Chapter 23: Can You Understand Me?
Komer and his group did not intend to stay in Bahomun for long, but the enthusiastic locals forced them to patiently explain the results of their mission to the Great Marshes, especially to the merchants. Since everything had succeeded, there was no need to hide it. Komer hoped that these well-informed merchants would spread this astonishing news far and wide. He emphasized the Jellyfish people’s hostility and danger toward the outside world, urging people not to take unnecessary risks without a joint navigation permit issued by the Caucasus lords and the Jellyfish people’s government. However, his warning seemed redundant—past lessons had already made the Jellyfish people notorious. With the opportunity to safely use this golden water route now available, no one would want to engage in such foolishness.
Many merchants immediately realized the value of the navigation permits in Komer’s possession. Before he could leave Bahomun, applications from shrewd northern immigrant merchants filled his desk. Whether they owned ships or had experience in shipping, as long as they obtained the permits, they could reap great profits under these restricted navigation conditions. This was especially true given the significant complementary nature of goods between the Caucasus and the upper reaches of the Catalonia River—a fact the merchants understood better than anyone.
The somewhat chaotic situation made Komer realize that Bahomun’s geographical importance had never been greater. Its connection to barbarian territories had raised the complexity of the area to new heights. Driven by survival needs and the Caucasus’ tolerant atmosphere of ethnic equality, the barbarians clearly preferred to come to Bahomun to make a living. Once the Catalonia River route became navigable, more and more ordinary people from various lands would arrive, leading to even more complex security issues. Relying solely on a small self-defense team for patrols was clearly insufficient to handle such complex social matters. Not only were government officials needed urgently, but judicial officers were also an immediate requirement.
This question plagued Komer on his journey back to Ugru. Pupber, as the administrator for the entire Caucasus, was already extremely busy. Initially, Neptune had been Komer’s protégé, but the addition of the Mando region forced Komer to have Neptune take on the role of administrator for Mando before it was fully integrated into the Caucasus. The problems there were no less severe than those in Bahomon. Reintegrating those slaves who had just gained freedom and independence into a lawful framework and making them understand that only labor, not rebellion, could bring true peace and self-sufficiency was also a monumental task.
Perhaps he should carefully select from among those northern immigrants. Aside from those who clearly preferred making money, immigrants from average families might be a good choice. After all, whether as administrators or judges, although the salaries weren’t very high, it was still a highly respected profession. Of course, this job required good upbringing and character, a barrier that kept many people out.
The road conditions between Bahomon and Ugru surprised Eve and her group once again. It didn’t seem like the kind of roads one would expect in a place that had only recently been developed. Of course, they weren’t aware of the enormous employment pressure brought to the Caucasus by the large number of half-orc slaves and immigrants. This road, crucial to the survival of the Caucasus, had indeed required considerable effort from Komer and Pupber.
“Komer, is this really the legendary Caucasus? How did you manage to bring such tremendous changes to this land in such a short time? I simply can’t imagine how you did it.” Eve, who had intentionally or unintentionally distanced herself from Komer since agreeing to return to the Caucasus with him, took the initiative to ask to ride in the same carriage as him during the journey from Bahomon to Ugru. This surprised Komer, as well as Briarnos, Javier, and Bayezid. Everyone knew well the girl herder’s gentle exterior masked a strong will. Asking to ride in the same carriage as Komer at this moment certainly didn’t mean their relationship had improved, but even Grace wasn’t quite sure of the reason.
Komer had long realized that this young priestess’s background was not as simple and ordinary as she claimed. However, he didn’t like to pry into others’ private affairs. Since she was unwilling to talk about it, there must be reasons behind it. He preferred to let things take their course. Yet from her words and behavior, Komer could sense that her origins were likely from a noble family, and her current questions further proved this.
“Eve, it seems you’re quite interested in this question. What kind of place is the Caucasus in your mind? A desolate land with few inhabitants, or a wild forest teeming with monsters? Or perhaps a place haunted by ghosts?” At this moment, Komer also wanted to take this opportunity to understand her thoughts.
“No, it’s not as terrible as you describe. But it’s also very different from what I see now. As far as I know, it’s a barren and cold place, inhabited mostly by exiled criminals and descendants of refugees. The law and order are in complete chaos, and it’s adjacent to barbarian territories—so it should be a quite dangerous place. But it seems these rumors are greatly mistaken.” After a pause, Eve’s calm gaze held a serenity that made Komer’s heart flutter. “Maybe I misjudged you. To be able to bring so many races together without chaos, to turn this so-called cursed land into what it is today—if all of this really changed only after you arrived in the Caucasus—then you truly are a respectable lord.”
With a faint bitter smile, Komer let out a soft snort through his nose and said slowly, “Eve, the situation isn’t as optimistic as you think. The Caucasus isn’t some paradise abroad. You’ve only seen the pleasant side and not the shadows behind it. If it weren’t for me trying to open up the route along the Catania River this time, it would likely turn back into a wasteland by next year. Without a source of food, everyone would be doomed. The Caucasus has inherent flaws—not only is the natural environment harsh and the roads poor, but most importantly, because of me, I’ve always been a thorn in the side of my direct lord, Duke Homer. His intention was to send me here to die. It’s only because I was a bit luckier, along with some other factors, that I’ve managed to hold on to this situation so far.”
“The arrival of over a hundred thousand immigrants from the north changed things here and created a huge food shortage. Homer was determined to strangle the Caucasus in its cradle, so I had to take the risk of traveling to the Great Swamplands. Fortunately, it went fairly well. But the crisis still exists. The riots in the north left a huge vacuum, with hundreds of thousands of people left with nothing. No one knows what they would do without food. The barbarians in the south also have high expectations for the Caucasus, and if those expectations aren’t met, it will also lead to crises. Then there’s the sea—well, it’s hard to describe. Although my realm is home to people of various races, I believe as a lord, it’s my responsibility to keep them away from disaster, hunger, and poverty, and to help them live the good life they aspire to. Though this is a distant and perhaps unattainable goal, I can’t give up on it. Sometimes I really want to drop my burdens and devote myself fully to seeking the ways of magic, but when I think of my responsibilities, I realize I can’t act so recklessly. One shouldn’t live in the world solely for their own needs and desires. Though ‘care for the world and love all things’ is a saying of the Light Church, the church itself doesn’t truly practice it. But for me, I feel I should do my part. Eve, can you understand me?”
Seeing the complex expression on Komer’s face, Eve was also shaken. She had already witnessed Komer’s magical talent—he had reached the level of a great mage at such a young age. Who could deny his talent in magic? As a magic practitioner, an unwavering pursuit of the ways of magic could drive them to give up everything. A genius like Komer, if he could devote himself fully, might indeed become a legendary master of magic. But he was also a lord. Everything he had seen and felt on Bahomon Street—especially the admiration in the eyes of the half-orcs and commoners, and the respect shown by the half-elves and barbarians—was genuine, not superficial. The fact that different races could support a mortal lord so much truly shocked Eve. Such a status couldn’t be achieved by simply bestowing small favors. No matter what methods this man used, the fact that he could achieve this was already quite remarkable.
“Mr. Komer, I never expected you to have such a compassionate heart. The code of a knight demands that one strive unreservedly for the noble ideals they pursue. Aren’t you currently moving toward that ideal goal? I fully agree with you—selfish people cannot be called true knights. As long as one has a compassionate heart and a steadfast spirit, and is willing to make sacrifices for the well-being of the people, it is worthwhile. Please forgive my misunderstanding of you earlier; I apologize for that. Well, if there’s anything I can do to help you, I’d be happy to share some of the pressure with you.”
Eve’s graceful and gentle words brought a warm breeze to Komer’s heart, making him feel extremely comfortable. Gaining the approval of this young priestess seemed even more valuable to Komer than obtaining twenty more passage permits. Indeed, he had many areas where he needed Eve’s help.