Chapter Nineteen: Speaking with Strength

The orcish soldiers pouring out of the castle finally put an end to Fumier’s illusions—he had underestimated the fierce courage of the orcish warriors. Although Dragumo also hesitated for a brief moment, the orcish warriors’ innate bravery overcame his fleeting concerns. If he didn’t dare to pursue them out of the city under such circumstances and thus lost another chance to turn the tide, Dragumo would never forgive himself.

The orcish charge dealt a heavy blow to the Knossians’ rear. Though they fought back desperately with whatever strength they had left, the tide had already turned in their favor. Retreating was their top priority. Soldiers who lost their fighting spirit were no longer soldiers—they were just pitiful creatures struggling to survive.

However, the orcs had no habit of showing mercy to the weak on the battlefield. In their eyes, there was only a difference between enemies and comrades. Captives were more like trophies that could be disposed of at will. Unless you could convince them that you posed no threat and could bring them benefits, your fate was certain death.

The orcs’ final strike came at a heavy cost to the Knossians who were hurrying back. Though Fumier tried his best to stop the orcs’ rampage, the Knossians, having lost their fighting spirit, were far from as brave as they had been when things were going well. All they wanted now was to leave this place that brought them endless sorrow as quickly as possible. Whoever made it ahead would be lucky.

The precise attacks by the Bessarabians completely shattered the Knossians’ illusions. Their only wish now was to save as many of their forces as possible and evacuate from Livonia and Hessen. The invasion of Nicosia had been declared a failure—a total failure. Whatever the Atticans did now had nothing to do with the Knossians. In fact, the Atticans were even worse than the Knossians had imagined; they too had suffered a humiliating defeat at Katin.

When Komer received news of victory from Katin and Hessen, he could only do his best to suppress his joy, for sitting before him was Kakiya, the former ruler of Katin, who had just landed in Plovdiv.

Things changed in an instant. Komer couldn’t help but sigh at the fickleness of fate—once the master of his own home, now a guest beneath his seat. Such a stark contrast was hard for anyone without a strong will to adapt to.

Kagiyaa also noticed the change in Komer’s mood. The letter in his hands was undoubtedly the main reason for his emotional shift, perhaps related to the ongoing battles between the armies at the front lines. Yet Kagiyaa knew that all of this had nothing to do with her. No matter who won or lost, Katyn would never return to her control. She was merely resentful, hoping for a situation where she could vent her anger and grievances.

“Komer, is there any change?”

“Oh, nothing too surprising. The Atticans have completely withdrawn from Katyn. They want to negotiate peacefully over Katyn’s status. The battles between Hesse and Livonia continue, but it seems the Knothosians’ good luck is running out.” Komer didn’t hide anything.

“Negotiate over Katyn’s status? What right do they have to make such demands? It’s sheer audacity! A bunch of bandits!” Kagiyaa’s anger flared instantly. Though she was no longer the ruler of Katyn, she was still a Nicodian. When had it become the turn of outsiders to interfere in Nicodia’s affairs?

“Kagiyaa, are you realizing this now? That’s why I asked Fran to respond to their envoys. Perhaps we should negotiate over the status of Princeton (an autonomous region in the eastern part of the Attican Principality, adjacent to the former Melen Principality).” Komer smiled casually, his words brimming with arrogance.

“Oh, that will drive the Atticans mad.” Kagiyaa adjusted her mindset and smiled gracefully. She knew she was no longer the ruler of Katyn, and the Romanov dynasty had ended. The other party was no longer a remote lord from the Caucasus; Nicodia now lay at their feet.

“Mad? No, perhaps at the right time they’ll see my suggestion as prescient. Not only the Atticans, but also the Knothosians—they’ll all pay for their recklessness. No one can act evil without facing consequences, not even them.” Komer smiled proudly. “Since they dared to invade Nicodia recklessly, they should realize that the same fate might befall them, right? The strong rule, the victor reigns. It seems to them that strength is the only rule that determines this world. Well, then let’s speak with strength.”

Komer’s domineering words sent shivers through Kakiya’s heart. When had this man become so authoritative and mature? His slightly trimmed beard, the firm contours of his cheeks, his deep, star-like eyes, coupled with his body language full of subtle hints—for the first time, Kakiya realized that this man before her was utterly different from anyone she had known before. Even when they were in bed, she had only felt his youthful vigor, but now there was an indescribable sense of maturity—this was what a true man was like.

Komer also realized that his words seemed to have touched upon some painful memories for Kakiya. He regretted it, but reality was what it was. Katin was in his hands now, and he could no longer give an inch of land in Nicomedia back to the Romanov family. The Romanovs were history—Kakiya must be aware of that as well. So what did she need? Emotional comfort or financial compensation? What could he offer her?

Silence fell in the room. Kakiya immediately realized she had been distracted. She also realized the trouble her distraction had caused him. With a hint of self-mockery, she thought that perhaps he was anxiously figuring out how to deal with her—a last descendant of the Romanov dynasty, a woman who shared a physical intimacy with him but was far apart emotionally and mentally, and a woman who seemed quite cunning.

What would he do if he were in her shoes? A wave of mixed emotions—bitterness and sorrow—overwhelmed Kakiya.