The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 970: Volume 31: One Hand Trying to Cover the Sky, - 14: Submission

Chapter 970: Volume 31: One Hand Trying to Cover the Sky, Chapter 14: Submission

When the Laurent family posted a large number of notices recruiting basic laborers across the north and south of the Cordillera Wilderness, it immediately sparked a wave of impact that even exceeded the shock brought by the construction of the through highway itself.

Building this highway did not directly benefit those living under the wings of the large tribes, but the mass recruitment of labor significantly affected the smaller tribes. The recent situation of the Sanjia Tribe caught the envious eyes of many, and numerous small tribes migrated northward in droves under this magnetic effect, even abandoning their original tribal lands. Now that the road was going to be built right in front of their homes, the attraction was almost irresistible.

Dozens of registration points for construction workers were filled with ragged Barbarians. Even though the compensation for building roads seemed very low to the mortals in the Caucasus or the Southern Mediterranean Region, Komer had already announced that he would gradually lift the ban on food and other living materials throughout the region of the Cordillera Wilderness. This meant that securing a stable job would also mean that a family would no longer face the threat of hunger at any moment, especially in the chilly winter.

As per Komer’s requirement, the Laurent family raised the banner of recruiting Barbarian labor. However, Komer also gave the Laurent family some special directives: they were to gradually instill the concept of subservience into the minds of the Barbarians who were being integrated into mortal society, especially using this excellent opportunity provided by the road construction to let these Barbarians realize how hard-earned a life of full bellies is, to gradually diminish their tribal consciousness, and at the same time, to slowly accept that the Cordillera Wilderness was now a relatively special territory belonging to Nicosia, and that the Barbarians were merely one of the many races within Nicosia.

The storm stirred up by the small tribes soon spread to the larger tribes within the new alliance. While these tribal chiefs were still debating how to face this second storm stirred up by the mortals, their subjects had already begun to take the path of betrayal.

Under the pressure of survival, especially now that it had been confirmed that the alliance would no longer directly oppose mortals, the prospects for the robust labor force suddenly became greatly restricted. At this time, the emerging construction industry undoubtedly represented the only choice for these Barbarians who possessed physical strength but lacked the skills to make a living.

Komer believed that the subtle influence might not be apparent at first but, after two or three years, minor changes would gradually accumulate and eventually converge into a massive torrent, completely shattering the centuries-old cultural shackles that had confined the Barbarians. By then, the entire Barbarian society would truly become a pawn in his hands, freely maneuvered at will. For now, this pawn still needed proper training.

The Bright Torrent Knights and the Black Flame Knights truly played a major role in only one battle during the campaign to conquer the south of the Kodilla Wasteland, but it was this battle alone that was enough to make the Bright Torrent Knights and the Black Flame Knights renowned in history. It was this tactical operation-like surprise attack that thoroughly defeated the haughty Barbarians, leading the Carter Tribe to ultimately decide to betray their own alliance, the significance of which only Komer understood.

The Black Flame Knights ultimately stayed in Antwerp. For Vladimir Koff, this place was ideally situated as a bridgehead facing the south. The scattered faith and complex religious views naturally made the south the best area for the Black Flame Knights to strengthen their forces. Unlike the traditional territory knights of the Bright Torrent Knights, which had a natural foundation of knight reserves, the Black Flame Knights, being a special combat group, did not seek direction but fame to attract more attention, which precisely formed the basis of their allure to recruits.

The Bright Torrent Knights had indeed returned to Nicosia, proving that the knights needed recognition from their lord. Although the campaign in the south did not appear particularly glorious by any means, it had been sufficient for the knights, having fulfilled their duty—it was now time for the lord to fulfill his promises.

Komer generously kept his word.

The grand celebration ceremonies held in Groningen and Silesia swiftly spread the joy of victory throughout the entire Kingdom of Nicosia. For the knights, returning home in triumph was undoubtedly the most glorious moment. Being able to march down the docks and enter the city streets with their heads held high amidst the praises of nobles and the dreamy eyes of young girls, savoring the cheers and commendations from the masses, was almost the ultimate pleasure a knight could pursue in spirit. What more could the knights possibly seek?

The knights who had demonstrated outstanding performance during the war all received the Second-level Brown Bear Medal. Although this medal was initially conceived by Komer, it was unanimously recognized by several now-idle judges of the Nicosia Star Chamber Court, symbolizing the significant first step Komer had taken in replacing the Romanov family.

After losing traditional royal authority, The Kingdom of Nicosia had only these few Star Chamber judges who could somewhat represent authority. Although their legitimacy was still questioned by many, this did not affect Komer’s fruitful collaboration with them.

For the knights, the significant role of Star Chamber judge was cloak enough. At the very least, it symbolically confirmed without ambiguity that Komer, who had established his lordly status, was no usurper. As for the substantial status, no one in Nicosia could challenge Komer’s position now.

These seemingly trivial maneuvers effortlessly won over the hearts of those still restless nobles and gentlemen. The Bright Torrent Knights represented a significantly large class. The lower-middle nobility in Poznan and Silesia had always had intricate connections with the nobility of Homer and Galle. Although they were not yet at the stage of sacrificing everything for each other, a shared fate of glory and loss existed. Seeing the subsequent glorified appearances of the smaller nobles from Poznan and Silesia inevitably made the nobles of Homer feel profoundly neglected.

A brief neglect could be endured, but a prolonged and hopeless persistence was simply foolish.

The stubbornness of the nobility was more about protecting their specific interests rather than obstinately going against the tide. (To be continued. For the continuation of this story, please visit www.qidian.com, where Chapters abound, support the author, support authorized reading!)