Chapter 6: The Barbarossa Family

“Sigh, I never expected the South to be so plagued by disasters. My homeland was destroyed by those vile orcs, forcing us to migrate to the Caucasus. Thankfully, the kind Viscount Komer took us in. Yet I never imagined the barbarians could be so cruel, plunging the South into constant fear as well.” With a sigh full of emotion, Komer wondered if it came from the heart or from some deeper feeling. “It seems no place is as peaceful as one might imagine.”
“Exactly. The barbarians are like a curse that constantly threatens us in the South. We can never completely defeat them. The Cordillera Wasteland is their natural sanctuary. Every year, the countries and city-states of the South spend tens of millions in war funds to support those around the Cordillera Wasteland, just to prevent the barbarians from breaking free from this chain. Yet we still face situations like this one every year.”
Kamado shook his head in frustration. “I don’t know when this war will end. I think the summit accompanying the Olympic Championships in the Southern Central Seas region will surely discuss increasing aid to the Kingdom of Smyrna and the Kingdom of Iberia. It’s possible Sparta will have to impose additional taxes again. Mr. Kaladin, it seems we need to hurry and complete this deal before the kingdom introduces new tax policies, otherwise you might have to pay extra.”
“Well, as long as Mr. Kamado can confirm delivery in two months, I have no problem. Lord Komer entrusted me with this deal—mainly due to timing issues. He wants these 500 sets of armor delivered to the ports of Matdan or Bahomun in the Caucasus within three months.” Komer nodded. “I hope the Sphinx Family has enough refined iron in stock.”
“There shouldn’t be much of a problem. The Sphinx Family has expanded its smelting and forging workshops this year. With the instability in the North over the past half year, they must have prepared for such situations and increased their inventory. But two months ago, the Barbarossa Family also ordered a batch of refined iron from them. I wonder if they’ve managed to replenish that stock yet.” At the mention of the Barbarossa Family, Kamado showed a look of disdain.

“The Barbarossa family? Mr. Karmado, I seem to have heard that the Barbarossa family also has significant influence in Patras, but I think they are mainly involved in maritime shipping. Do they also deal in weapons and armor production?” Upon hearing the mention of the Barbarossa family, Kommer felt a slight stir in his heart. Hayreddin Barbarossa must already be on his way to the Southern Central Seas. He wondered what it would be like for Hayreddin to visit this place that held such a special place in his heart.

“Hmph, their forging skills are just in their infancy—they are far from being a true manufacturing family. But right now they are recruiting dwarf craftsmen in places like Ephesus and Pyrgos in the north, hoping to improve the quality of their products. These guys don’t focus on their shipping business properly; instead, they think they can make big profits in manufacturing, which is why they invest so much in it.” Karmado said resentfully, “Their foundation is still too weak. In terms of weapon and armor production, the Barbarossa family isn’t even considered notable in Sparta—they haven’t even earned the status of suppliers to the royal army.”

“By the way, Mr. Karmado, the Kingdom of Sparta is famous across the Warrior Continent. Since the threat from the barbarians is so great, why doesn’t the kingdom send its army to the front lines to help the Kingdoms of Smyrna and Iberia?” Kommer asked casually upon hearing about the Spartan army.

“Mr. Kaladin, our Kingdom of Sparta isn’t completely secure either. As you should know, the barbarians aren’t our only enemies. The Carthaginians and Trojans have been plotting to seize our territory. If we don’t maintain a strong military force, they will take advantage of the situation. Although we’re not afraid of them, we certainly don’t want to see war break out on our own soil in Sparta.” Karmado sighed. “Besides, during the First Delian League, our member states reached an agreement: in the face of threats from the north, we would provide support as much as we could. But unless it’s absolutely necessary, our army will not leave our homeland. This agreement was reaffirmed at the alliance in the city-state of Corinth.”

Kommer had long heard about the complex situation in the Southern Central Seas. Although the League of Corinthian City-States was the most important organization in that region, it didn’t include all countries and cities. Due to differences in language and ethnicity, some countries and cities remained outside its scope.

Kingdoms like Smyrna did not join the League of Corinthian City-States, yet they maintained a fairly close relationship with it. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Carthage and the city-state of Troy, located to the north and south of the Kingdom of Sparta respectively, were not only not members of the League of Corinthian City-States but also had a poor relationship with Sparta. Both had clashed militarily with Sparta, and the Carthaginians and Trojans even formed a military alliance against Sparta. Yet these two countries had close ties with the city-states of Piraeus and Ephesus within the League of Corinthian City-States. As a result, Sparta’s several proposals at the league meetings to impose economic sanctions on the Carthaginians and Trojans were rejected, which became an important cause of discord within the league.

Nodding, Komer glanced at the other man in surprise. He realized that Mr. Camado didn’t seem like an ordinary merchant. Although the Odysseus family was renowned, knowing so much about Sparta and its neighboring countries seemed beyond what an ordinary member of that family could achieve.

“Mr. Caladine, there’s no need to look at me that way. The Odysseus family is one of the members of Sparta’s Senate. I often represent my family in Senate meetings, so it’s not strange that I know more,” Camado explained with a smile, noticing the surprise in Komer’s eyes.

“No wonder. I thought every merchant in Sparta was so talkative. I’ve really learned a lot,” Komer laughed as well.

“However, Mr. Caladine, you’re not wrong. Perhaps this time Sparta really needs to consider sending troops to help the Smyrnians and Iberians. We can’t just stand by and watch barbarians trample on our compatriots’ lands—absolutely not!” Camado’s tone suddenly became intense, his gaze sharp and fervent.

“Hmph, Mr. Camado, the Senate isn’t something your Odysseus family can decide at will. Is this really the most critical moment? I doubt it.”

A gloomy voice came from the side. Komer turned to look and saw a man wearing a purple bucket hat, smoking a silver pipe with a smug smile on his face that made one want to explode with anger.

The guests who can board this fast sailing ship are no ordinary people, as can be seen from the ship’s exquisite and luxurious furnishings as well as the breakfast and coffee arrangements. The lounge chairs made of ivy, though lacking the healing effects of white magic, still bring a sense of mental pleasure. At the bow, Komer sensed the presence of water magic as soon as he boarded, but after checking, he found nothing. It was likely that specialized water magic devices were installed below the waterline at the bow to reduce drag, not only speeding up the ship but also stabilizing it for a smoother ride for the passengers. Clearly, the ship’s masts and sails had also been specially treated by magic artisans, with one or two small devices attached. Though not considered high-level magic items, the fact that a passenger ship could use such magical equipment was already a sign of luxury.

This luxurious fast sailing ship resembled a large private yacht, though traveling at such speed on the Akmon River was somewhat excessive. Obviously, it was designed for wealthy merchants and officials traveling between Patras and Athens, offering both comfort and safety along with speed—naturally, the cost must be quite high.

After a moment of surprise, Karmado immediately recognized the other person. With a slight smirk, he said calmly, “I didn’t expect Mr. Baski to be on board as well. Are you also rushing back to Athens for the Senate meeting? Of course, the Senate isn’t controlled by the Odysseus family, but I doubt the Babalosha family can do the same.”

The Babalosha family? Was this sneaky guy also from the Babalosha family? Komer felt frustrated. How could this man be even more despicable than the captain of the Louisa he had seen before? With an inverted triangular face and a somewhat yellowish complexion that clearly indicated malnutrition, he wore a deliberately long beard. His once-proud straight nose had become a shriveled hook nose due to his thinness. If this man were chosen as the face of the Babalosha family, their business would surely suffer greatly, Komer thought maliciously.

“Hmph, who controls things will become clear after the Senate meets. Karmado, I don’t want to argue with you. Why don’t you introduce your friend? He doesn’t seem to be from our region in the South.” Without showing any change in expression, the thin and despicable man ignored Karmado’s retort and continued asking according to his own intentions.

He’s a rather arrogant guy; maybe he’s not as terrible as he seems on the surface, Komer observed carefully.