The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 957: Volume 31: Hand Trying to Cover the Sky - 1: Encirclement

Chapter 957: Volume 31: Hand Trying to Cover the Sky Chapter 1: Encirclement

Nicosia was destined to be cold this winter.

Outside the window, Princess Furina strolled gracefully in the snow like a skylark beneath winter flurries, occasionally grabbing a handful of snow to shape into a snowball to throw, and sometimes shaking a tree branch to let the snow settled on its limbs cascade onto her head.

While Basarabia would also welcome snowy days, heavy snowfalls like this were rare; in Basarabia’s winters, warmer and rainier seasons prevailed, but during the coldest period, light snow mixed with freezing rain occasionally brought something to the crops.

Komer stood with his arms folded, staring out the window in silence, his expression strange—neither joyful nor numb and indifferent, nor feigning distaste or impatience. Of course, few men could find the charming Princess Furina unlikable.

Mr. Mechetilev knew that Lord Komer had been back for several days, but it seemed the Lord was always busy with something. The frequent visits by barbarians and half-beastmen to his residence, as well as those cloaked in an aura of darkness, made it difficult for Mechetilev to understand how Komer—a man of Nicosia nobility—could be so closely associated with these outcasts of mainstream society. Moreover, it was clear that the Young Lord valued them no less than mortals, perhaps even more so.

Mechetilev was sure the young lord was plotting some major move related to war; the aspiring looks on the faces of those armored warriors were a giveaway. Perhaps for Lord Komer, war was the real theme of life.

It was only today that he formally received her party, and Princess Furina had already grown impatient. It was understandable to put on airs, and it seemed the young lord didn’t much care about Furina’s childishly competitive behavior.

"Lord Komer, what are your impressions of Miss Furina?"

"A naturally beautiful soul, it wrenches my heart," Komer replied offhandedly.

Mechetilev’s heart leapt with joy, seeing that the other party had a favorable view of Miss Furina—a good sign to start with.

"Oh, Lord Komer, although I wanted to modestly introduce Miss Furina, I eventually decided to be realistic. Whoever has the fortune to marry Princess Furina is indeed blessed for life, Lord Komer."

"Hmm, Mr. Mechetilev, your words of praise are not mere flattery; Princess Furina indeed deserves such accolades. Though I have not formally visited Basarabia, I have passed through the Buzak Plains, and the phrase ’the most beautiful skylark of the Buzak Plains’ suits Princess Furina well; anyone in her company would feel cheerful," Komer didn’t skimp on his praise.

"Oh? Has Lord Komer visited our Basarabia?" Mechetilev was surprised; the young lord seemed always active in Nicosia and the Southern Mediterranean Region, but rarely in the Central Continent.

"Hmm, that was a matter of years ago, on my way to Rosenbourg through Basarabia," Komer said nonchalantly.

However, Komer’s words sent Mechetilev’s imagination soaring—Duchy of Rosenbourg? Could it be that Princess Dolomites of the Duchy of Rosenbourg also intended to forge a marriage alliance with the young lord?

"Oh, it appears the relationship between the Duchy of Rosenbourg and Lord Komer is quite good as well," Mechetilev chuckled, probing, "I thought Lord Komer paid more attention to the Southern Mediterranean and Nicosia, not caring much for our Central Region of the Continent."

"Ha, Mr. Mechetilev, the countries and city-states in the middle and upper reaches of the Catania River have always been crucial food sources for the Caucasus. How could I not care? You should know, before the blockade on me in Nicosia was lifted, it was practically the lifeline for the Caucasus," Komer answered half-truthfully, "Rosenbourg has been a great help to the Caucasus, and we can’t overlook that."

Mechetilev weighed matters in his heart. It seemed that this young lord was indeed not as simple as he had imagined. Being able to extend his reach into Rosenborg, and as he had heard, this Mr. Komer even managed to effortlessly trap the Bohemians who had meddled in his dispute with the Galleians, successfully inciting internal strife among them. That was no small feat indeed.

"Then why, Lord Komer, do you lack interest in Basarabia? Since you passed by without paying a formal visit, it was quite a discourteous act towards Grand Duke Antonescu who serves as the host," Mechetilev said with a smile.

"You flatter me too much, Mr. Mechetilev. At that time I was in a hurry to negotiate with the Jellyfish People about the Catania River’s navigation issues in the Great Swamp Area, so I didn’t intend to disturb anyone, my apologies," Komer thought coldly to himself. If I had revealed my name back then, probably no one would have bothered with me, a minor lord from a remote region, who would recognize you?

"Oh, so it was Lord Komer who negotiated with the Jellyfish People to open up the Catania River’s navigation? Hehe, Lord Komer truly is bold and enterprising. The Catania River had been closed for a long time, severing the connection between the upper and lower streams, and it finally got resolved under Lord Komer’s efforts. Your monumental achievement has surely brought great benefits to the people along the river,"

"Mr. Mechetilev, you’re too kind. It was nothing more than for the survival of my Caucasus, far from that lofty realm where one spares no effort for the welfare of the masses," Komer replied somewhat amused and exasperated, knowing all too well his own caliber, "Mr. Mechetilev, let’s get back to the point. How was your visit to the few regions of Nicosia this time?"

"Hehe, it’s as reputed. I have always admired Lord Komer’s profound knowledge in managing his territory. My visit this time has truly been an eye-opener," Mechetilev nodded repeatedly. "I particularly admire Lord Komer’s principle of religious freedom steadfastly maintained in Nicosia. There is much we in Basarabia could learn from it. Grand Duke Antonescu has also been seeking a more secure and balanced policy to ensure the peace of Basarabia, and I think we have found it now."

"Oh?" Komer raised an eyebrow.

He had originally thought that Basarabia’s high-profile visit was nothing more than hoping to strengthen economic and trade ties through the marriage between Furina and himself, as well as expand Basarabia’s influence in the Central Region of the Continent to counter the enormous pressure from Bohemia. It appeared the matter wasn’t so simple.

Religious belief freedom?

Komer pondered the implications. Nicosia had always followed the principle of religious freedom since the Romanov era, maintaining it even during the most dominant periods of the Church of Light. After he took control of Homer, Poznan, Silesia, and the Godeburg area, this trend became more apparent. The blatant hostility between the Church of Light and himself led to an even greater decline in the Church’s influence—an outcome he didn’t mind, as one should not expect any favors if they choose to be his enemy.

Yet now the Basarabians had suddenly raised this somewhat strange assertion, leaving Komer quite surprised. Could it be that the Basarabians have also figured out something? From what he knew, Antonescu had always played a balancing act, careful not to offend either side. The Church of Light may not be satisfied with him, but couldn’t be said to loathe him, either. Was Antonescu looking to emulate him?

Seeing Komer’s pondering silence after his interjection, Mechetilev understood that the latter must be somewhat confused but did not continue the subject, allowing Komer to think on his own.

"Mr. Mechetilev, if I am not misunderstanding, it seems Basarabia is currently facing some trouble?" Komer inquired tentatively after a long contemplation.

"Mr. Komer, I won’t hide it from you, Grand Duke Antonescu has indeed been troubled by some matters, so we hope for some support, well, some support. If Nicosia was able to offer it, it would be most welcome," Mechetilev also chose his words carefully.

"Support?" Komer frowned, "Could you share some more details with me?"

"Lord Komer, as you are aware, Basarabia is not a member of the Northern Alliance, but recently envoys from Crete and Attica have been visiting our country frequently, persuading Grand Duke Antonescu to join the Northern Alliance. The Church of Light is also notably active in Basarabia, which has caused significant tension and trouble for our country’s stability," Mechetilev expressed somewhat helplessly: "In fact, we are all aware that the Northern Alliance intends to blockade Nicosia, and the Church of Light wants to undermine the policy of religious freedom that Basarabia has always upheld. Grand Duke Antonescu does not wish to see the current situation in Basarabia disrupted or changed, so...

"I understand," Komer nodded, Mechetilev was not mistaken. The Northern Alliance was indeed trying to block him off; they had little hope for Katya, their puppet force, but if they could draw Basarabia into the arms of the Northern Alliance, the situation would be drastically different. The entire north and west of Nicosia would form a massive arc-shaped encirclement, effectively sealing off all routes for Nicosia to the interior of the Continent. (To be continued. For further developments, please visit www.qidian.com, where Chapters are updated more frequently. Support the author by reading the authorized version!)