Chapter 21: Soulless Bitch

“Princess Lenta?!?” Komer was surprised. How could it be that as soon as Tracy arrived, Princess Lenta showed up too? It was unbelievable. Could they have come together? Then he really needed to consider Tracy’s motives this time.
“What, Count? It seems you’re not very happy to see me?”
Lenta’s green eyes resembled emeralds shining in the darkness. Her plump cheeks were smooth, and around her swan-like neck, a ribbon held a cat’s eye stone the size of a finger. She exuded wealth and elegance while remaining refined and delicate. This woman had excellent taste, Komer thought. Compared to Kakiya’s slightly slender and graceful appearance, Lenta’s face had more youthful vitality. Her full lips were more appealing than Kakiya’s cherry-like lips—perhaps it was a genetic trait of the Anson family. Her eyelashes were long, almost resembling false eyelashes, a characteristic of the Romanov lineage. Kakiya had them too, as did Hoffman. This gave the women an alluring look, while the men naturally became more attractive. No wonder the members of the Romanov family were so popular with women.
“Your Highness, please don’t say that. Though the phrase ‘your presence brightens our humble abode’ is a bit cliché, it does capture the feelings of the people of the Caucasus.” Komer was no longer the inexperienced bird he used to be; he handled such feigned criticism effortlessly.
“Komer, it seems you still haven’t accepted your identity as Homer. Is the Caucasus really that appealing to you?” Lenta had already allowed Komer to guide her under her skirt to sit down. The Caucasus was indeed vibrant, but it was still a remote region. Lenta disliked its atmosphere filled with commoners and foreigners. Looking at the bustling crowds on Ugru Street, aside from merchants, the proportion of half-orcs and barbarians was too high, which made her feel insecure. Though she knew that here, half-orcs and barbarians were even more loyal than ordinary people.
“Why say that? Homer is also my territory, the Caucasus is my territory, and even Livonia. It’s my freedom to choose where I want to be, but that doesn’t reflect my attitude.” Komer shrugged, looking down at the woman seated beside him. Her breasts were full and slightly uplifted—far surpassing those of Kakiya or Tracy. Perhaps only Grace could compare, of course, not Shatima.
“What about Groningen?”

Komer laughed. That bitch—although Komer was sure she was still a virgin, she had a distinctly bitchy nature, a true political bitch. And what about himself? Was he a political prostitute?
“What do you mean, Your Highness?”
“Groningen. You know, the Anson family has many interests there.”
“Oh, I thought you were representing His Highness Hoffman,” Komer said sarcastically. “Everyone has interests. Groningen is important. Do you want it, Your Highness?”
Lenta’s green eyes lit up briefly, but she quickly realized he was mocking her. Her face flushed with anger. “Komer, what do you mean by that?”
“Nothing much.” Komer was pleased. It wasn’t entirely proper to tease her in such a condescending way, but Komer liked to pay such a small price to amuse himself. Besides, such reckless behavior was annoying, and she deserved to be made to pay.
Seeing her chest rise and fall due to her emotional changes, Komer felt even better. “Alright, Your Highness. What does the Anson family want me to do? Open Groningen? Or something else?”
Lenta tried to control her emotions. Self-respect stemmed from self-control; without it, one lost self-respect. “The Anson family isn’t that ambitious. They just need concessions.”
“Concessions? Concessions to waive tolls or to allow free passage?” Komer countered.
“What’s the difference?”
“A waiver of tolls is only temporary, while free passage can be long-term, but it must follow established rules,” Komer said nonchalantly.
“What rules?” Lenta was confused.
“Your Highness, it seems you’ve overlooked my ‘good relations’ with the two northern lords. No one can tolerate goods from those places passing freely without paying tolls. At least I can’t.” Komer said coldly.
A hint of shock flashed in Lenta’s green eyes. “Komer, are you really going to pay the Fedinan and Haine families?”
“How long do you think peace can last between me and them?” Komer asked, strolling leisurely around where Lenta sat with his hands behind his back.
“But, but…”
“But what? What do you want to say? Is the struggle between Hoffman and Kakiya not over yet?” Komer asked mockingly. “What does that have to do with me? That’s your Romanov family fighting among themselves. Do those worthless matters deserve my concern?”

Lenta was completely stunned by Komer’s series of rude and outrageous words, so much so that she didn’t even realize Komer was standing behind her, admiring her full breasts. “You, you, you’re too presumptuous!” Finally coming to her senses with her face flushed red, Lenta tried to stand up, but Komer pressed down on her shoulders with his hand. “Your Highness, you’re very smart—smarter and more rational than Kakiya. Rise and fall is an inevitable part of history; the Romanov family is no exception, nor is the Kingdom of Nicossia. If one clings to past glories, it will only lead to self-destruction.” Her rapidly rising chest almost tore her corset apart as she struggled to free herself from Komer’s grip and stood up, meeting his indifferent gaze. “Komer, do you even know what you’re talking about?” “Of course I do. I’m perfectly clear-headed. Don’t think I’m talking in my sleep.” Komer reached out to straighten Lenta’s hair, which had become disheveled from her struggle, and said casually, “There’s no need to hide anything from me. I understand you, just as you understand me.” Staring straight at Komer, Lenta’s green eyes now showed only calmness. “Are you sure you can handle the combined forces of the Ferdinand family, the Haine family, and the Gallics?” “Why should I fight three at once?” Komer smiled cunningly. “I never said they’re all my enemies at the same time.” “Do you think they’re fools? Don’t they understand the principle that if your lips are gone, your teeth will suffer too?” Lenta sneered. “Of course not, but neither am I,” Komer replied enigmatically. Lenta knew he wouldn’t engage in a serious discussion on this topic now. She glared at him fiercely and said, “Don’t underestimate your opponents. The Gallics are much stronger than imagined. And don’t dream that Zelin will back down for Verola’s sake—he’s willing to sacrifice himself for his family, let alone others.” “Hmm, it’s good that you understand that,” Komer replied appreciatively. “But let’s not discuss this now, okay? Matters of war should be left to men. It’s more gentlemanly to talk about things that interest you more when with a beautiful woman.” Lenta finally smiled. “My interests are quite unique.” “Is that so? I think I’m just as confident in understanding women’s interests,” Komer said with a strange laugh. “I’m not very fond of the climate and environment in the north, but I see some people really liking it there. How about the Countess of Poznan? Or the Countess of Silesia?”

Despite Lenta’s efforts to suppress the surge of emotions within her, she knew her heart was still pounding wildly. What was this guy talking about? Seeming to notice the change in Lenta’s mood, Komer sneered inwardly. These princesses of seemingly glorious kingdoms, heirs to the Romanov family, had now become mere decorative ornaments. Yet years of court life had prevented them from breaking free from their once-opulent existence. Without sufficient money and power, they were even worse off than dogs on Ugru Street. A mere illusionary bait could make their eyes shine with desire, as if they wanted to snatch it right away. Now, the interests of the Anson family could be set aside immediately. This bitch—a typical bitch—was truly forgetful, even forgetting her own purpose. But perhaps being a bitch was the best profession in this world, one that would never disappear, whether selling one’s body or soul. Her flushed cheeks resembled ripe apples, and Lenta’s fingers trembled almost uncontrollably. Yet her pride and reason told her not to lose composure now. She knew she should present a calm image to the other party, but it seemed impossible for her. “Komer, are you trying to tempt me?” “No, we’re just discussing topics that women are interested in, aren’t we?” Komer grinned wickedly. “Does Your Highness have no interest? Or perhaps another word would fit better—invitation. Yes, that word is more appropriate.” “Aren’t you getting along well with Vero? It seems even the one from Transylvania is trying to flatter you.” Lenta tried to stay calm. “That’s my business.” Komer’s voice turned colder. “We both know the rules of the game. You’re not interested in those things, right?” I can’t refuse! Lenta wanted to appear more firm in front of him, but she knew she was as naked as day in his eyes—nothing in her heart could escape him. If so, why hide anything? “I don’t deny I’m interested, but I need time to think.” “Of course, I understand.” Komer also smiled faintly. “There’s no need to decide right now. We have plenty of time.”