Chapter 19: I Am Not Weak
The tremendous shock caused by the orc army’s entry into Livonia was beyond even Komer’s expectations. It triggered massive upheaval across the entire southwestern region, including Hesse and Pomerania, with the effects spreading outward at an exponential rate. Areas such as Azov and Bannite in the central part of the Kingdom of Nicomedia, Jazair in the north, and even the Kingdom of Bessarabia further south were all affected.
No one had anticipated that an army entirely composed of orc soldiers would suddenly appear deep within the kingdom or even on the continent of Azure. Though this fearsome army nominally belonged to a minor noble lord, its presence undoubtedly kept the already terrified populace, who had suffered under orc invasions, awake at night. No one could guarantee that these orcs wouldn’t turn on them suddenly—once they raised their weapons, who in the entire southwestern region could resist?
“Your Highness, the mood inside and outside the city is extremely tense. The nobles and merchants are terrified. Livonia is now completely quiet; shops are shut, and residents dare not go outside, fearing that the orcs might suddenly lose control and wreak havoc on the people.”
Palermo, holding his wine glass, couldn’t decide whether to feel joy or worry. In fact, when he inspected the orc army alongside Komer, he had been just as terrified. These brutal orcs, once fully armed and given military discipline, carried a visual and psychological impact that ordinary people could hardly withstand. Especially when he saw those rows of orc soldiers marching in perfect unison, Palermo felt his legs turn to water and almost collapsed.
“Oh? Then do you think these orcs will obey our mortal commands?” Kakiya’s expression didn’t change, but Palermo knew well that the more indifferent she seemed, the more complex her thoughts must be.
“I’m not familiar with the temperaments of these half-orcs; I’ve never encountered them before. But Viscount Komer has sent his close friend, Knight Eilot, to command this army. It seems those half-orc officers hold Knight Eilot in high regard, which indicates that Komer has considerable control over this army,” Palermo said carefully. “But the nobles and merchants in the city are unaware of this. Now they’re terrified, fearing that these half-orcs might suddenly invade their homes, plunder their wealth and women, and even eat them.”
“Hmph, that’s perfect. Haven’t they always been afraid of Hoffman’s army coming? Haven’t they always thought I lack the strength to resist Hoffman’s pressure? With such a formidable force as our backing, what more do they have to worry about?” A hint of sarcasm finally appeared on Kakiya’s face. “These guys are as cowardly as rats. They want to protect their own interests but are afraid to take risks, always hesitating. Now I’ve shown them that I have the ability to defend their interests. If they can give me enough support, I can offer them even more.”
“But Viscount Komer also said that this half-orc army in Livonia currently numbers only two thousand. In the event of war, he’s not sure he can defeat Hoffman’s Blood Lion Regiment,” Palermo added, biting his lip.
“Then let Komer transfer all his troops from the Caucasus and Leon to me! Once we defeat Hoffman, I can give him the entire of Livonia!” Kakiya’s voice rose several notches instantly, her face turning slightly red, her eyes blazing with intensity. “I don’t just want the throne of Nicosia—I want Jazair too! I want everyone to know that I, Kakiya, not only deserve this throne but also have the ability to bring them a complete kingdom! Palermo, do you see? What did he bring at the end? Dragons! Dragon warriors! You should know what that means. Why didn’t he bring the dragon warriors to Livonia? What more does he want?!”
Palermo opened his mouth as if to say something but ended up saying nothing. Intervening at this moment would undoubtedly be unwise. The princess was extremely emotional, and it would be better to let her calm down a bit.
“Palermo, tell me—does Komer have some kind of deal with the Barbarians? The Barbarians can even give him things like Earth Dragons and train Earth Dragon warriors for him. I’ve also heard that the Caucasus has several Thunderbirds! They’re considered sacred birds by the Barbarians. I don’t know what other advantages Komer has at his disposal. What exactly does he want? Don’t tell me you know nothing—after all, you were almost entirely responsible for supplying him with food. How could you be unaware of this?” Kakiya’s gaze was piercing, fixed on Palermo’s face, making him feel uneasy.
“Your Highness, I’m not entirely sure about Viscount Komer’s intentions, but he indeed has a very close relationship with the Barbarians. In the Caucasus and Leon as well, many Barbarians are involved in construction and production there. I know that a significant portion of the food imported to the Caucasus is provided to the Barbarians, and it’s only natural that they pay a price for this. Yet I also know that the Caucasus maintains a strict blockade on supplies throughout the Barbarian-controlled areas, especially military items like weapons and armor. Over the years, several merchants caught smuggling weapons to the Barbarians have had all their property confiscated and been forced into labor. His contradictory actions make it difficult for me to guess his intentions. Perhaps he just wants to exploit the Barbarians’ labor and unique resources, but one thing is certain: this Viscount is no ordinary person, and his ambitions are far beyond what ordinary people can imagine.”
“You mean he wants to take on Philip?” Kakiya perked up.
“Your Highness, it’s not strange. Every young person’s first love is unforgettable. But when your hopes and dreams are suddenly destroyed, replaced by forced exile, and when you finally return, you’re met with more exile and assassination—while the person you loved has long since changed heart and become someone else’s plaything. How many people can endure such humiliation and hatred? I believe Komer definitely wants to fight back, but his limited power forces him to restrain himself. Yet I’m sure once he gains that power, everything will change.”
It must be said that Palermo’s understanding and analysis of Komer are quite accurate—she has grasped certain aspects of his mindset to a large extent, but only some aspects. In other areas she doesn’t know about, Komer’s thoughts are far more complex than she imagines.
Kakia instinctively shook her head. Komer wasn’t that simple, but it was also hard for her to guess his true intentions at the moment. Although the two of them had developed a special relationship, it was merely physical intimacy. It was hard to say what kind of relationship that really was, and Kakia was well aware of this.
But Komer’s intentions weren’t important right now. For Kakia, what mattered was using the Caucasus’ military strength to help her ascend to the throne, and then using that power to reclaim Jazair. Her earlier fierce questioning was mostly for show. She had already noticed that Palermo, whom she had relied on as a supporter, seemed to have some unspoken understanding with Komer—even going beyond her tolerance in some ways. So she needed to warn him through Palermo, to prevent him from trying any tricks.
“Palermo, tell Komer that no matter what he thinks, he must understand that it’s in both of our interests to work together; otherwise, we’ll both suffer. Everything he wants can only be achieved on the basis of my success. Otherwise, without me, Hoffman and Philip can easily deal with him like crushing an ant. He must help me solve these problems first if he doesn’t want to live in hiding like a ghost. Tell him I can help him deal with the problems he’s unwilling to face. Don’t think I know nothing.”
When Palermo conveyed Kakia’s words to Komer, who had returned to the Zuke Valley, Komer couldn’t help but laugh.
Kakia’s performance hadn’t disappointed him at all. At least these words proved that he hadn’t made a wrong choice.
It would be absurd if a crown prince relied solely on outsiders, namely her own military force, to help her achieve everything. Without showing any real strength, it’s hard to believe she could claim the throne of the Kingdom of Nicosia. Komer wasn’t like those short-sighted nobles and merchants. While risk and reward are proportional, if the chances of success are too low, he wouldn’t risk his stake easily. He preferred to side with those closest to success. Yet so far, Komer still hadn’t figured out which high-ranking figure in the Light Church this woman, who once writhed wildly beneath him, had connections with—Frenst? Vazinki? Noroya? Or even Julius?
Playing with the ivory incense stick in his hand, Komer pondered how the other party had learned about his feud with the Inquisition, while also considering whether he should strengthen his own position.