Chapter Thirteen: Navigation

Komer’s words completely shattered the illusions of Stari, Hothep, and other jellyfish tribe leaders like Eirith. Magical potion makers seemed like an unattainable fantasy to them. The jellyfish race had never had much talent for magic. Although they suspected Komer might be exaggerating, this doubt was quickly dismissed amid the enthusiasm of the jellyfish nobles, as they desperately needed to rid themselves of this curse.

When Komer proposed opening the Catania River route to the Caucasus, although this request caused some stir among the jellyfish, it paled in comparison to the issue of breaking the curse of the Water God, which affected every family and the fate of the entire race. Fortunately, the jellyfish leaders were shrewd enough to realize that resistance was futile and rationally gave up opposition, turning instead to discuss the specific terms of the deal with Komer and his group.

Stari served as Komer’s main opponent in these negotiations. Komer knew his opponent must have lived in human society for a long time and was well-versed in human customs, but he didn’t care. He had no intention of overcharging or exploiting the jellyfish; instead, he hoped long-term cooperation would bring greater benefits to the Caucasus.

Under Komer’s mindset, the negotiations progressed smoothly. The jellyfish were not willing to fully open the Catania River route—they only allowed ships or fleets with special approval to use it, which suited Komer’s goals. Control of the route would always remain in the hands of the jellyfish, who now needed Komer’s help. In effect, the right to navigate the route was in their hands, while countries and cities upstream in the Catania River would never gain this privilege—essentially a form of monopoly. Why not take it?

The final compromise was that the Caucasus lords would submit annually a list of ships and fleets allowed to navigate the Catania River’s marshy sections to the jellyfish tribe for approval before implementation. Ships using the route were prohibited from approaching the no-entry zones within 100 meters of the riverbanks to avoid conflicts with the jellyfish. In case of conflict, legal officials authorized by the Caucasus lords and the jellyfish’s religious authorities would jointly resolve it.

Given that the river section in the Great Marshes stretches for hundreds of kilometers, it is extremely difficult to cross this water area within one or two days, especially for boats traveling upstream. Although sails can provide assistance, the fast current and large volume of water in the Catania River make it even more challenging. Comer also reached an agreement with the Jellyfish Clan to select a shallow area near the reed beds in the Great Marshes of the Catania River to build a temporary emergency dock area for boats to stop and berth temporarily. A 500-meter radius around this temporary docking site was designated as a restricted zone, off-limits to the Jellyfish Clan members. However, this additional condition was obtained by Comer at the cost of 3,000 doses of free medicine.

As a reward for the Jellyfish Clan’s assistance with the navigation of the Caucasus Catania River, the Caucasus Lordship would supply them with no less than 500 doses of medicine per month, at prices ranging from one to three gold shields per dose, to treat the Curse of the Water God, helping the Jellyfish Clan members gradually recover. Additionally, the Caucasus would provide a certain amount of preventive medicine each month to maintain the health of the Jellyfish Clan. Of course, both parties also reached an agreement: Comer could not disclose the recipe related to the Jellyfish Clan’s survival secrets nor publicize this matter. Their cooperation was based on mutual equality and had nothing to do with anything else, which aligned perfectly with Comer’s intentions.

Furthermore, the Jellyfish Clan demanded that the Caucasus assist them in defending against possible retaliation from the ice dragon once its whereabouts were discovered. In return, the Jellyfish Clan would supply a certain amount of ambergris to the Caucasus Lordship each month, a proposal that Comer happily accepted.

During his three days in the Jellyfish Clan’s territory, Comer had several discussions with high-ranking members of the clan, including Stari, Hotepp, and Elyse. At their request, Comer and Rebril also demonstrated the wonders of magic to the clan leaders, which greatly impressed them, as such high-level magic shows are not easily seen. For martial experts like the Wisdom Twins, this also provided some insights into defensive measures they could take in the face of mage attacks.

During these three days, Komer and his party also explored the stunning scenery of the Great Swamp, tasting unique local seafood such as hairy crabs, river clams, rice shrimp, water bees, tripedoes, and dragon fish. Various rare aquatic plants produced in the Great Swamp became Komer and Lebray’s favorites, as they were key materials for crafting water-related magical items. Due to the Jellyfish People’s blockade, few people could obtain these special plants from the muddy depths of the Great Swamp. Yet for the Jellyfish People, these items, which were highly sought after by magic item makers, held little value. Komer and Lebray’s enthusiasm for them was incomprehensible to them.

Gate also gained the recognition of the Jellyfish People thanks to this adventure. A large list of goods for trade was delivered to him, filling him with joy. But what excited him even more was not just that—it was Komer’s promise that upon returning to the Caucasus, his sloop “Marta” would be among the first ships granted permission to sail between the Caucasus and Luxembourg, with this sailing permit coming at no cost.

When Komer and his party returned to Luxembourg City, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, aboard the merchant ship “Marta,” the entire city was in an uproar. Komer brought with him an authorization letter from the Jellyfish People, allowing the Caucasus lords to act as agents for navigation rights in the Great Swamp. Though it was a permit with many restrictions, its impact was immense. For centuries, the countries upstream and along the Catania River had long desired this but never succeeded. Now, that dream had come true—the Catania River could finally be navigated, allowing goods from these regions and cities to flow downstream to the Mediterranean Sea and reach its coastal ports!