The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 839: Volume 26: Gathering Momentum, - 5: Dwarves

Chapter 839: Volume 26: Gathering Momentum, Chapter 5: Dwarves

"Mr. Karmani, the world in my eyes might differ from many people’s expectations, but I can understand the worries in your heart. The Gisa people have been wandering on the Continent for centuries, always struggling to find a suitable homeland. It seems like no rulers truly favored the Gisa people. I too share this indifference; however, unlike them, I hold neither dislike nor prejudice towards the Gisa people. As you mentioned, if I can readily accept even the Half-Beastmen and Barbarians, why not the Gisa people?"

Komer gracefully adjusted the hair that the wind from outside the window had disheveled, speaking mostly to himself, "I can confidently answer you in one aspect: my interests are not limited only to Homer. Just a joke, by my side, there are several women whom I am quite fond of, and my marriage inevitably requires some noblewomen suitable in social ranking. How would I resolve this contradiction? Mr. Karmani, you should know that the Flanders Region in the southern Iberian Kingdom is already my territory, and one of my titles is Viscount Flanders. Perhaps owning more territories could at least facilitate providing suitable statuses for the women I like, correct?"

Komer’s somewhat frivolous attitude made Karmani frown. He had approached this topic with considerable caution, but the other party deliberately obfuscated his answer. Lord Komer’s appetite for women was well-known even in Cyprus, and it seemed to intensify now. Rumors had it he maintained ambiguous relationships with both the Princess Renta of the Romanov family and Princess Vero, the daughter of Archduke Galezrin, and now there were some lower-class women by his side, said to be quite favored by him. Was this man really opting to be a licentious lord, unafraid that his inheritance rights and reputation might be affected?

"Alright, Mr. Karmani, there’s no need to furrow your brow and fret aimlessly. In fact, considering the Laurent family and the entire Gisa community entrusted you to come to me, they must have thought it through quite thoroughly. If there were other more suitable or relatively appropriate choices, you would not have chosen me, which proves that you have no other options. However, I do not intend to leverage this to coerce anything. I appreciate your contributions to the canal project, and I understand your desire to seek a way out for the Gisa people. As long as you show genuine intent, I am not an unreasonable person. But you need the courage to abandon many bad habits that have long plagued your people. If you cannot do this, even if I grant you citizenship, you would still struggle to integrate into Mortal Society."

The confidence and authority in Komer’s words slightly discouraged Karmani. It seemed he was not being given any room to negotiate. This fellow had apparently figured him out completely, leaving no room for the small tricks he intended to play, Should he just yield and concede defeat? No, Karmani was not ready to give up resisting just yet.

"Lord Komer, we Gisa people are a relatively independent ethnic group. We hope to live in your territory as guests, obviously abiding by the laws of your land, while also able to offer financial support. However, you must not lump us in with the other residents of your territory. We, the Gisa people, have our own way of living..."

Before Karmani could finish, Komer rudely interrupted him, "Enough, Mr. Karmani, no more needs to be said. I’ll reiterate once again, there are no special ethnic groups within my territory. Whether you are a Mortal or Half-Beastman, everyone is treated the same! Half-Beastmen can become nobles with their own lands, and Mortals can also become penniless beggars! If the Gisa people wish to become citizens within my land, they must abide by all laws here, and when obtaining the status of territory citizens, you must also demonstrate your goodwill with positive actions! If that is impossible, Mr. Karmani, you should seek another path. This matter does not need further discussion. Continuing could potentially ruin the impression I have just formed of you."

Faced with Komer’s firm stance, Karmani had no choice but to back down. He did not wish to estrange their relationship, relieved that there was still time and opportunity to negotiate with him slowly.

Santiago had developed into the most important industrial, commercial, and trading center on the southern foothills of the Volt Mountain Range. To say it was a city might be slightly exaggerated, but as a core town, it certainly deserved that status.

The newly built canal terminal was already bustling with merchant ships. Merchant ships arriving from the direction of Mattdam originated from various nations, including grain ships from the middle and upper reaches of the Catania River and merchant vessels from the Southern Mediterranean carrying honey, fruit, wine, salt, weapons, armor, and various crafts imbued with rich Mediterranean style, continually offloaded onto the dock and then transported into the shops of merchants.

Barbarians and Half-Beastmen laborers hurriedly surrounded the shipowners and shopowners, competing to secure handling contracts. As more Barbarians infiltrated into the interior of the Caucasus, the Half-Beastmen felt increasing competitive pressure. The previously lax attitude had vanished in the face of severe threats, especially after some Barbarians obtained citizen rights, intensifying their stress. To outdo Barbarians, they had to perform better to earn the favor of shipowners and merchants. Fortunately, though Mortals’ fear of Barbarians had lessened significantly, it still did not match the familiarity they felt towards Half-Beastmen, who had always lived within Mortal territories. The Half-Beastmen still maintained some advantages, but they dared not take their situation lightly anymore.