The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 807 - 24 Volumes Beacon Fires Link the Camps - 17 Disintegration

Chapter 807: 24 Volumes Beacon Fires Link the Camps Chapter 17 Disintegration

Regarding Komer’s grandiose declaration, the merchants displayed polite respect on their faces, but mere bluster was not enough to make the traders of Odessa humble themselves. The implication in Komer’s words made it clear that Odessa would still serve as Homer’s main source of tax revenue. It was likely that the commercial taxes in Odessa would continue to increase rather than decrease, which was not surprising. After the Great War and Philip’s escape, Homer definitely required considerable financial resources. It would be difficult for Odessa to escape its fate of exploitation. The merchants of Odessa had long been aware of this reality and had mentally prepared for it. Now, their thoughts were focused on another matter—how to expand the commercial prosperity of Odessa.

Since they could not expect a reduction in the tax rate, they would have to find ways to increase the volume of commercial trade in Odessa itself. It was a win-win choice; as long as Odessa could truly become what Komer described—a trade hub of the Canal region, a pearl of the Nether Sea and the Mediterranean region, and the main trading window of Nicosia for the Continent and the Southern Mediterranean—then the tax rate would become insignificant. This required tangible measures, to be precise, substantial actions to reflect and promote this vision, and that was exactly what the merchants needed to obtain.

Seeing the expectant gazes behind the polite facade of the merchants, Komer had to admit that the merchants were much more practical and direct than the nobles. What he said could not simply dazzle them; they needed him to give a clear response. Without anything substantial, these merchants might see him as just another Philip, full of hot air.

"Gentlemen, you must also be aware that under my leadership, Leon has far surpassed its development under Boninski. Today, the high-quality smokeless coal, iron ore, and crude iron produced in Leon have monopolized the demand for supplies heading from Nicosia to the Southern Mediterranean and the Continental colonies. However, in the Kingdom Inland, due to the previously strained relations with Homer, Leon’s coal and iron have not been able to enter inland. Galle, Godeburg, Black Forest—these regions are still using the inferior and expensive coal and iron from Silesia and Poznan. What is most needed in Leon and the Caucasus, and even on Cordillera Wilderness? It is food! And where is the highest quality and largest quantity of food produced in the kingdom? It’s the Busen Plain, and where is the window for the Busen Plain? It’s Odessa! Now, with the Caucasus and Homer truly integrated, any impediments to this mutual need have ceased to exist. So, merchants of Odessa, what are you still waiting for?"

Komer’s provocative words instantly ignited the hearts of the merchants. Indeed, with its natural advantages, Odessa had always been the largest provider of food to the Caucasus. However, during Philip’s era, political necessities deprived Odessa of the opportunity to become the food supply channel for the Caucasus, which resulted in the opening of the Catania River Channel. But now, not only could the vast demands from the Caucasus and Leon instantly turn Odessa into the biggest supplier, but Lord Komer also hinted that the barbarians of the Cordillera Wilderness might be potential customers, an opportunity the merchants had long dreamt of.

Think about the hundreds of thousands of barbarians on Cordillera Wilderness; their food needs alone are at least double that of the same number of mortals. Who else could meet such a vast demand if not the Busen Plain? And through which place would the wealth of diversified products from Cordillera Wilderness enter the Kingdom Inland? Of course, it is only through Odessa! Certainly, the regions along the middle and upper parts of the Catania River could also achieve this, but only after fulfilling the demands of the Odessa merchants first, for Odessa is now the true trade hub of the entire Homer region, something that Lord Komer had just clearly stated!

Komer could vividly sense the palpitating hearts within the chests of the merchants, and he could even clearly hear the sounds of them swallowing saliva and licking their lips. By throwing out such a big lure, he was not afraid that these fellows would not bite. The demand for food from the Caucasus and Leon, as well as from the Cordillera Wilderness, represented a staggeringly large figure, and the Busen Plain just happened to be the kingdom’s granary. Which of these merchants did not own several thousand hectares of land on the plain? It was almost like a lucrative deal delivered to their doorstep. How could it not make their hearts blossom? As for the goods exported from the Caucasus Region to enter the Kingdom Inland through Odessa, that was inevitable, at least until the upper reaches of the Nissai River were completely cleared, and merely these two aspects were enough for the Odessa traders to digest for a while. If these fellows were still not satisfied, they would truly be out of touch with reality.

Just like tossing a few sparks onto a dry wilderness, the merchants suddenly became clamorous, each voicing their thoughts. Komer watched this scene with a composed gaze, effortlessly dissolving their united front. Now these fellows were all pondering how to seize the greatest benefits from this feast, and the previous main topic of how to secure greater influence for the collective of Odessa merchants had long been forgotten by them.

Komer gracefully escorted the group out of the City Hall, having simply dismantled their alliance and successfully sown seeds of discord among them. It would now take them some effort to regroup. These fellows still dreamt of joining forces to seek control over the city from him, but it was a mere pipe dream. United by interests, they could just as easily become enemies for the same reason. With a little provocation, their alliance would fall apart.

The city governor of Odessa would certainly play an important role and must remain under his control. Of course, it was also necessary to take into account the interests of the merchants to some extent. At a time when many had yet to realize the importance of merchants, Komer had already profoundly understood their significance to a region, especially to non-agriculturally developed areas. Although Homer had the granary of the Busen Plain, it needed the support of these merchants to compete with other regions of the kingdom, particularly their financial backing. The success of the Caucasus had proved this, as had the downfall of the Romanov family—whether to build a powerful army or to win the support of the common people, without sufficient funds, it was all in vain. (To be continued. For further Chapters, please visit WWW.QIDIAN.COM. More Chapters available, support the author, support authorized reading!)