The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 838: Volume 26: Gathering Momentum - 4: I Do Not Need Allies

Chapter 838: Volume 26: Gathering Momentum Chapter 4: I Do Not Need Allies

"Alright, Lord Komer, you are a straightforward man, a fact I have long heard of, and I have also experienced your decisive and efficient style in the canal construction. Our Laurent family, representing a significant portion of the Gisa people, hope to gain your protection. In exchange, we Gisa will serve you with all our might, fulfilling any need you may have to the best of our abilities," Karmani stated plainly.

"Oh? Am I hearing this right?" Komer raised his eyebrows in surprise and asked, "Have the Gisa people encountered some kind of disaster? Or is the Church of Light planning to purge you? I can’t understand what you mean."

"Lord Komer, you should understand that there’s no need for us to hide or tiptoe around anything. Since I, Karmani, can speak so frankly, there’s nothing to be taboo about," Karmani expressed a hint of dissatisfaction on his face, "The Gisa people want to be treated fairly and not live in constant anxiety and fear, worried that those in power will confiscate our wealth, arrest us on some pretext, or throw us into prison. We do not want to live like this anymore; we have no excessive demands, only to enjoy the rights that a normal citizen should."

"Then let’s not beat around the bush, I’ll repeat my question, why choose me? I need a reason that can convince myself," Komer’s expression became serious and solemn.

"The reason is simple, by observing actions, you can know the person. We believe Lord Komer is capable and worthy of our trust, just for these two reasons," Karmani maintained his concise manner.

"Oh? What makes you think so?" Komer’s gaze sharpened, as if trying to peer into the depths of the other’s mind.

"Lord Komer, you managed to rise from a mere Caucasian Baron to drive out your direct superior and become one of the Four Great Lords within the Kingdom of Nicosia. And now, you’re certainly not content with this situation. Therefore, we believe you will continue to move forward, and you also have the ability to do so. With the help of the Gisa people, I believe your strides can be even larger. We wouldn’t be so optimistic about Lord Komer if it was just about Homer and Caucasus, as these two regions are too small for the Gisa people who wander around the whole continent. But if you are to continue on, we feel this may well be hope for us, Gisa people," Karmani explained without any pretense of their opportunistic mentality.

Karmani didn’t conceal the opportunistic mentality of his people. Cooperation between both parties is a process of selection. If one side has something of value to the other, a deal can naturally be struck. If either party lacks something valuable to offer, then they simply part ways. Cooperation is, after all, built on mutual benefit; mere pity-based help is neither sustainable nor durable and can disintegrate at any time.

"Hmm, it appears the Gisa people see great potential in me," Komer commented with a sly smile on his lips, appearing complacent, yet also seeming self-deprecating, "Anything else?"

"Yes, Sir, if you can shelter the Half-Beastmen and treat them as equals, and also subdue the Barbarians to kneel at your feet, then these barbaric tribes, scorned in the eyes of Mortals, can also obtain equal citizen rights under your rule. Don’t the Gisa people, who belong to the same Mortal lineage, deserve the same? It’s for this reason alone, we, the Gisa people, are willing to engage in a true cooperation with you," Karmani stated slowly, emphasizing each word, as a flush of excitement rose on his pale, gaunt cheeks.

"Cooperation? Hmm, I must consider carefully whether I truly need to cooperate with anyone," Komer said, filled with uncertainty in his voice and unswayed by Karmani’s excitement.

"Great Lord, you must not underestimate the power of the Gisa people. We are scattered across every country and city on the whole continent; we have funds and treasures beyond your imagination, and among us are numerous capable individuals. With our assistance, I guarantee that the goals you wish to achieve will readily fall into your hands," Karmani spoke somewhat indignantly and urgently. He hadn’t expected such a tepid reaction from the other side. In his view, with such a promise from him, the other party should have been overjoyed, or at the very least, responded positively. But this man seemed indifferent, leaving Karmani feeling insulted.

"Mr. Karmani, I believe the Gisa People certainly possess considerable wealth and power, and with your help, I could indeed alleviate much pressure and, as you say, make greater strides. However, these are things I could achieve without Gisa aid. I do not think I currently must have the help of the Gisa People." Komer appeared somewhat casual, which surprised and confused Karmani.

"What did you say? Don’t you need our help?" Karmani genuinely could not comprehend the meaning behind the other’s words.

"I welcome help from any quarter, but I disagree with your earlier statement, Mr. Karmani. Cooperation between the Gisa People, Homer, and the Caucasus? I find this term rather inappropriate, as the ambiguity of the word could lead to many unnecessary complications. Therefore, I think it better to be more cautious regarding this matter," Komer responded, choosing his words carefully.

Karmani, with his mouth agape, did not close it for a long while, seemingly still not grasping the meaning of Komer’s words. After a long time, he stammered, "Lord Komer, could you please explain in more detail?"

"Mr. Karmani, you just said we could work together in the same way as the Half-Beastmen and Barbarians do. I believe there’s been a misunderstanding. The Half-Beastmen and Barbarians obtained citizenship of the Caucasus in exchange for pledging loyalty to me. I do not consider that cooperation, but rather the price to be paid for legal citizenship. They have sworn loyalty to me, acknowledged me as their sole Lord, and must fulfill the duties of a citizen, including military service, paying taxes, and so on. In return, I grant them citizenship of the Caucasus and I also commit to protecting their legal rights as citizens of the Caucasus, nothing more."

"In Mr. Karmani’s words, I heard as though the Gisa People were to engage in some kind of exchange of interests from an equal position with me, and this I cannot agree with. Perhaps you might think this is an alliance of cooperation, but isn’t it absurd and ludicrous for a citizen within my own territory to be an ally with me in cooperation? Unless Mr. Karmani is implying that it does not include the Gisa within my territory and that the Gisa do not intend to become citizens of my territory. If so, then I would consider discussing this issue as allies."

Karmani pondered every sentence of Komer’s, clearly seeing that the lord was extremely calm and clear-headed. Although he appeared nonchalant, he analyzed every word he said very seriously, and his unexpected response was enough to prove his prudence on the matter. He did not accept the Gisa People engaging in an exchange of interests on an equal footing. Instead, he required them to acknowledge his lordship over all Gisa in exchange for the protection of their interests, which seemed less substantial than what he had previously offered. However, Karmani understood that once lordship was established, future negotiations could no longer be on an equal footing, but would instead be as a subordinate asking for favors, which exceeded the bottom line set by his family.

"Lord Komer, saying it that way seems akin to rejecting us from a thousand miles away. The Gisa People have never had a custom of becoming citizens of any country or city. We prefer to exchange material, tangible benefits. Isn’t that better? Becoming allies should be highly beneficial for both sides," Karmani still tried to persuade him.

"I’m sorry, I do not need allies! Especially not allies like the Gisa People! That would only bring chaos to my territory. When a group resides within my land, wanting to enjoy the benefits of citizenship without taking on the corresponding responsibilities and preferring to substitute money, it is unheard of. I think such absurd ideas can only come from the Gisa People," Komer said with a cold laugh, "Please forgive my inability to assist, perhaps you should seek more suitable allies elsewhere."

Karmani was somewhat embarrassed. The other’s attitude was firm, making him hesitate. The bottom line given by his family was not necessarily to maintain an equal relationship. Becoming a subject of Komer was not off the table, but this depended on how ambitious Komer was. The Gisa were spread across the entire Blue Continent, and if Komer was just a Lord of Homer and the Caucasus, it was clear he could not take on the role of protector of all Gisa People. They needed a protector much stronger than the current Komer. Although ambitious, he didn’t seem to possess that power, which was also Karmani’s concern.

"Lord Komer, may I be so bold as to ask, how far do you intend to go before you stop? Or, what in your mind should the world look like?" Though the words were vague, their meaning was clear to Komer; the other party wanted to know if he possessed the courage and strength. Komer found this somewhat amusing.

The Gisa were indeed good at calculating their moves, choosing their alliances with great care. It wasn’t surprising, given their tenuous status. Choosing a strong ally might mean they’d only be used without any substantial responsibilities taken on, while choosing a weak one would be meaningless. Furthermore, they needed to find someone who was not averse to the Gisa, a role that was not easy to fill. Perhaps he was the only marginally suitable candidate. (To be continued. For more Chapters, please visit www.qidian.com. Support the author, support authorized reading!)