Chapter 8: Bonus Land
“According to Mr. Baski, that piece of land is quite large—at least a thousand square kilometers. So I’m puzzled; even if it’s located in a remote mountainous area, it shouldn’t be given away for free. Ah, I see.” Komer seemed to understand something and nodded. “It’s a shame such a vast piece of land is worth nothing.”
“Yes, Mr. Kaladin. It’s indeed a pity. The Flanders Valley is a valley nestled between two mountain ranges, with fertile soil. There are orchards everywhere, and it’s an important flax-producing area. It was the ancestral estate of the Marquis of Solomon, but it was eventually mortgaged to the Barbalossa family. The Kingdom of Iberia was furious over this, but under pressure from the Barbalossas, they eventually accepted the deal, agreeing to grant nobility status to the new owner of that land. But it’s purely nominal and meaningless. If the Gdańsk Fortress hadn’t been destroyed, would that land be given away for free? Hmph, Cotton Castle and Crystal Castle would be a more appropriate ‘bonus.’” Karmado spoke with disdain. “Do you really think Baski would be that kind?”
“Hmm, you’re right. I also find it hard to believe, which is why I came to seek your opinion,” Komer replied with a smile.
“However, Mr. Kaladin, Cotton Castle, Crystal Castle, along with the accompanying pastures and forests, are indeed good. Five hundred thousand gold shields is a fair price. If you’re really interested in purchasing property in Athens, I suggest you consider it. It’s located in the suburbs of Athens, at an ideal distance—perfect for living or investing. But I advise you to reject the Flanders Valley; it’s worthless. However, you might be able to lower the price of Cotton Castle and Crystal Castle further—four hundred to four hundred fifty thousand gold shields might be acceptable to Baski.”
A strange smile appeared on Karmado’s lips. “This loan was handled personally by Baski. Now, since everyone in Athens wants to buy those two castles at a lower price and deliberately refuses to take them, the Barbalossa family believes this loan isn’t profitable. They’ve put a lot of pressure on Baski to dispose of these properties, which is troubling for him. Desperate to restore his reputation within the family, he won’t be too picky about the price.”
Although he nodded in apparent agreement, Komer was actually interested in that valley in the northwest of the Kingdom of Iberia—over a thousand square kilometers, which could already be considered a sizable territory. Hadn’t he always hoped to find a suitable entry point in the southern part of the continent? Here was an excellent opportunity, though he wasn’t sure about the conditions there.
“Mr. Karmado, if the Flanders Valley has already been occupied by the barbarians, then it holds no value at all. Why would Baski still dare to offer it as a bonus? Isn’t he afraid that with just a little inquiry, I could uncover the truth behind this? Isn’t that a form of provocation?” Komer asked feigningly.
“Hehe, Mr. Kaladin, the Flanders Valley isn’t entirely worthless. First, the barbarians haven’t taken control of it—they’ve only destroyed the Gdańsk fortress that protected the region from invasions. The barbarians have no interest in the Flanders Valley, which doesn’t produce food. In name, it still belongs to the Kingdom of Iberia, but no one dares to claim it. What’s truly valuable is the title associated with the lord of Flanders. Legally owning the Flanders Valley means you’re recognized as a noble by the Kingdom of Iberia and might even be granted a title. But noble status in the Kingdom of Iberia holds little value for us Spartans. Perhaps the Iberians might be interested, but not now. With the barbarians’ war reaching our doorstep, I doubt anyone has the mind to consider such matters right now.”
Karmado’s explanation finally made Komer understand the true value of the Flanders Valley. It seemed that the valley itself held no value to these people from the south; perhaps the only value lay in the noble status of its lord.
“Oh, I see. It seems the Flanders Valley really isn’t that valuable after all. Of course, if any commoner is interested in noble status, they might consider taking on the role of lord of Flanders.” Komer began to ponder the significance of the Flanders Valley for himself. Mokan Fort and Crystal Castle were merely temporary shelters for him, but the Flanders Valley could be a rare stronghold. Located within the Kingdom of Iberia yet close to the Cordillera Wasteland, it was already under barbarian control. Its strategic location would indeed make it an excellent hiding place for him.
“Maybe. But in the Kingdom of Iberia, a title seems to be purchasable for just three or fifty thousand gold shields. Finding such a gullible person might not be easy,” Karmado said with a casual laugh.
The fast sailing ship gradually approached the city, which became clearer in the distance. The city’s buildings, nestled against mountains and along rivers, formed a series of terraced structures that, from afar, resembled a vast complex of palaces built on a mountain. The Kephisos River and the Ilissus River flowed around Athens and merged to form the Alpheus River. The three famous hills within the city represented residential areas for different social classes.
The area centered around Mount Nymphus housed the royal palace of the Spartan kings and the main government residences, with most of the secular nobles also living there. Mount Lykavittos was the home of the emerging industrial and commercial class as well as the elites in the arts and culture. The highest peak, the Acropolis, was a sacred religious site. In addition to the centuries-old Temple of Athena, the traditional guardian goddess of Athens, it also housed temples dedicated to dark gods and idols of the god of forging, Hecate, and the god of wine, Bacchus. Religious figures and their devoted followers gathered around the Acropolis to manage these temples, while the common people lived in the lowlands surrounding these hills.
When the fast sailing ship reached the docks outside Athens, Komer and Baski had already become quite close friends—one deliberately seeking friendship, the other genuinely wanting to get to know someone. They hit it off immediately, and Baski quickly became very fond of Komer. Although Komer still hesitated to agree to sign a contract to purchase Cotton Castle and Crystal Castle right away, Baski seemed to already see golden shields waving at him.
After accepting Baski’s generous invitation, Komer politely bid farewell to this important member of the Barbarossa family. He also declined the lodging arranged for him by Karmadom. He wasn’t used to living in someone else’s residence and preferred to choose an inn where he could better appreciate and experience the atmosphere of Athens as a temporary home.