Chapter 2: The Laurent Family of Giza

“Oh, Lord Komer, do you really think all of us from Giza are mere profit-driven people?” The young man with a sharp face shook his head repeatedly to express his dissatisfaction. “Lord Komer, those are just prejudices against us Giza people. Yes, we mainly engage in business, but we also make a living through our own skills. Those people always assume that we Giza people don’t engage in production and can accumulate wealth just by doing business. So they hold such prejudices, but they ignore the fact that we earn this through our intelligence and knowledge.”
Seeing that Kalamaní seemed about to go on at length, Komer quickly interrupted him: “I’m sorry, Mr. Kalamaní. I have no prejudices against the people of Giza. In my view, any nation that manages to survive in this world must have its own reasons and justifications for doing so. ‘Survival of the fittest’ is the best way to describe it. As for the methods used, I don’t mind them.”
“Ah, that’s good, that’s good,” Kalamaní said with a smile. “I just wanted Lord Komer to understand that we Giza people aren’t as terrible as the rumors suggest. We can also contribute to the development of your territory.”
Komer gave him a deep look. This guy seemed to be implying something else—could he have other plans? But it seemed he also realized this wasn’t the right time to talk, so he wisely stepped back and stayed silent.
“Carreira, how many immigrants are currently cultivating land by Lake Nirel?” Komer turned his attention back to the present matter.
“Around three to four hundred, and the number is slowly increasing. I’m very much looking forward to Mr. Kalamaní’s canal being completed. Once it’s done, it will greatly promote the development of this area. I’ve already agreed with Mr. Kalamaní to build a simple dock at the entrance of the canal, so that ordinary ships can load and unload goods here, and it will also allow immigrants from other places to enter and leave this area more freely.” A hint of excitement appeared on Carreira’s face as well. Seeing barren fields turn into fertile farmland and homes through his efforts was indeed a source of pride and satisfaction.
“Hmm, where do these immigrants mainly come from? The Caucasus?” Komer asked casually.

“No, there aren’t many immigrants from the Caucasus, as most of them have already settled and farmed the land there and are unwilling to change environments. The immigrants who come now mostly arrived in the Caucasus after the orcs invaded Jazair from the south, and some are landless farmers who migrated from the upper reaches of the Catalonia River. It seems that land consolidation is severe in that area, even leading to some unrest, which is likely the main reason these landless farmers are moving here.” Carrera was well aware of the composition of these immigrants.

“Oh?” Comer was taken aback. He hadn’t noticed any chaos in the upper reaches of the Catalonia River, but it didn’t affect the Caucasus for now. After gaining control of the Bosen Plain, food issues had become less critical. At least Homer and the Caucasus no longer had to worry about food shortages. Even if the upper reaches of the Catalonia River didn’t produce any grain, the Caucasus could still sustain itself.

“Lord Comer, the development prospects in Izmel are very promising. Many merchants have come to inquire about developing iron mines in that area. I believe we can appropriately increase the number of iron mines under current circumstances. With the opening of the canal, the export of iron ore can not only solve local labor issues but also boost transportation, killing two birds with one stone. Moreover, there are signs of magic metal deposits accompanying the iron ore found in Izmel. If this is confirmed, it would be an incredible blessing.”

Carrera’s beaming smile even infected Comer with his enthusiasm.

In fact, Izmel had always been Comer’s top priority. In all of Leon, Izmel had the greatest potential for development. The region was rich in high-quality iron ore with low mining costs. The only constraint on its development was transportation. Located in the western interior of Leon, it was quite far from the coast and the Nise River. The only river flowing through it, the Kido River, flowed into Lake Nirel. Without canals connecting Lake Nirel to the Abyssal Sea or the Catalonia River, iron ore could only be transported by land, making the costs so high that iron ore mining there could never expand. Many iron ore deposits, which would be considered quite high-quality in other parts of the continent, were abandoned by miners, who only mined the highest-quality portions to minimize transportation costs.

But things are different now. The opening of the canal allows coal from Santiago to be easily transported to Izmir, while iron ore from Izmir can also be shipped cheaply by water to Santiago, Matdan, and anywhere along the coasts of the Abyssal Sea and the Midland Ocean. With such advantageous conditions, it’s only a matter of time before Izmir prospers and becomes the second major smelting center after Bahomun.

However, this was the first time Komer had heard of the discovery of magic metal ore, which made his ears perk up instantly.

The reserves of magic metal ore across the Azure Continent are quite limited, and it almost always occurs alongside other ores, making it difficult to smelt and purify. Yet its uses are immense, with a vast range of applications. It’s not only essential for high-grade weapons but is also widely used in magical artifacts and puppet golems, playing a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of weapons, artifacts, and puppets. For example, if a knight’s spear is crafted with some magic metal that matches its inherent properties, its power can be greatly increased.

“You mean magic metal ore? Are you sure?” Komer’s breathing became much faster. If magic metal ore could indeed be mined, the entire weapon manufacturing industry in the Caucasus might reach a new level. High-grade weapons wouldn’t have to rely on the South Midland Ocean region anymore and could even be exported.

“Hmm, it should be fine, but the exact quantity and composition still require further exploration. It will take some time to come up with a detailed and accurate assessment,” Carrera nodded. “However, our smelting capabilities in the Caucasus likely won’t be enough to separate and purify these associated metals. This is something Lord-sama should consider as soon as possible.”

“Hmm, that’s true. At present, only those smelting families in the South Midland Ocean region or the experts in Bohemia who specialize in magic metal smelting seem capable of this technology. If we want to utilize these magic metals, we’ll need to put in some effort.”

Komer also knew this problem was not easy to solve. Smelting and purifying demon metals was a high-level technique in the metallurgy industry, requiring not only extensive experience and skills in metallurgy but also, most importantly, a thorough mastery of fire magic. This meant that such smelters had to be magic practitioners, such as powerful alchemists, to guide them on-site; otherwise, it was difficult to successfully extract pure demon metals. Such people were quite rare on the continent, and few those with fire magic skills were interested in metallurgy. Moreover, those truly skilled in metallurgy techniques might not necessarily understand fire magic—only individuals like alchemists possessed both abilities.

“Lord Komer, do you need talents who can help you refine demon metals?” Karmanee, who had been listening carefully to Komer’s conversation with Carrera, seemed to have found a topic and hurriedly joined in.

“Oh? Mr. Karmanee, don’t tell me you’re an alchemist?” Komer teased him half-jokingly.

“Oh, no, no, my lord. You’re really good at joking,” Karmanee said without any embarrassment. “What I mean is, if you truly need people who can refine demon metals, our Laurent family knows some individuals in this field and can help you find them.”

Hearing his seriousness, Komer examined him carefully. “Mr. Karmanee, are you serious?”

“Lord Komer, how could I lie to you?” Karmanee replied with sincerity.

“Very well, then please help me recruit some talents in this field. I really didn’t expect the Laurent family to have such extensive connections in this area,” Komer said meaningfully.

“Lord Komer, if you interact with our Laurent family more often, you’ll realize that we always go to great lengths to help our friends. Our family has been to many countries across the Land of Azure and has made many friends. So, you can rest assured—whatever we promise, we will definitely deliver it,” Karmanee said with a smile, clearly pleased by Komer’s complimentary words.

“However, Mr. Calamani, I’ve also heard that the Laurent family doesn’t have a very good reputation everywhere. You seem to go to great lengths to extract every last bit of profit from every deal. As far as I know, not only are the workers highly dissatisfied with their treatment, which has almost led to riots several times, but even the merchants who partner with you have a poor opinion of you.” Komer glanced at his smug opponent and said calmly, “I wonder if what I’m saying is true?”
“Ah? Well, um…” Calamani, looking embarrassed, quickly regained his composure. “Mr. Komer, could you allow me to explain?”