The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 837: Volume 26: Gathering Strength - 3: Potentially Unreliable Ally_2

Chapter 837: Volume 26: Gathering Strength Chapter 3: Potentially Unreliable Ally_2

"Mr. Karmani, it seems you indeed have much to discuss, so please don’t hold back. I’m quite easygoing, and you needn’t have any reservations," Komer noted the other’s inner unease, the spiritual pressure unintentionally manifesting itself upon his own body, making the other party feel uncomfortable even though he didn’t intend to do anything.

"Lord Komer, I feel that you hold a prejudice against the Gisa People, including our Laurent family. I hope I can dispel this unfair view of yours," Karmani took a deep breath as he spoke.

"Oh? Mr. Karmani, do you find it necessary? Or am I really that important in your eyes? I don’t think I deserve such attention from you. Your Laurent family has businesses and properties elsewhere, too. Do you act this way everywhere you go?" Komer was surprised. He had always assumed that Karmani had some other business endeavors he wanted to engage with him, not expecting him to merely seek clarification.

"Well, of course not, in other places we just fulfill our duties as merchants," Karmani shook his head.

"Then I’m quite curious why Mr. Karmani holds me in such high regard. Is it the business opportunities in Caucasus and Homer that you value, or is it me you regard highly?" Komer found this increasingly interesting.

"One could say it’s a bit of both, but more importantly, we are more interested in Mr. Komer," Karmani smiled, and the atmosphere lightened considerably.

"Oh, is that so? I’m feeling a bit flattered indeed," Komer smiled as well.

"Lord Komer, including you, many people may look down on, even despise the Gisa People, thinking we are solely profit-driven and treasure wealth as life itself, believing we Gisa people would forsake morals and conscience for gain. But have you ever wondered why the Gisa People are like this? We Gisa primarily engage in trade, and we could do business just like any other merchants; however, we are forced to pursue more profits and sometimes against our conscience. Do you think we don’t know this would bring more hatred and anger upon us, making our survival in this world even more difficult?" Karmani fixed his gaze on Komer, enunciating each word.

Komer nodded; he too wanted to hear the explanation. It’s said that the Gisa People have a natural talent for business, able to root themselves anywhere and become the local wealthy class, but they have no political status whatsoever; they are subjects of resentment everywhere, this unique and embarrassing position causing the Gisa People to attract disapproving gazes wherever they go.

"Why? It all stems from that damned Church of Light!" Karmani said through gritted teeth.

"How so?" Komer was taken aback.

"If they hadn’t portrayed our Gisa People in that damned ’Holy Book’ as a class of traitors due to greed, how would we have ended up in such a state?" A flush of anger rose on Karmani’s face, "The fools of the Church of Light fabricated a so-called ’Holy Book’ to deceive the world, yet depicted us Gisa People as symbols of traitors and heartless merchants, causing those deceived by their doctrine to also see us Gisa People as adversaries. Over hundreds of years, the living conditions of our Gisa People have worsened, and wherever we live we have to endure disdain from others, possessing no political rights or social status, and still have to pay taxes several times higher than ordinary merchants. Even our children suffer from discrimination. Tell me, under these circumstances, if we don’t find ways to earn an extra penny and plan for our future, can we manage?"

Through Karmani’s words, the doubts that had been shrouding Komer’s heart were lifted. So that was it! The Gisa People had never believed in the Church of Light, and the Church never accepted Gisa People into its fold. No wonder Karmani was reluctant to bring up this issue in front of Carreila; at least Carreila still appeared to be a believer of the Church of Light on the surface.

"Mr. Karmani, I can understand the feelings of your Gisa People. The Church of Light’s unabashed fabrication and slander against the Gisa People indeed have a severe negative impact on the environment in which Gisa People live. However, it is also true that there are well-known deplorable behaviors among your Gisa People. To be precise, it should be the combined effect of both sides that has led to the current plight of your Gisa People, although I also think the former factor has a much larger impact." Komer nodded and said, "However, I am puzzled as to why you came to me with such solemnity to explain why your Gisa People have fallen into such a plight. I am self-aware and don’t think I am so important that the Gisa People would regard me so highly. I am just a noble lord."

"Lord Komer, I don’t want to hide anything. Even if you hadn’t come to the Lakeside of Niall for inspection this time, I would have sought an audience with you. I am not just representing myself—I am here on behalf of the entire Laurent family and perhaps even all the Gisa People to discuss some matters with you, Sir," expressed Karmani, his face showing a very serious and solemn expression.

Komer had a vague sense of what might be coming, and he even guessed the general intent of the other party. However, he was puzzled as to why these people had chosen him. With their financial and material resources, it didn’t seem necessary to pick him specifically—there were so many countries in the south-central region that were not devout followers of the Church of Light and would likely be happy to accept their terms.

"Why have you chosen me, or rather, why choose Caucasus and Homer?" Komer asked indifferently, "I don’t think I’m the most suitable candidate."

Startled, Karmani’s face revealed an incredulous look, "Lord Komer, do you know?"

"Mr. Karmani, I’m not a fool. You wouldn’t be so persistent in seeking me out if it were just for one or two business matters, which you could have settled with Puber. You must have discussed this matter with Puber as well, hasn’t he suggested this approach to you? Hmph, that double-dealing fellow, is there something he couldn’t have told me directly? He had to make you come to me?" Komer feigned anger.

"No, no, Lord Komer, please don’t misunderstand. Although Puber is my close friend, and I indeed sought his advice, he thinks this matter involves many complications. Especially since our Gisa People not only have a bad reputation in the areas controlled by the Church of Light but also in other regions, even though it’s all the work of the Church of Light. However, the impact has already been made, and it won’t be easy to restore the image of our Gisa People overnight. So he didn’t highly favor our idea. It was only after seeing the real conditions in the region under your lordship through this Canal construction that I decided to discuss it with my family and then negotiate with you, Sir," explained Karmani.

Karmani’s attitude seemed sincere, but Komer knew he wouldn’t have come to him rashly without seeking Puber’s opinion. The ability of the Gisa People to put on a show was in no way inferior to that of those performing bards.

"Alright, Mr. Karmani, you know my relationship with Puber. I have no reason to punish him for this, so there’s no need to pretend here. I’d like to hear your thoughts now. There’s no need for cover-ups; straightforwardness is best," Komer waved his hand, indicating the other party need not explain further, and that it would be best to get straight to the point. (To be continued. For further updates, please visit www.qidian.com. More Chapters are available there. Support the author, support authorized reading!)