackles of historical tradition are not so easily shattered as Komer suggests, as the resulting agony could plunge the entire tribe into chaos or even collapse. This requires a process, a gradual one.

"Lord Komer, although we cannot fully accept your views and opinions, I must admit that some were indeed things we had not considered before. We need some time to digest this, but we hope that the Caucasus does not push too hard or too fast in the steps of absorbing the mountain people. We all need time to buffer and settle the impact this brings; this is beneficial for all of us," Dvanch said somewhat bitterly.

"Hmm, I accept your suggestion. I will instruct my Administrative Officer to act with caution in future matters concerning this issue," Komer easily accepted the other party’s proposal. "Additionally, I have some requests and I hope Sanjia Tribe can offer support."

"Oh?" Both Dvanch and Bellamong were taken aback, assuming Komer had invited them here exclusively to mediate the contradictions regarding the integration of the mountain people, but it seemed his real intentions lay elsewhere.

"May I know what you need, Lord Komer?" After exchanging glances with Dvanch, Bellamong cautiously asked.

"I need the Martial Power support of Sanjia Tribe, to be precise, I need the armed forces of Sanjia Tribe to help me in an upcoming war," Komer stated directly.

"Martial Power support?" Dvanch and Bellamong looked at each other in confusion. "Where does Lord Komer intend to wage war? Against Livonia or somewhere else?"

"Heh, it seems Chief Dvanch is quite aware of the situation in the Caucasus. No, this matter is unrelated to Livonia. My Army’s main force is currently stationed in Livonia, but for the short term, there are no hostilities. Their main task at present is deterrence. But I intend to settle accounts with Homer’s Philip," Komer said, his smile revealing white teeth.

Dvanch and Bellamong were both shaken. This man’s ambition and hidden fangs were finally laid bare, and moreover, he wanted to borrow troops from Sanjia Tribe. Considering his definitive tone, it was almost a given—of course, this might not be such a bad thing.

(To be continued. For further developments, please visit WWW.CMFU.COM. There are more Chapters to enjoy, support the author, support authorized reading!)