Chapter 18: A Way Out

Komer felt warmth in his heart. True loyalty showed itself in times of crisis. Though this situation wasn’t really a crisis for him—indeed, it was a great relief—he knew that in the eyes of ordinary people, the Caucasus was a place inhabited by demons. If Ilot could speak so highly of it, what more could he say? Vassals who defied their lords were punishable by fire according to the kingdom’s laws, and accomplices shared the same fate—surely the two of them were well aware of this.

Waving his hand, Komer stopped Puber from speaking and said in a very casual tone, “Heh, I appreciate your kindness, but why should I flee? Though life in exile is full of adventures, I’ve already endured it for over three years—enough. I don’t want to live in secrecy outside. Since the king generously offers to grant my father a fertile fiefdom and then pass it to me, how could I refuse such kindness?”

“A fertile fiefdom? Komer, are you crazy? Don’t tell me you don’t know what the Caucasus is?!” Puber and Ilot exclaimed in unison.

“Nobody dares to go there—except those condemned prisoners and heretics. Haven’t you heard the various stories about it? Fifty years ago, Viscount Burke was exiled there and died just two months later. Twenty years ago, Baron Fayedez went there and was killed by a mob in less than three months. Ten years ago, Baron Hawkins went there and went mad within a week; he’s still in a madhouse today. Even the knights and mages sent by the king to investigate never want to talk about it again. Do you think this is a game or a joke? Or do you think you’re some all-powerful god?” Puber couldn’t contain his anger any longer and shouted.

“Puber, calm down. The Caucasus isn’t as terrifying as you think. There are thousands of residents living there. Haven’t they been living well all these years?” Komer leaned back slightly in his chair, squinting as he gazed out at the riverbank. “I’ve been there before—not only that, but I stayed for two days. It may be a bit remote, but it’s by no means a barbaric place. The beautiful Fortress of Damorensk stands tall. Though somewhat ruined, it still retains its majestic presence.”

Puber and Ilot’s expressions finally calmed down. They exchanged glances, and it was Puber who regained his composure and spoke seriously, “Boss, you’ve been to the Caucasus? Then have you entered Fortress Damorensk? Have you heard the legends there?”

Faced with his friend’s question, Komer found it somewhat difficult to answer at first. Of course he knew about Fort Damorensk; although he had never entered it, he had been awestruck by that magnificent and extraordinary building whenever he passed by. The various strange and bizarre legends also were the main reasons that drew Komer to visit. Of course, he never dared to enter or even approach it. A place that had been shunned by people for decades must surely not be a blessed place. If he entered carelessly, he might well be the next one sent to an asylum—Komer wasn’t that confident.

“Of course, although I’ve never been inside Fort Damorensk, I do know a bit about it. The stories there are rich and varied, with many different opinions. But as an outsider, perhaps no one can truly explain what exactly happened there. To understand it, one probably has to go there in person. But I don’t have the courage. Since Fort Damorensk has such great charm and is well-known throughout our kingdom, it must have something special about it that sparks people’s various imaginations.” After thinking for a while, Komer replied carefully, “Perhaps it’s precisely because of those various legends that people’s curiosity is piqued. Curiosity is always the driving force behind humanity’s exploration of the unknown.”

Hearing Komer’s answer, Puber and Ilot were speechless. Clearly, their leader was determined to go to that devilish place and take his chances. Perhaps more than three years of exile had made him tired of a life of constant wandering, and he was even willing to go to a place as desolate as the Caucasus. Puber and Ilot couldn’t think of any words to refute or persuade him.

Seeing their two friends looking at each other with puzzled expressions, Komer smiled slightly. “Puber, Ilot, it’s not that I insist on going to the Caucasus. It’s just that given the current situation, I have no choice but to go. Besides, I don’t think the Caucasus is as terrifying as you say. The Duke has rarely granted the Resser family a fiefland—this is unprecedented in history. Without any outstanding achievements, he still bestows a fiefland and designates it to be passed on to me. And I’m just a bastard son about to undergo my coming-of-age ceremony. How could I refuse such an honor from the Duke?”

Ilot stared intently at Komer’s composed face. “Boss, so you know the Duke’s intentions?”

Turning his face to the side, Komer narrowed his eyes and after a long pause said, “How could I not know? I doubt there’s anyone who knows about this who isn’t aware of it. But everyone agrees that it’s the Duke’s recognition of our Resser family, his favor toward my father. Hehe, yet this reward falls on me—what great fortune!” After a brief silence, Komer glanced quickly around to ensure no one was paying attention before lowering his voice. “The Duke is probably still holding grudges over what happened over three years ago. Maybe we were too naive back then. If I don’t go now, our situation will only become more dangerous. In this city of Sepulus, making us disappear is probably easier than squishing a mosquito. Why wait here for death? Death is everywhere; it’s better to try our luck elsewhere. In the Caucasus, no one can dominate everything—maybe I still have a chance.”

Ilot and Puber both fell silent. The leader had long known this was a targeted arrangement, but as he said, if they refused it, their fate—his own and theirs—might be even worse. Perhaps one day, someone would accidentally discover three noble youths who died after getting drunk and falling into the water, or maybe their disappearance in Sepulus would go unaddressed.

The air was filled with tension and sorrow. Thinking about having to part ways so soon after meeting, the three friends who had grown up together felt an indescribable bitterness. That’s how reality is—once you make a decision, you must take responsibility for it. All the rules seem fair, it just depends on whether you have the strength to change them.

“Leader, how about I go with you? I still have some skills; maybe I can act as your bodyguard. Anyway, I’m about to reach adulthood soon. My mother said she’d give me some money to avoid joining the army and just muddle along in Sepulus. But how long can I live like that? As you said, it’s better to try our luck outside—maybe we can make a name for ourselves. I’ve made up my mind—I’ll go to the Caucasus with you!” His firm tone showed his determination. After a moment of silence, Ilot spoke decisively in an unambiguous tone, then turned his head. “Puber, what about you?”

Puber, who had been head bowed and silent, slowly raised his head. A faint blush appeared on his pale face. “If the Baron still needs an administrative officer or a treasurer, Puber is willing to serve!”

The sudden change in their minds surprised Komer greatly. He was stunned for a moment before firmly shaking his head and refusing, “No, this isn’t a good idea. The Caucasus doesn’t need you. You have your own lives. Just because fate has sent me to the Caucasus doesn’t mean you have to go as well.”

This time, Puber spoke first, “Boss, this isn’t just a whim of ours. All of us Ilots will face the same challenges as you—reaching adulthood and then staying in this city of Sepulus. I and Ilot were both involved in what happened back then. We’re just as in danger here in Sepulus. What if one day the Duke shows mercy and targets us? That would be a huge problem. Besides, as you said, the Caucasus isn’t hell. Instead of wasting our time in this city, it’s better to see the world. Since you’re the lord there, you surely need help managing affairs and protecting your people. Aren’t I and Ilot the best candidates for that?”

Seeing the determined look in their eyes, cracks appeared once again in Komer’s once unshakable resolve. He didn’t like such sincere feelings. Since they were friends, he didn’t want them to face danger alongside him. Over three years of exile had made him more accustomed to a life based on exchange of interests. This kind of friendship, built on mutual dedication, filled him with comfort, but it also posed challenges that he had to confront.

“Have you both made up your minds?”

“We have. It’s our own decision.” “Hmm, I think we might be able to experience a new kind of life. It’s better than just wasting time in this city of Sepulus every day.”

Their unequivocal responses made Komer ponder for a long time before he finally made up his mind. “Alright, since we’re brothers, I won’t say much else. Things aren’t as terrible as those people think. I believe that with the strength of us brothers, we can bring honor to this barbaric land of the Caucasus.”