Chapter 24: The Southern Route

Komer placed his hands together under his chin and listened motionless to the rather moving stories told by the two men before him. However, this gesture made his usually serious expression seem somewhat indifferent, as if what they were saying had nothing to do with him.
Both men were somewhat disappointed. They had taken a great risk to come here together, only to find that this man, who had now become the true ruler of Nicosia, seemed uninterested. Could it be that having taken control of Nicosia meant he no longer relied as much on the mountain people? Monterey thought anxiously.
“Chieftain Uri, Chieftain Monterey, to this day, I still don’t understand what exactly your purpose for coming here is. You’ve talked at length about the situation in the South Cordillera Desert—everything seems fine. There is frequent trade between Flanders and the tribes led by you two. The Karon and Kabo tribes also survived last winter successfully, and their stored food will ensure their tribes can endure the winter. Flanders’ prospects are good too. Isn’t everything going smoothly? As for what you mentioned about the Karo and Siva tribes being dissatisfied with the close relationship between the Karon, Kabo tribes, and Flanders, this seems to have always existed. Moreover, the Karon and Kabo tribes are major tribes within the Mountain People’s Alliance, along with the closely related Triya tribe. Can’t you resolve these issues through the alliance’s internal coordination mechanisms?”
Komer asked, utterly confused, clicking his lips.
Uri was frustrated. After speaking so much, it seemed Lord Komer hadn’t realized the seriousness of the situation at all. If it could really be resolved peacefully, why would he and Monterey have had to travel all this way?
“Lord Komer, the situation is serious. The Karo and Siva tribes will have a hard time this winter. They don’t have much stored food. If they don’t want people to starve, they’ll have to find another way.”
“Chieftain Uri, are you saying they might start a war? Against the Iberians or the Smenians?” Komer rolled his eyes.
“No, no, Lord Komer. This time, their target might be us and Flanders.”
“You’re saying they’ll attack you and Flanders?!” Komer was shocked. “Why? Give me a reason! I can’t imagine why they’d attack their own people instead of the Smenians and Iberians. Aren’t you mountain people always very united?”

Uri and Monterrey both looked embarrassed. Should they tell them that it was because the Iberians and Smenians had now allied and formed a mage army? Or should they say that the Karo and Kabo tribes were weaker and easier to exploit?
“Uh, my lord, the Iberians and Smenians have improved their defense systems and strengthened their counterattack capabilities. The Karo and Siva tribes must have realized this as well, which is why they’ve changed their target. They’re not fools—attacking the Iberians and Smenians now would only result in greater losses. Besides, we’re already at odds with them over the Gdansk fortress, so they have no qualms.”
“So they just bully the weak and fear the strong?” Komer asked sarcastically with a shrug.
Uri and Monterrey both forced bitter smiles. Lord Komer really had the mood to tease others, not realizing that the two of them were already in a state of extreme stress.
All signs indicated that the Karo and Siva tribes would launch an unprecedented military campaign this time. Uri and Monterrey realized that this wasn’t just about seizing winter supplies; they might even use this opportunity to eliminate the independent factions led by them, or perhaps the food issue was just an excuse.
“Enough off-topic talk. I know why you’re here. The Karo and Siva tribes are likely to attack the Karon, Kabo, and Tria tribes due to a shortage of winter supplies, which could also threaten the safety of the Flanders territory. Flanders is now my territory, and I won’t allow any acts of destruction here. If anyone dares to cross my limits, I won’t tolerate it,” Komer said firmly.
“Lord Komer, I must remind you that your words mean little to us. From what we know, they’re definitely going to attack Flanders this time. If you insist on waiting until Flanders falls before taking action, there’s nothing we can do,” Uri said grimly. He could tell that Komer didn’t seem to intend to take military action anytime soon, which was far from what he expected.
“Leader Uri, if you have any good suggestions, go ahead and share them,” Komer said, propping his feet up.
“The armed forces of the Siga tribe are becoming increasingly organized under Lord Kewu. Why not use this opportunity to train and strengthen them?” Uri suggested with a smile.

“Hehe, it seems Chief Uri has his eyes on what I have here.” Komer also laughed, staying noncommittal. “Well, it’s a good idea, but Nicosia isn’t safe either right now—there are many places that need armed forces.”
“Lord Komer, you hold great power at your disposal. If you think it’s not appropriate to use these armed forces, I think other forces would work just as well, such as your mage corps or knight order,” Uri said, rolling his eyes.
“A mage corps? A knight order?” Komer frowned. This guy had quite high ambitions, but he also offered plenty of incentives. Hmph, the Karankabo tribe and the Three-Tooth tribe—didn’t they even consider that this time they might gain a lot but also lose quite a bit?
“Well, yes. In my opinion, if you could send a mage team to work alongside other armed forces, it might yield excellent results.” Uri exchanged a glance with Monterrey—seemed promising.
“Mages and knights… that’s a good idea. I can consider it.” Komer nodded slightly. Vladkov’s Black Flame Knight Order was a good choice, and of course, the Caucasus Mage Corps could also step forward to show their strength—against the mountain people, that force was indeed very effective.