Chapter 4: I Guarantee It!
“Lord Baron, I personally admire greatly everything you have done in the Caucasus, which has led to its current prosperity. It is truly astonishing and delightful. Yet I recall a inscription from lost civilizational relics that reads: ‘Respect the elders of others as your own elders, care for the young of others as your own young; all beings are equal and blessed by the gods.’ This has become the motto of our Order of Salvation. With your support, Mando has become a peaceful and prosperous place, and Banasha and Izmel are also willing to pledge loyalty to you. Even the hundred thousand people of Murei sincerely wish to become loyal subjects of their lord. To enable the people of Leon to experience your kindness and the blessings of the gods is indeed an extraordinary achievement. Do you still have any concerns, Lord Baron?”
It was difficult for Carrera to guess the thoughts of this young lord, whose expression remained unchanged. It seemed that Banasha and Izmel’s pledge of loyalty had not gained his approval. He appeared to be worried about something—perhaps the threats and pressure from Homer, or perhaps his aversion to such unauthorized occupation? Even before arriving, Carrera had carefully studied this lord’s style of conduct: defiant yet cunning, meticulous in his actions, making it hard to catch him off guard. This was quite unlike one’s age, but it was precisely this trait that allowed the Caucasus to rise from the wilderness, emerging on the shores of the Abyssal Sea.
“Mr. Carrera, in fact, you should know who I am. Although the Order of Salvation is not popular on the continent and is even considered taboo, I personally hold no prejudice against it; in fact, I have some fondness for some of its principles. You are probably aware that though the Church of Light has been granted the right to preach in Ugru, other faiths are also respected and protected here. I really want to support the Order of Salvation in taking root in the Caucasus, but not yet. I am not afraid of Homer, but until the kingdom lifts the ban on the Order of Salvation, I cannot give you any further promises. I think you understand what I mean.”
Komer’s skillful words once again showed Carrera the other man’s cunning. He didn’t reveal much, but the attitude conveyed through his words was undoubtedly effective. Upon further reflection, it seemed as though he hadn’t given Carrera anything concrete. Though such tactics didn’t prove much, Carrera was still satisfied. At least the other man, as he had understood, held strong prejudices against the Church of Light—a good sign.
Seeing the other party nod in understanding, Komer smiled slightly and said, “Mr. Carrera, I greatly admire the charitable principles of your Order of Saving the World. Your compassionate heart deserves the respect of the world. Compared to some pretentious noble factions that pretend to be something they’re not, the principles of your Order are more in line with the code of chivalry. I don’t want to hide anything. Although I have many unavoidable difficulties, I still wish to show my goodwill. I welcome you and your companions to our Caucasus, uh, including Leon, our Leon.”
His eyes lit up. Although Carrera also noticed that the other party deliberately avoided using the term “Order of Saving the World” in the last sentence, saying only that he welcomed himself and his companions, it was enough. If they could gain the other party’s approval and support, even if it was only in secret, it would be a remarkable breakthrough for the Order. No true lord had yet dared to make such an invitation and statement. Though this place was still a remote corner, it marked a brand new beginning.
“Can Carrera understand these words from His Lordship as an encouragement to us like-minded people?” Carrera’s eyes shone as he stared intently at Komer.
Smiling gently, Komer sighed inwardly. It seemed this knight, or rather, this member of the Order of Saving the World, had experienced too many setbacks. He still needed to ask questions despite such a clear statement from Komer, leaving Komer momentarily unsure how to respond.
After clearing his throat, Komer carefully chose his words before slowly saying, “Mr. Carrera, you can understand it this way: As long as it serves the well-being of the people of our Caucasus and Leon, as a lord, I am never willing to give up even the slightest effort to make their lives happier and their spirits more peaceful. This also requires help from all sides, including everyone. Do you understand what I mean?”
Carrera’s mind was in turmoil. He seemed to understand the meaning behind the other party’s words, but he wasn’t sure about the implicit implications in the vague statements. This lord’s mastery of language was truly exquisite, always leaving people feeling unsatisfied, forcing them to figure out his thoughts on their own.
“My Lord Baron, I think there’s no need to elaborate further. The issue of handing over Murey is urgent and cannot be delayed any longer. As far as I know, the situations in Barnasha and Izmel are also quite severe. Carrera earnestly requests that you arrange for someone to take over management as soon as possible. As for your concerns, given your abilities, I believe you won’t let such trivial matters delay important matters. The survival of hundreds of thousands of people shouldn’t be determined by personal interests. Although they are just half-orcs, there’s no real difference. I urge you to stick to your principles. My friends and I are willing to do our part to support your decision.”
Once he made up his mind, Carrera felt much relieved. No matter what this lord intended, at least he could give hope to the hundreds of thousands of people in Leon who were on the brink of despair. That alone was enough for him to promise anything. Perhaps the other party was exploiting this weakness, but Carrera didn’t care. The Order of Salvation had never existed for personal or group interests. If it had been driven by selfish desires, it would have long vanished under the pressure of the Church of Light and secular forces. It was this persistent pursuit that allowed the Order of Salvation to grow tenaciously even in the cracks of the rocks.
Komer stood up, placed a hand over his heart in a proper knightly salute as a sign of respect, and said solemnly, “Mr. Carrera, I apologize for my hypocrisy and selfishness. Please understand my concerns due to my position. But for a brighter future for the people of the Caucasus and Leon, I truly need your help. Yet I also promise here that you can find the utopia you desire here, that you can realize your dreams here. I guarantee it!”