The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 836: Volume 26, Poised for Action, - 3: The Potential Ally with Bad Behavior

Chapter 836: Volume 26, Poised for Action, Chapter 3: The Potential Ally with Bad Behavior

"Explanations? Of course, but I think your explanations, Mr. Karman, would hardly change the impression I hold. If one or two people said this, it might be prejudice, but if everyone from different perspectives speaks the same, then it must be the truth," Komer said with a shrug and a light smile.

Komer’s words made Karmani’s face turn rather unsightly. He hadn’t expected that the canal construction would leave such an impression in this noble lord’s mind. It seemed that mere words were insufficient to clear up misunderstandings. The impression of the Gisa People had become deeply entrenched in everyone’s minds, and the recent incidents had only added to Karmani’s troubles.

Looking around, Karmani realized that now was not the time for detailed discussions. He silently retreated, choosing not to speak further. The others also dared not broach the subject further, and Carreila, who had intended to praise the canal’s benefits, merely kept his mouth tightly shut.

"Why are you silent? Although I am not completely satisfied with Mr. Karmani in some aspects, I do not deny his achievements in the construction of the canal. Once the canal is fully completed, it will connect the inland areas of the Caucasus and Leon, which is crucial for the development of both regions. The fact that it could be completed in such a short time is indeed a testament to Mr. Karmani’s indispensable role," Komer said. Realizing that his words might have been somewhat demoralizing, he circled back to comfort the men, which noticeably improved their mood.

"Sir, you have already said all that needed to be said. Just receiving your affirmation on this inspection trip is satisfying enough for us," Carreila said with a smile, continuing, "There is still much uncultivated wasteland by Lake Niall. I only ask that you consider favoring the Leon Region more when contemplating further immigration, as this could significantly alleviate the severe food shortages that require outside aid, ultimately saving a great deal on transportation."

"Hmm, that’s a good suggestion. I will consider it," Komer nodded.

Ever since leaving the shores of Lake Niall, Komer knew that Mr. Karmani must have had something he wanted to discuss, but he hadn’t paid much attention to it. These Gisa People were all profit-seeking, and even in seeking an alchemist, personal interest was likely mixed. There was a possibility they wanted to meddle in the iron mine extraction issues in Izmir. For Komer, however, this was not necessarily a bad thing. Maximizing the influx of external funds for the development of his territory was welcomed, regardless of who it came from. As long as it was within his territory, Komer wouldn’t worry about them causing any mischief.

The horse-drawn carriage jolted along the uneven dirt road. With the carriage’s shaking, Komer felt drowsy. This inspection trip through Leon, from Murray to Banassia and Mandu, finally reaching Lake Niall, Carreila’s performance had been noteworthy—an exceptional talent not just in terms of economic development within his territory, but also for maintaining public peace. Of course, this was related to the large number of mines and labor-intensive canal construction. But with the canal project ending, the issue of idle Half-Beastmen and Barbarians would emerge as a real problem—a problem that was no longer just economic but societal as well.

Military expansion couldn’t absorb so much labor. Moreover, how much wealth could such abundant labor create? The challenge now was to find an alternative path for this residual workforce. Barbarians and Half-Beastmen were unsuited to farming; even if granted land free of charge, they couldn’t farm like Mortals. Their very nature made it impossible for them to be successful farmers.

A series of urgent hoofbeats approached from behind. Without a second thought, Komer knew it had to be that Gisa man seizing the opportunity to discuss something. However, there was still a long way to Santiago, and Komer was quite open to someone to talk to, if only to pass the time on this unexciting journey.

"Sir,——"

"Let Mr. Karmani come up now. I have all the time now to hear his explanations," Komer interrupted the guard, stating directly.

"Yes, Sir. You knew already, ah, Mr. Karmani has just caught up," the guard replied, his face a picture of astonishment.

"Hmph, let him come up then. Hopefully, he brings something pleasant," Komer said with a half-smile.

Karmani sat across from Komer in the spacious carriage, awkward and constrained. Although there was plenty of space for four people, the intense atmosphere made Karmani feel mentally and psychologically oppressed, an oppression that had nothing to do with physical space. He was surprised at himself; he had seen many lords and nobles across the Continent, and even in the presence of kings of small nations, he had never felt this kind of suppression. Yet, before this man, whom he had considered a prodigal son, he always felt tense, as if exposed under Komer’s penetrating gaze.