Chapter Thirteen: Another Front

Preparatory work was advancing rapidly in several areas—ranging from the second-phase exploration of Fort Damorlensk to the formal takeover of the Leon region—all of which Kommer was actively pushing forward.

News from Jazair indicated that the judges of the Kingdom’s Star Chamber were considering Caucasus’s request. The Leon region was in a state of chaos, and Homer lacked the strength to resolve it. The suspension of construction on the bridge at Bruce Fortress and Homer’s failure to take military action against Leon so far were key evidence. The chaos in Leon had severely affected neighboring areas, necessitating the establishment of a new administrative system there. Caucasus requested that the Star Chamber rule that Leon be placed directly under the kingdom’s control and granted to Baron Kommer, or that Baron Kommer act as temporary lord until the Star Chamber conducted an investigation and issued a final decision after one year.

Homer clearly hadn’t anticipated such a fierce offensive from Caucasus, backed by money and connections. Perhaps due to Puber’s efforts, the kingdom’s Minister of War, Duke Matthew, quickly expressed support for Caucasus’s proposal.

Although the Star Chamber was independent of the kingdom’s administrative system, the opinions of high-ranking officials like Duke Matthew, who came from prominent noble families, inevitably had a significant influence on the judges’ decisions. Meanwhile, the kingdom’s other influential figure—Minister of the Interior, Duke Taze—unusually remained silent. If Duke Taze had expressed the same view, it would have indicated a clear stance from His Majesty the King. These two men’s opinions often reflected the King’s stance, yet it was well known that His Majesty almost never voiced his opinions publicly.

Homer also tried to counter with his own tactics, but the nobles and officials who supported him hesitated due to Duke Matthew’s attitude. No one could discern His Majesty’s true stance. Duke Matthew was known for his stern temperament, while the cunning Duke Taze refused to take a clear position. As a result, the officials and nobles defending Homer could only express their views through moderate approaches.

Puber’s performance in Jazair could only be described as thriving—whether it was the well-informed individuals with special status in the royal court, the fashion icons of Jazair’s upper class, or the declining nobles with illustrious family crests, they all quickly took a liking to this generous and humble young noble. Aside from his lustfulness, his presence in Jazair indeed provided many people with new topics of conversation; lustfulness hardly seemed like a flaw—it was simply the instinct of nobility, depending only on one’s taste. Kafli’s letters clearly showed disapproval of Puber’s entanglement with the heir of a declining noble family and a divorced, promiscuous noblewoman; such behavior was clearly unwise for a merchant.

Komer understood Puber’s insatiable desire for women. For a young noble exiled by his family with no financial support and forced to study hard, such a dull life could drive one mad—no entertainment, no wine, no women, nothing at all. For Puber, who had no other hobbies, it was almost unbearable. But he endured it; he got through two years of study. Now, as long as it didn’t interfere with his work, Komer understood the need to enjoy youth and indulge his emotions. So, though he would occasionally reprimand him, Komer was never stingy with the health elixir he had painstakingly developed for his old friend.

Puber knew how to spend money—or rather, he spent it where it mattered most. He was very stingy when it came to providing overt or covert support to people like Kagiya and Hoffman, as they were all part of a united interest group. They wouldn’t even look at small amounts of money, let alone large ones. Money should be spent on those who could help achieve goals in the Caucasus region, and he invested it decisively, with significant results. Of course, Duke Matthew couldn’t be bribed with money—someone in his position knew exactly how valuable he was. Puber understood this too, but he could still use money to influence the attitudes of those around him. After all, he was also a noble, and nobles couldn’t do without the support of their own social circle.

The same was true for Lord Taze. Puber believed Lord Taze was waiting for something—perhaps the king’s decision or the advice from the king’s advisory council. In any case, it was certainly not due to indecision or pretentiousness.

Soft sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting dappled shadows on the oak floorboards of the room. Marigolds in the corner bloomed brilliantly—perhaps symbolizing the woman beside him? Puber stretched, gently pulling his attention away from her delicate form. His slightly aching back revealed how wild last night had been. The hangover from red wine still caused headaches. Could there be inferior wine mixed in Jazair’s elite social gatherings? Puber wondered. It was said that inferior wine from the southern regions was rampant, severely damaging the reputation of southern wines in the kingdom. Had such goods also made their way to Jazair?

Glancing at the girl still asleep, he saw traces of his wild behavior from last night on her soft chest and abdomen. Her slightly raised nipples were half-hidden, and there were still traces of tears at the corners of her eyes. What a lovely girl—yet her behavior last night had been truly wild, not inferior to his own lover’s. Perhaps under the temptation of red wine and nectar, no one could resist.

“Lord Puber, are you awake?” Though she moved carefully, the sound of her getting up still woke the sensitive girl.

“Oh, Desley, rest a little longer. I’ll get up first.” Puber stood up, bowing gracefully with a charming smile on his face. However, his pale complexion revealed that he hadn’t gotten enough rest last night.

“That won’t do. Let me help you get dressed.” She turned away shyly, put on a silk robe, fastened its belt, and then turned back to dress Puber thoughtfully.

Puber felt emotional. After all, she was a daughter of a lower-class noble. Even if she were the daughter of a fallen noble, a legitimate one wouldn’t be this attentive. It seemed her mother had been planning for her daughter since she was young. But he was just a minor knight. Perhaps they valued Caucasus officials more. People these days were becoming more and more pragmatic. The dignity and honor of nobility seemed to be losing value.

“Lord Puber, are you going to meet Lord Omega today?” the girl asked softly as she dressed him.

“Yes. Lord Omega is one of my main goals in coming to Jazair this time.” Puber didn’t hide his purpose. His reason for coming to Jazair was obvious to almost everyone. But Puber didn’t care. Perhaps it was better this way—shifting all the pressure to Homer. Maybe that would make that old fool Philip age faster.

Noticing that the girl seemed to have something to say, Pupber’s mind was also racing. Although she was an illegitimate daughter and the Binder family had declined in status not long ago, they were still a fairly established family in Jazair. Perhaps she could be useful after all. “Do you have something to say?”
“I heard that Lord Omega is very afraid of his wife. His legitimate wife is the daughter of the Horenzo family, and she has a great fondness for magic lanterns. If Lord Pupber could include a magic lantern among the gifts, I think Lord Omega would be very pleased.” After hesitating for a moment, the girl spoke cautiously.
“Oh? A magic lantern?” Pupber frowned. Jazair wasn’t short of such things, but his appreciation for them was limited, and he didn’t know where they could be bought. If he couldn’t find a suitable one, it would be a waste of money. Omega was one of the chief judges of the Star Chamber. Although it wasn’t yet decided who would hear Caucasus’s case, Omega was a strong candidate. And even if he wasn’t the judge this time, making friends with such an important figure would be extremely useful for Komer, who faced difficulties in terms of territory, status, and lineage.
“If it’s too inconvenient for Lord Pupber, I can try to find one myself. I heard that Palmer Street has various decorative magic gadgets at reasonable prices, which should meet the needs.” With a gentle smile, the girl’s gaze was clear and sincere.
“Hmm, then please buy it for me at noon. I’ll need it during my afternoon tea time.” Pupber didn’t hesitate. It seemed this illegitimate daughter of the Binder family might indeed be a useful ally—she could at least help Caucasus save a lot of unnecessary expenses in Jazair.
“Also, I heard that Judge Sevidli might also be involved in this decision. His illegitimate wife is very much loved by him, but her background isn’t high enough, so she’s always wanted some small jewelry that suits her. But Judge Sevidli seems to have limited income, so he hasn’t been able to fulfill her wishes. If…” Seeing that her suggestion worked, the girl became even more interested.
“Very good. Then you’ll handle this together. Make sure it’s done well. Here’s a check for thirty thousand gold shields. Is that enough?” Pupber wasn’t stingy when it came to these things.
Her eyes lit up—thirty thousand gold shields! That wasn’t a small amount. It seemed Caucasus indeed had considerable financial strength. Could she take advantage of this opportunity? Her heart pounded a few times, seemingly unaware of the cunning in Pupber’s eyes.