The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 899: Volume 28: The Long Spear Plows the Courtyard, - 16: The Counterattack

Chapter 899: Volume 28: The Long Spear Plows the Courtyard, Chapter 16: The Counterattack

Komer nodded. He had indeed considered this point. If Blamonte were the only heir, there would be nothing to discuss, but with the addition of Doronny as a competitor, everything became much more manipulable.

"How is Prince Doronny’s reputation and influence within the Bohemia Kingdom?"

Startled, Rebry seemed to sense Komer’s intention. It appeared that the Lord was about to employ his most adept skill once again. Strongholds are always breached from within, and coupled with this latest attack on him in the field of romance, his character would surely not allow his opponent to get off easily. Exploiting the discord between brothers seemed to be the best option. However, the Bohemia Kingdom was not the Kingdom of Nicosia; it was much too unfamiliar for them.

"Lord Komer, I can roughly guess what you’re thinking, but this will be very difficult. That place is too far from us and very unfamiliar," Rebry hesitated before adding, "Is it worth making such a big fuss?"

"Rebry, if Blamonte dares to unreservedly send out his Bohemia Court Mage Knights to support Zellin and puts pressure on the Mage Guild, forcing the Mage Guild to also support the Galleians, it’s a clear sign he wants to be my adversary. Do you think there’s still room for reconciliation between us and the Galleians?" Komer shook his head. "If not, we must consider in advance what it would mean for us if the Bohemians truly supported the Galleians. Rather than wait, we should take preventative action by first targeting their internal division and seeking a supporter from within. At the very least, we can prevent Blamonte from freely supporting the Galleians."

"As for being too distant and unfamiliar, that is not an issue. I seem to still have a territory in Livonia, and isn’t Basarabia next door actively improving relations with us?" Komer chuckled softly, "I think we have plenty of opportunities."

"What do you plan to do?" Rebry sighed. When Komer made up his mind, he rarely changed it. It seemed this time Prince Blamonte was in for trouble.

"Hehe, I intend to use these two Magic Knights as a bargaining chip. I believe Prince Doronny will be quite interested. Didn’t you say the Bohemia Court Mage Knights are entirely loyal to Newman Manuel II? Then Blamonte’s sending Magic Knights to meddle in Nicosia’s internal affairs without authorization should be a good excuse for Doronny, right? Besides, the Mage Guild’s forced involvement in this affair contradicts the Guild’s principle of independence and fairness. I’m sure the Guild’s authorities will be unhappy with Blamonte, which will certainly not reflect well on him. Perhaps this is something Doronny would enjoy seeing. Maybe when he receives the news, he’ll turn the situation into something even more wonderful."

The sly smile that crept along Komer’s lips made both Rebry and Fran shiver. Being targeted by the Lord was truly an unfortunate matter. It seemed Prince Blamonte was about to take a big tumble this time.

"Life without revenge is no life at all, boss, I support you. He dared to compete with you for a woman without taking a good look at himself. That Blamonte is going to die a rather ugly death," Puber said nonchalantly. "However, it’s true that we’re quite unfamiliar with Bohemia."

"Hmph, as for the Gran family, Prague doesn’t seem to be too unfamiliar, does it? I think it’s a good time to test the influence of the Gran family." Komer shrugged his shoulders. "Now that the situation in the east is gradually stabilizing, I think it’s about time I visited Livonia. The promises Katya and Hoffman made to me seem to have yet to be fulfilled. Should I remind them?"

The waterway from Bruce Fortress to Quke Valley had been almost entirely opened up. Although there were still threats from Magical Beasts in the upper reaches of the Nissai River, these were only against scattered travelers. For groups with the power of Mages or large contingents of soldiers, even with the limited intelligence of Magical Beasts, they knew it wasn’t a good time to attack.

From Bruce Fortress to the source of the Nissai River—Lake Nissai— the river channel had already been dredged and made clear. However, Lake Nissai was not a suitable place for a port, so the dock could only be constructed at a river section twenty kilometers away from the lake. But from there to Bruce Fortress was very safe and peaceful, and Komer quite liked the quietness of this journey. It reminded him of his experience in Sparta.

On the exquisite round tea table were fruits characteristic of both the Great and Little Greenland Forests, and a tray made of fine glassware from Basarabia. At its side, a beautifully made Usteel knife was carelessly placed. This was a Double Masted Sailing Ship with a flat bottom, pointed front, and broad tail, where the rear half was an open deck. Polished wooden rails made an artful fence that enclosed the rear section of the ship into a perfect spot for admiring the river scenery and casual conversation. It was clear that the designer had put considerable thought into it.

When Karmani received the invitation, he knew that his family had likely caught the Lord’s eye once again. His feelings towards Komer were mixed with both fear and pleasure. The pleasure stemmed from the fact that the Gran family’s standing seemed to be rising in the eyes of the other, potentially signaling his gradual acceptance of their family. The fear was because of the Lord’s unfathomable disposition. Although not capricious, Karmani, who considered himself rather adept in analytical judgement, could never guess what Komer was really thinking.

"Come sit, Mr. Karmani. Why have you become so restrained? That doesn’t seem like your style," Komer said with a smile, pointing to the seat across from him. It seemed as if this important member of the Gran family had been avoiding him ever since he boarded, but had he not considered that once aboard the ship, there was no escape?

"Sir, I’m just not quite accustomed to this, um, Sir, it seems you have something to discuss with me. Is it just the two of us?" Karmani looked around apprehensively. A private conversation with the Lord did not seem to bode well.

"Mm, is Mr. Karmani not quite comfortable being alone with me?" Komer laughed, "I indeed have something I wish to cooperate on with the Gran family. Come, try the Dragon Leaf Fruit, a special product from the Little Greenland Forest. It’s said to be a rare tonic for men."

"Cooperation?" Karmani couldn’t help but give a bitter smile. If it was truly a mutually beneficial cooperation, would Lord Komer be so solicitous?

"Yes, cooperation, but it’s also a test—a test of whether the Gran family truly possesses the trustworthy influence that Mr. Karmani claims," Komer nodded.

Karmani fell silent. A test? An endless series of tests. Lord Komer was really too shameless, always justifying with such reasons. Couldn’t he come up with something fresher?

"Lord Komer, I think there’s no need for you to beat around the bush. Whatever you need the Gran family to do, as long as we are capable and it doesn’t violate our principles, we are very willing to serve you."

"Haha, very straightforward. Talking to Mr. Karmani is indeed refreshing. I would like your Gran family to do me a favor. Are you familiar with Prague?" he inquired.

"Prague? Bohemia’s Prague? The Magic City?" Karmani lifted his gaze, "What do you need, Lord Komer?"

"No, I need to communicate with some influential figures in Prague, so I need some mediators," Komer shook his head.

"Influential figures? In what respect?" Karmani realized there might be trouble involved.

"The Mage Guild and Prince Doronny." Komer had no desire to obfuscate and simply informed the other party of the attack he had suffered.

"Lord Komer means to negotiate with the Mage Guild and the Bohemia Kingdom? Then you should go to the proper channels. Prince Blamonte is the true culprit, he should pay the price," Karmani initially didn’t grasp Komer’s intention, thinking Komer merely wanted compensation from the other party.

"No, that would let the guy off too easily. I want him to pay a hundredfold for his recklessness and rashness," Komer sneered. "Doesn’t he strut around so insolently just because he is the Crown Prince of Bohemia? If I strip away that beautiful aura of his, I’d like to see what he can use to swagger!"

Karmani suddenly understood. So, Lord Komer actually wanted the Gran family to connect with Doronny and the Mage Guild in a way that was disadvantageous to Crown Prince Blamonte! That was rather extreme!

"Lord Komer, we don’t want to get involved in politics. That is the creed of us Gisa People."

"Stay out of politics? Haha, that is the most ludicrous theory I have ever heard! Can you separate politics from business? If the Gisa People haven’t even grasped this concept, I fear no matter how hard you strive, you will always remain third-class citizens!" Komer scoffed disdainfully.

Komer’s contemptuous attitude was cutting to Karmani, but he had to admit that the other man’s words made sense. How could one expect to win the support of those in power without getting involved in politics? Although the risks were huge, the potential rewards were equally substantial.

"Lord Komer, your words are sharp, but perhaps you’re right." Karmani slumped in his chair, his demeanor somewhat desolate.

"It’s not perhaps, but definitely," Komer interrupted roughly, "If you always cling to those unrealistic fantasies, then the Gisa People might as well accept your current reality."

Karmani stared deeply at Komer for a good while before finally saying, "I hope Lord Komer will keep his word. Tell me, what exactly do you need us to do?" (To be continued. For the follow-up, please visit www.qidian.com. More Chapters are available. Support the author. Support authorized reading!)