Chapter 16: Refugees
In the following days, Komer had further discussions with Kafli, with whom a partnership had been agreed upon. Kafli also sent messengers north to inform his partners and friends of the situation, while simultaneously helping Komer establish connections in Naples, Media, and the Netherlands to prepare for future actions.
During their free time, Komer and his companions inquired about the war situation in the north. According to the information Kafli had received, the orcs this year had become exceptionally fierce and violent, launching attacks from several directions on the human kingdoms in the south. Aside from the Kingdom of Nicossia, which could barely hold its ground, the city-states of Main and Susor were also captured by the orc armies after the fall of the Duchy of Mellen. The northern regions of the Western Continent were in a state of panic as the orcs burned, killed, and plundered, capturing large numbers of people as slaves and seizing all wealth. The cities were deliberately destroyed, leaving them unable to resist further invasions—this was the main reason why so many refugees were forced to leave their homes in search of new lives.
Replies from Kafli’s friends and partners arrived quickly. Just over a week later, Kafli received responses along with additional information. The situation in the north hadn’t changed much—the orc attacks had weakened, but places like Main, Susor, and Mellen had been reduced to ruins, unable to accommodate the refugees. Hundreds of thousands of people were living in dire straits, while their southern neighbors still hadn’t agreed on how to address the refugee crisis. The neighboring countries shirked responsibility among themselves. The Kingdom of Nicossia also stated it couldn’t take in so many refugees, offering only limited financial aid and urging them to return to their homes to start anew. But in the refugees’ view, this was nothing short of forcing them to return and become slaves to the orcs, subject to rape and oppression—a proposal they firmly resisted. The situation was worsening.
After much deliberation, Komer decided to go to the north with Kafli as soon as possible to recruit laborers. Of course, many tasks within his own territory also needed to be addressed urgently. Hes finally resolved to support Komer. Not only did he mobilize everyone to promote Komer’s new initiative, but he also sent his son to Komer, asking Neptune to study under Komer and Pupber, hoping his son would pursue a different path from his own.
Hess’s actions eased Comer’s concerns greatly. With Hess’s support, Comer could act more freely among the existing natives, especially in the town of Ugru, which would also help him build authority gradually.
When Fran heard about the miserable conditions of the people in his own country, even the usually strong warrior who had never shed tears before knelt before Comer, weeping and begging him to go to the north as soon as possible to save those who were still waiting helplessly. Winter was approaching fast, and the elderly and children among those without food, clothing, or shelter would struggle to survive the harsh cold in the north.
Comer quickly devised a plan. On one hand, he arranged to transport the escaped slaves away as laborers to repair the roads around Ugru. On the other hand, he began large-scale logging and quarrying of stones from the surrounding mountains, so that once he returned from recruiting more people in the north, he could settle these refugees quickly and avoid last-minute chaos.
Once the refugees arrived, food for the winter would be another major issue. After discussing it with Puber, Comer turned to Hess and requested a loan, using shares in iron ore as collateral to borrow fifty thousand gold shields. He entrusted Neptune with using these funds to purchase as much food as possible in preparation for the incoming influx of refugees. Hess readily agreed to the deal.
At the same time, Comer asked Baoling to recruit a group of soldiers from among the escaped slaves for training. After all, if a large number of people poured into the Caucasus from the south—though it was still unclear exactly how many—it would surely bring many security problems. Without proper preparation, numerous headaches would arise.
Ilot continued to lead the guards to protect the dwarf as he explored the barren lands within the territory, hoping to find other mineral deposits, especially coal. Without coal, Comer’s plans to establish iron smelting and forging workshops in Ugru would remain just words. Even a small blacksmith shop like Maxim’s had to buy coal from Leon, and the shipping costs alone were substantial.
“Father, did you call for me?” Clad in a pure white silk dress with a gorgeous gold velvet cape, the V-neck revealed skin as smooth as mutton fat jade. Lace of the same color curled along the neckline in wave patterns. A string of evenly colored pearls adorned her swan-like neck, highlighting her delicate and charming face. Her silky hair was styled into a beautiful court-style bun. Her sea-blue eyes resembled those of a dreamy princess from the heavens, and every gesture of hers exuded an air of proud grace.
“Hmm, how have you and Prince Hoffman been lately? Why haven’t I seen him at Cyprus these days?” Her rosy cheeks shone with a luminous glow. Her magnificent grand ducal robes were neatly arranged. Leaning back against the soft back of the armchair, Philip, the ruler of the Homer region, looked at his younger daughter with concern.
“Nothing much, just as before. Maybe he’ll come to Cyprus next week. I don’t want to go to Jazair—the court there is too formal and oppressive. Those poor noblewomen seem to have nothing else to talk about except the weather, vacations, and parties.” The girl shrugged and picked up a stack of newspapers from her father’s desk. “What’s wrong? Is something happening?”
“Nothing, I just thought it had been a while since I saw Prince Hoffman and wondered if something had gone wrong between you. Maybe I’m being too sensitive.” The old man shook his head, mocking himself. “Perhaps I’m really getting old.”
“What could possibly go wrong? He was the one who came to Cyprus to propose to you. For his sake, you even rejected Prince Thomas.” An unnatural expression flashed across the girl’s face, and a hint of coldness flashed in her eyes before disappearing. “Have you heard something?”
“No, I’m just a bit worried about those past incidents. That son of Ramla has arrived in the Caucasus. It seems he’s quite lucky—he managed to escape an attack by bandits in Leon. Now he’s reportedly recruiting laborers to develop mines.” A mocking look appeared on the old man’s face. “He really thinks he can achieve something in the Caucasus.”
“Father, I don’t want to hear that man’s name. What he does in the Caucasus has nothing to do with me. Weren’t you the one who wanted to exile him there? He’s like a cockroach—no matter where he goes, he can’t be destroyed.” The girl was displeased, her words tinged with dissatisfaction toward her father.
“But Tracy, have you thought about it? Keeping him in Cyprus would harm your reputation even more. What could he do if sent to some remote place? Develop mines? Let me tell you, the barbarians will kill him. If he really provokes a war with them, the Royal Court will sentence him to death without us even having to intervene.” A cold look appeared in the old man’s dark gray eyes.
“Father, I think you’re overreacting. Wouldn’t it be easier to deal with him in Cyprus?” the girl said dismissively.
“No, Cyprus is a land governed by law; it’s not suitable for such extreme measures. Besides, if he goes missing or dies there, it could be exploited by those with ulterior motives, greatly affecting your reputation—especially at this time. But he can’t stay in Cyprus either. So sending him to the Caucasus is the best choice. Perhaps in just a couple of days, the curse of the demon gods in Fort Damorensk will fall upon him. Let’s give him a few more days to live.” Gently stroking his daughter’s hair, the grand duke’s eyes gleamed with vicious intent. “No one is exempt—this is the curse of the demon gods.”