The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 936: Volume 30 The Beginning of the Empire - 7 Divergence

Chapter 936: Volume 30 The Beginning of the Empire Chapter 7 Divergence

Komer indeed was somewhat troubled, for he had to rely on balancing tactics to win time before he grasped overwhelming power, but such techniques of balance were difficult to master, and they easily incurred the dissatisfaction and hostility of both sides.

The hearts of the people now seemed considerably important; whether it was secular forces or religious ones, the key factor in determining the rise or fall of those powers was still popular sentiment. Of course, popular sentiment did not refer to the wishes of the great nobility, nor the ideas of the lowest commoners, but rather the views of the middle and small aristocracy, free farmers, and ordinary knights and merchants that existed between them.

If Komer wanted to successfully gain a firm foothold in Nicosia and truly become the master of this land, he had to take this into account.

In the Caucasus, this problem didn’t exist. Whether it was the barbarians or immigrants, they were all establishing anew the social order on a blank slate, and a great extent of this social order had been constructed under Komer’s manipulation, leaving no issues in regard to loyalty and stability.

As for Homer, Komer could only exploit the merchants’ propensity for profit, tying Odessa, which was dominated by merchant forces, and its representative southeastern region to his own interests through economic benefits. However, in the west at Plovdiv, and in the north at Cyprus, Komer’s ruling foundation was very weak, especially in Cyprus, which was Philip’s stronghold. Even up to now, Komer could only control the surface, and on many deeper issues, he still faced resistance from the nobles.

In the issue of Poznan, Komer skillfully utilized the role of Ebson and Renta. In this way, he greatly reduced the hostility of the populace, and with Renta’s adept social prowess, one could say their integration into his rule was very successful, even surpassing Homer to some extent. This was also why Komer was unwilling to easily resort to martial conquest of Silesia and Galle; even if he occupied those areas, the internal chaos would overwhelm even a ruler like himself.

"Lord Tez, how have you been? This gentleman must be General Mathew. I have long admired your renown. Your presence in Plovdiv is a great honor for Komer. Please, this way," Komer said with great eagerness, without a hint of the conqueror’s dominance and arrogance.

Centered on Godeburg, the eastern region of Nicosia was in a state of chaos, with the major and minor nobility each governing their own affairs. Following Hoffman’s announcement of his retirement, Katya also refused Hoffman’s proposal to take over the affairs of all of Nicosia. Instead, she kept a low profile and abstained from making any further statements.

This chaotic situation would make any responsible noble’s heart twinge. Although the Northern Beastmen had not made any moves yet, should they suddenly decide to move south, Godeburg might become the next Jazair.

Tez and Mathew actually were in a semi-retired status after the re-establishment of the Golden Oak and the Blue Dove Corps. Hoffman didn’t trust the two much, and the nobles surrounding Hoffman soon marginalized the two old men from Jazair, leaving Tez and Mathew with a leisurely life.

The battle of Plovdiv clarified the situation in Nicosia, and Tez and Mathew were closely following the rise of this power from the East. By the time they truly realized that this force was unstoppable, everything had already fallen into place.

As for the invitation from Plovdiv, both Tez and Mathew were somewhat surprised, yet found it to be within reason. That deeply scheming fellow seemed to be more experienced than one might imagine. Though he was young, his manipulations and policy-making were enough to match any seasoned politician.

Tez’s gaze lingered on the other man’s face, which appeared calm, with a trace of joy. It was evident that this fellow genuinely looked forward to Tez and Mathew’s arrival, which slightly comforted Tez’s heart.

It was this fellow who had taken away 100,000 immigrants from his control and started his path as a lord. Without those 100,000 ’Third Brother Immigrants,’ whom the kingdom back then deemed a burden, this fellow would likely still be fraternizing with barbarians in the Caucasus, and without the major economic development brought by these immigrants, the Caucasus could not possibly have gained the power to challenge its immediate liege so quickly.

Mathew was also observing the fellow before him. He previously did not have a deep impression of Komer. However, once Komer successfully conquered Leon and brought the Half-beastmen under his rule, eventually forming a Half-beast Army, he became very interested in the Caucasus and this lord. Half-beast soldiers were known for their fierce physique and bad temper—an internal contradiction for soldiers—but in the Caucasus, this issue seemed to be resolved. This fellow even used Half-beast soldiers as his personal Guard.

When even the Beastmen, traditionally viewed by mortals as sworn enemies, were also prostrating at his feet, Mathew was truly shocked. The conflicts between mortals and barbarians had been incessant for one hundred years, and to imagine that proud and wild barbarians would submit to mortals they considered fragile was unthinkable. Yet all of this was achieved by the man before him. Mathew believed in one thing: success was no fluke, meaning that if Komer could rise in Nicosia, he must have his own path to success.

"Lord Komer, it’s been a long time since we parted. The multitude of events that have transpired since then are indeed reflective. However, to see the accomplishments of Lord Komer today is gratifying, not in vain given our past rapport," Tez said casually, without desire or rigidity. He did not hope for anything, and the reason he accepted the invitation to Plovdiv was more out of curiosity, to see for himself what Komer was capable of to have brought about such grand schemes in such a short time.

"Back then, I could achieve today’s success in the Caucasus largely because of Lord Tez’s support. The reason why the Caucasus can have its prosperity today, and why the immigrants from the past three regions can have a good life today, is all thanks to your assistance back then. We should never forget our roots, and we are indeed grateful, Lord Tez," Komer complimented with great reverence, his attitude sincere.

"Lord Komer, you didn’t invite us two here to Plovdiv merely to thank Tez for his past help, did you?" Mathew’s mouth curled into a smirk, "With your present fame and success, Tez and I are nothing but has-beens. Could it be that you’ve asked us here just to admire your great achievements?"

(To be continued. For future episodes, please visit www.qidian.com. More Chapters are available, support the author, support authorized reading!)