Chapter 10: Malicious Guesses Are Often Reality

When the banners of the Homer Knights were raised once again in the city of Cyprus, the shock among all classes in the city was indescribable. The knights who had once been lost seemed to have found their home again. In almost the shortest time, a thousand knights gathered under Leclerc’s banner, to his own surprise. He hadn’t expected them to be so eager to prove themselves, to the point where he was welcomed so warmly after explaining the responsibilities and goals of the Homer Knights.

Komer chose not to return to Cyprus at this time. As Fran suggested, it was not yet the best moment to enter Cyprus. Although the knights’ allegiance had led to growing calls among the citizens for Komer to return, he still planned to wait for a more suitable time to carry out the final ceremony.

Before that, Komer still had many problems to deal with, such as the pressure from Katin.

Kakya stood by the window, gazing at the breathtaking scenery outside—the soothing fragrance, the warm lavender breeze, and the fields of purple flowers that filled her heart with tranquility. In the past, Kakya would have preferred to enjoy this beauty alone, letting her restless heart be soothed by the gentle breeze. But now, she found it increasingly difficult to do so. She even wondered if she was showing signs of nervousness.

Early autumn in Livonia was enchanting—a season of harvest. But for Kakya, it was rather irritating, all because of that guy who had caused so much upheaval with the Homer Knights.

The door creaked open gently. Apart from Palermo, no one else could enter without being announced by a servant. Well, maybe that guy counted as well, but Kakya wasn’t sure if he would still enter her room in that way.

“Your Highness, did you call for me?” No matter when, Palermo always wore a flattering smile. His obese frame made it difficult for him to walk, but it didn’t affect his wisdom or judgment at all.

“Hmm, haven’t you heard? Lenta is going to be engaged to Komer.” Kakya’s tone seemed casual, but Palermo knew this topic was by no means that simple.

“Well, I’ve heard of it, but I thought it wasn’t a big deal. It’s probably more of a self-promotion tactic by His Highness Hoffman.” Palermo remained calm as well.
“Do you really think so?” Kakiya countered.
“Do you still believe Princess Lenta will wholeheartedly support His Highness Hoffman? No, no—this is in the past. His Highness Hoffman has lost the strength and qualifications to have Lenta’s support. He must now be looking for a decent compromise.” A strange smile appeared on Palermo’s plump face.
“Are you saying Lenta wants to make a move on her own?” Kakiya’s gaze sharpened, and a cold atmosphere filled the room.
“Perhaps. But it’s harmless to you, Your Highness.” Palermo shrugged; the usually graceful gesture seemed somewhat comical from him.
“How so?” Kakiya’s expression didn’t change.
“Your Highness, do you really think Viscount Komer is someone who can be manipulated?” Palermo asked with a smile. Seeing Kakiya remain silent, he added, “Princess Lenta isn’t the kind of person who accepts loneliness—we all know that. But sadly, she hasn’t had many opportunities. With you and His Highness Hoffman above her, she’s essentially lost the chance to rise through the Romanov lineage. Yet if she changes her strategy, that lineage could still be advantageous for her. For Komer, having a Romanov woman as his wife could bring many benefits—though mostly in terms of influence rather than substance.”
“You mean Lenta is acting for her own benefit?” Kakiya’s eyes lit up slightly.
“Isn’t that the case? Didn’t you know this outcome already, Your Highness? Perhaps Countess Flanders could be a good match for her. But I’m worried whether Flanders can satisfy Princess Lenta’s desires. Contentment brings happiness—some people never understand that.” Palermo’s last two sentences sounded a bit forced.
“We have no obligation to teach or warn others, and they won’t appreciate it,” Kakiya said calmly.
“Of course, I’ve never had such ignorant thoughts,” Palermo smiled. “But we do need to think carefully about our own affairs.”

“That damned Ilot and that vulgar half-orc are as stubborn as granite. They’re just going through the motions here in Livonia, and I can’t see any value in their presence here, yet we still have to provide them with all kinds of supplies! They don’t even want to help me, and it’s all on Kommer’s orders.” Kakiya raised her voice slightly; only then could one sense her emotional change. Her cold expression helped her conceal her anger. “I don’t know what to do now. I’ve given him everything he asked for, yet he still keeps delaying and treating me dismissively. Palermo, what should I do?”
Of course, Palermo knew that “him” in Kakiya’s words referred to Kommer. Although his relationship with Kommer had become quite close, Palermo was still confused about everything related to Kommer. That man was too deep and mysterious for Palermo to describe in just a few words. His actions were always unexpected and unconventional—ranging from colluding with barbarians to challenging the Church of Light, from fleeing to the Southern Seas to fighting back against Homer. Almost every move was unpredictable, and people could only keep up with him when things were almost over, by which time almost everything had already changed, leaving them nothing but sighs.
Palermo had the feeling that his master was being led by Kommer at every step. Perhaps his mistress had also realized this, but her pride prevented her from admitting it. She preferred to believe it was temporary. Although Kommer still showed considerable respect for Kakiya on the surface, even agreeing to her request to leave two thousand half-orc troops in Livonia to help her boost morale and strengthen her influence, he was ambiguous on many principled issues, even if not outright defiant. Especially his subordinates showed no respect whatsoever for the heir of the Romanov family. Even someone like Palermo could clearly sense this deep-seated contempt.
Those half-orcs had only one master: Kommer. If Kommer ordered them to die, they would die without hesitation, because they believed their death could earn them something from Kommer that was worth more than life itself. Just this attitude made Palermo realize that his master would probably never be able to control that country nobleman whom she had always looked down on.

“Your Highness, in any case, without this army, Lord Hoffman’s flag would likely already be flying over Katin City—whether as a deterrent or to provide support, this army has already fulfilled its role. But if you expect it to help you achieve everything you desire, I think that’s unlikely. What you want can only be taken by you yourself, and it seems you don’t yet have the strength for that.” Palermo spoke bluntly, his expression calm. “Perhaps Kommer will become your greatest enemy in the future, but under the current circumstances, no matter how dissatisfied you are, it’s best to hold back. You still need Kommer’s support and help.”

“What should we do now?” Kakiya was well aware of her situation. As long as Hoffman refused to admit defeat and acknowledge her legitimate right to inherit the throne, she couldn’t rightfully become the queen of the Kingdom of Nicosia. Without that legitimacy, she could never control all the resources of the kingdom, and without sufficient resources, she couldn’t even command or influence those lords who already held considerable power.

“We can only endure and persevere. Lord Hoffman won’t last much longer. Even Princess Lenta has abandoned him now, and the Anson family certainly won’t offer him any real support. His most important ally, the Church of Light, has also been severely weakened. I can’t imagine who else he might rely on. Those noble lords will soon leave him. Once this last pillar collapses, he will be forced to step down from the historical stage.”

Palermo spoke with great certainty, but as soon as the words left his mouth, he realized he had forgotten a very important factor. Without these supporters, Hoffman would naturally have to step down. But desperate Hoffman seemed to have formed an alliance with Kommer as well. Would Kommer support Kakiya ascending to the throne? At the thought of this, Palermo felt a chill. With Kommer’s current mindset, would he be willing to see Kakiya ascend unimpeded? Perhaps this chaotic situation was exactly what the great lords like Kommer represented—what was best for them. Maybe it was just his malicious speculation, but Palermo knew that often, his worst assumptions became reality, because people tend not to think of the worst outcomes.