Chapter 7: Sharing

Mahagumi nodded. As other parts of Nicotia had already been brought under the master’s control, it would surely put considerable pressure on the orcs. Although the orcs possessed overwhelming military strength, military power alone couldn’t determine everything. If one couldn’t win the support of the local populations in the conquered areas, their rule would inevitably be fragile and short-lived.

For the orcs to embrace human civilization and evolve to a more advanced stage, time and space were required, and during this period, they would face hostility from conservative forces within their own ranks. The slightest disturbance could trigger a fierce counterattack from these opposing forces.

Mahagumi believed that the current orc leaders were under great pressure as well. Jazair’s reform plans had not brought about the changes they urgently needed. Although the hostility of the human populations toward the orcs had diminished, there was still a long way to go before they could achieve the kind of cooperation and harmony the orcs desired.

Of course, efforts were being made on their side. Mahagumi believed that the Northern Alliance, as well as the Bohemians and Basarabians, were all working tirelessly in this regard. When it came to dealing with the orcs as a major threat, he believed all parties shared the same stance.

Komer noticed Mahagumi’s rare distraction and frowned. “Mahagumi, what else? Is there anything else you need to report or explain?”

“The price of grain has risen sharply, causing resentment among the people in the territory. The main reasons are poor harvests in Silesia and Poznan, along with hoarding by nobles and merchants in Calais and Homer. Additionally, the export prices of grain from the upper reaches of the Catalonia River have increased significantly, leading to a sharp rise in grain prices throughout Nicotia, which has even affected stability in the territory.”

“Why have the grain prices risen in those countries along the Catalonia River?”

“The relations between Rosenberg and its neighboring countries have deteriorated, raising the possibility of war. This has led local merchants to hoard grain and refuse to sell it, which is likely the main reason.”

“Rosenberg people are also going to war?” Komer was surprised.

“Probably not. However, the struggle for power within Rosenberg has intensified, with both sides receiving considerable support. It seems that the neighboring countries of Rosenberg are supporting one side, which is causing instability in the region,” Mahagumi explained patiently.

“It’s strange. The orcs are also preparing for war, and Rosenberg is facing turmoil. Everything seems unfavorable for us in Nicotia. Has Puber not considered importing some grain from the southern seas?”

“The import costs from the Southern Seas are too high, which will also drive up prices.”
“What can Pupber do? Take action against those hoarders in Homer and Calais?”
“He’ll try diplomacy first; I guess Lord Pupber is already making arrangements.”
Komer sighed. Homer and Calais were core areas of Nicosia, and those who dared to hoard food there likely had significant influence. Triggering instability in Homer and Calais was not something Komer wanted to see, which was probably why Pupber hadn’t taken action yet.
“What’s the situation in Gothenburg?” That was what Komer was most concerned about now—military issues were always the most important.
“There are many rumors right now. We’ve conducted investigations, and there are some signs, but they differ greatly from the exaggerated rumors circulating. It’s not as the rumors claim.”
“Explain in detail.”
“The Order of Gothenburg has never expanded to its original size. Its knights envy the treatment and scale of the Order of Waves and the Order of Homer. They also hope to merge with the knights from the Katin region to form a new order that can rival the other two in size, while demanding equal treatment as well. However, the knights from Katin are also active—they don’t want to be merged and prefer to establish their own order. Thus, they are very resistant to the demands of the Order of Gothenburg, leading to significant conflicts between the two sides.”
“Is that all?” Komer seemed skeptical.
“My lord, it’s not that simple. The knights from Katin know it’s impossible for them to form their own order. To rebuild an order, they must merge with the Order of Gothenburg, just like how the knights of Poznan and Silesia united. But Silesia and Poznan have always had a close relationship, and since their forces are roughly equal, they were able to reach a compromise over leadership in the Order of Waves.”

“And Katyn and Gothenburg have always had a poor relationship, remaining in a state of hostility. Although they are now both under the lord’s rule, their mutual hostility hasn’t improved much. The power of the Katyn knights is far weaker than that of the Gothenburg knights, but they certainly won’t tolerate being subjugated by them. Without the support of the Katyn knights, it’s clearly impossible for the Gothenburg knights to reach the scale and standard of the other two major knight orders. So they keep putting pressure on Lord Puber, Lenta, and Fran, demanding that the integration of the knight forces in these two regions be completed as soon as possible. Since they haven’t received a clear response, the Gothenburg knights are very dissatisfied and have expressed through various channels their demand to be treated the same as the Homer and Wave knight orders; otherwise, they will…”
“What will they do?” Komer sneered.
“They threaten to annex the Katyn knights on their own and form a larger knight order,” Mahagumi said with a click of his tongue.
“Annex on their own?!” Komer retorted before letting out a cold sneer through his teeth. “They’ve really gone too far. Given them a little power, they think they can start their own dye factories. I was still figuring out how to strengthen them, and now they do this? I’m curious to see how they plan to force this annexation.”
“Lord, it’s not that simple. The Gothenburg knights themselves aren’t that stubborn. There must be some people stirring things up. I believe these people are driven by their desire for Katyn and Gothenburg to unite, forming a balance of power with Poznan-Silesia, Homer-Galle, and the Greater Caucasus, so as to share political power in Nicosia to some extent.”
Mahagumi pondered for a moment before sharing his opinion.