Volume 31: One Hand Attempting to Cover the Sky

Chapter 1: The Circle of Encirclement

This winter in Nicosia was destined to be cold. Outside the window, Vyrana walked gracefully through the snow like a skylark in the winter snow—sometimes picking up a handful of snow to form a snowball and throwing it, sometimes shaking the branches, letting the snowfall from them land on her head.

Although Bessarabia also experienced snowy days, such heavy snowfalls were rare. In Bessarabia’s winters, warm and rainy seasons dominated, but during the coldest periods, light snow mixed with sleet would occasionally harm crops.

Komer stood with his arms crossed, silently watching outside. His expression was strange—neither joyful nor indifferent, nor did he show pretended disgust or impatience. Of course, with a lovely girl like Vyrana, few men could dislike her.

Metelev knew Komer had been back for several days, but it seemed the lord was always busy with something. Those barbarians and half-orcs who frequently came and went from his estate, along with those shrouded in a thick aura of darkness—Metelev found it hard to imagine how a man from a noble family in Nicosia could have such close ties with these outsiders. It was clear that the lord valued them no less than ordinary people, if not more.

Metelev was certain the lord was plotting some major move, and it must be related to war. Judging from the eager expressions of those armored warriors, perhaps war was the true theme of life for this lord.

It wasn’t until today that he finally received them formally. Vyrana was already growing impatient, and it was understandable given her haughty attitude. The lord seemed unconcerned about her childish tantrums.

“Lord Komer, what’s your impression of Miss Vyrana?”
“She’s naturally beautiful—endearing to behold,” Komer replied casually.

Metelev felt relieved. It seemed the lord had a high opinion of Miss Vyrana—a good start.

“Oh, Lord Komer, though I’d like to introduce Miss Vyrana in a more modest way, I’ve decided to be honest. Whoever marries Princess Vyrana will surely have the greatest fortune of their life, Lord Komer.”

“Well, Mr. Meletiev, your words of praise aren’t truly flattering—Princess Verana deserves such praise. Although I’ve never officially visited Bessarabia, I have passed through the Buzak Plain. The term ‘the most beautiful goldfinch’ fits Princess Verana perfectly; anyone who is with her feels happy.” Komer wasn’t shy about his compliments.
“Oh? Lord Komer has been to our Bessarabia?” Meletiev was surprised. In his impression, this lord seemed to be active mainly in Nicosia and the Southern Central Seas region, rarely visiting the central part of the continent.
“Well, that was a few years ago. I passed through Bessarabia on my way to Rosenburg,” Komer replied casually.
Komer’s words sparked Meletiev’s imagination. The Duchy of Rosenburg? Could it be that Princess Dou Lvtai of the Duchy of Rosenburg also wanted to marry this young lord?
“Oh, it seems the relationship between the Duchy of Rosenburg and Lord Komer is quite good,” Meletiev said with a smile, probing further. “I thought Lord Komer was more interested in the Southern Central Seas and Nicosia, and not very concerned about our central region of the continent.”
“Hehe, Mr. Meletiev, the countries and city-states along the upper and middle reaches of the Catalonia River have always been an important source of food for the Caucasus. How could I not pay attention? You see, before Nicosia lifted its blockade on the Caucasus, that place was almost the lifeline of the Caucasus,” Komer replied half-seriously. “Rosenburg has been very helpful to the Caucasus; we can’t ignore that.”
Meletiev thought to himself that this young lord was indeed not as simple as he had imagined. He could extend his influence to Rosenburg, and it was said that this lord had also managed to trick Bohemia, which had intervened unnecessarily, during the conflict with the Gallic people, even successfully stirring up strife among the Bohemians—quite an impressive skill.
“Then why does Lord Komer lack interest in our Bessarabia? Since he passed through Bessarabia without making an official visit, that’s quite impolite toward Grand Duke Antonescu, who is the ruler here,” Meletiev said with a smile.
“Exaggerated, exaggerated, Mr. Meletiev. I was going to the Great Swamp Region to negotiate the navigation issues of the Catalonia River with the Jellyfish People. I was in a hurry and didn’t intend to disturb anyone. I’m truly sorry.” Komer inwardly sneered. If he had revealed his identity back then, no one would have paid attention to him—a minor lord from a remote area; who would know him?

“Oh, Lord Komer was the one who reached an agreement with the Jellyfish People to open the Catania River route? Heh, Lord Komer truly is bold and proactive. That Catania River route had been closed, blocking communication between the upper and lower reaches, but it was finally opened under Lord Komer’s leadership. His achievement brings great benefits to the people in both areas.”
“Mr. Meiterev, you’re too kind. I’m merely acting for the survival of my Caucasus region; I’m not yet at the level of striving for the well-being of all people.” Komer felt both amused and exasperated. This guy was good at flattery, coming up with one compliment after another. He knew well what he was capable of. “Mr. Meiterev, let’s get back to the topic. How did your visit to our regions in Nicomedia go?”
“Heh, it lives up to its reputation. I’ve always admired Lord Komer’s expertise in governing his territory. Seeing it in person today was truly eye-opening,” Meiterev nodded repeatedly. “I especially admire Lord Komer’s commitment to religious freedom in Nicomedia. In this regard, I think there’s much we can learn from Bessarabia. Grand Duke Antonescu has also been seeking a more stable and balanced policy to ensure peace in Bessarabia. I believe we’ve found it now.”
“Oh?” Komer raised his eyebrows.
He had originally thought that Bessarabia’s high-level visit was merely an attempt to strengthen economic and trade ties through his marriage to Vyrana, while also expanding Bessarabia’s influence in the central continent to counter the pressure from Bohemia. It seemed things weren’t that simple after all.
Religious freedom?
Komer pondered this. Nicomedia had upheld the principle of religious freedom since the Romanov era, even during the most powerful times of the Light Church. After taking control of Homer, Poznan, Silesia, and Gothenburg, this trend became even more evident. The clear hostility between the Light Church and him had greatly undermined the atmosphere of religious belief there. It wasn’t his fault—since they chose to oppose him, they shouldn’t expect him to be lenient.

It was just a bit strange that the Thessalians suddenly brought up this idea, which surprised Komer. Could it be that the Thessalians had also figured something out now? In his memory, that old fox Antoniscu had always adopted a neutral stance, trying not to offend either side. Although the Church of Light wasn’t very satisfied with him, they weren’t exactly hostile either. So, was Antoniscu trying to follow in his footsteps?

After Komer uttered an “Oh,” Meiterev fell silent, looking deep in thought. He knew the other party must be confused, so he didn’t interject and let them think.

“Mr. Meiterev, if I’m not misunderstanding, it seems Thessaly is also facing some troubles now?” Komer asked tentatively after pondering for a long time.

“Mr. Komer, to be honest, Grand Duke Antoniscu is indeed dealing with some troublesome issues, so we hope to get some support—well, some assistance. It would be ideal if Nicosia could provide it,” Meiterev said, carefully choosing his words.

“Support?” Komer frowned. “Could you tell me more details?”

“Lord Komer, as you know, Thessaly isn’t part of the Northern Alliance. But lately, diplomats from the Cnossians and Atticans have been visiting our country frequently, trying to persuade Grand Duke Antoniscu to join the Northern Alliance. Meanwhile, the Church of Light is also very active in Thessaly, putting significant pressure on our country’s stability. In fact, we’re all aware that the Northern Alliance aims to block Nicosia, while the Church of Light wants to undermine Thessaly’s long-standing policy of religious freedom. Grand Duke Antoniscu doesn’t want our current situation to be disrupted or changed, so…”

“I see,” Komer nodded. Meiterev was right. The Northern Alliance was trying to encircle them now. They had little hope for that puppet regime of Kakiya, but if they could pull Thessaly into the Northern Alliance, the situation would change drastically. The north and west of Nicosia would form a huge arc-shaped encirclement, effectively blocking all paths to the interior of the continent.