Chapter 9: Journey to the Holy Land (2)
The earth-shattering battle earlier had clearly alarmed the Jellyfish People in the vicinity. However, the violent winds, storms, and thunderstorms prevented them from approaching to see what was happening. Aside from the Jellyfish warriors with combat skills, few knew what exactly had taken place deep in the reed marshes. If they saw their revered pharaoh and sacred protector fleeing in disarray before an ice dragon, would their idolized status as supreme warriors be shaken or shattered? Komer thought, with a hint of mischief.
The Elysis Saint beside him was indeed a woman, as he had guessed. Her golden scale armor covered most of her feminine features, making it impossible to discern her figure—even whether she wore some kind of corset to hold her breasts in place. Yet, a faint scent of perfume revealed her femininity. It seemed that women of any race were unable to escape this common trait; whether saints or commoners, their longing for beauty and charm seemed to be an innate instinct, and the Jellyfish People’s sacred protector was no exception.
The water was crystal clear, the river surface like a mirror, with only the occasional chirping of birds coming from the reed marshes, creating a peaceful atmosphere—completely unlike the tumultuous winds and thunderstorms earlier. As Komer pondered how to start a conversation, he heard the Jellyfish Saint’s somewhat high-pitched and peculiar voice: “Baron Komer, I know you are the lord of the lower reaches of the Catalonia River in the Caucasus region. I’ve heard that in the Homer region, you were a nobleman who nearly lost your position due to personal affairs. So, does becoming a lord in this remote Caucasus count as exile?”
Komer felt a chill. He hadn’t expected the Elysis Saint to know such things. Though these details weren’t secrets in the Caucasus or Homer region, it was strange that the usually reclusive Jellyfish People were aware of them. Could it be that the Jellyfish People weren’t as isolated and closed-off as rumors suggested? Perhaps his visit to their territory was a good thing after all.
“Hehe, I didn’t expect the Sacred Lord Eirys to be aware of such things. Indeed, my relationship with Lord Homer, Duke Philip, is strained. Sending me to the Caucasus is considered exile in their eyes, but I don’t see it that way. The quality of life of a person shouldn’t be judged solely by external conditions. Although the Caucasus is sparsely populated, it’s not barren—it’s just a bit isolated in terms of transportation. If transportation can be improved, I believe the Caucasus will soon become an enviable paradise. I’m currently working toward that goal. Since the Sacred Lord Eirys is even aware of my private life, she must also know that Matdan at the mouth of the Catalonia River has officially opened as a port. This is just the first step for the Caucasus. Restriction and isolation only lead to the decline of a nation or region—a truth anyone should understand.” Komer smiled faintly and replied insinuatingly.
Seemingly picking up on the underlying meaning in Komer’s words, the Sacred Lord, whose lower face was covered by a piece of white silk, remained silent for a long time, as if deep in thought. After a while, she said, “It seems Baron Komer is a man with plans. I suppose you’ve been planning to visit our Jellyfish Domain since you took charge of the Caucasus?”
“That’s right, Lady Eirys. The Catalonia River route is the main purpose of my visit. I won’t deny that it’s unbearable for me to see such a valuable water route wasted like this. It’s also a huge loss for the Jellyfish people. Perhaps you don’t care about this, but the longer the Jellyfish people remain separated from the rest of the world, the closer they get to extinction. Lady Eirys must have traveled across the continent before—so you should be well aware of this. Giving up everything because of one setback is unwise. You must have pondered this idea countless times; there’s no need for me to elaborate further.”
“So Baron Komer plans to use resolving the ‘Curse of the Water God’ as leverage to force our Jellyfish people to open the Catalonia River route?” The Sacred Lord Eirys’s tone was sharply critical. “If we refuse to lift the blockade on the Catalonia River, does that mean Baron Komer won’t help us solve the curse problem?”
Hearing the cold tone in the other party’s voice, Komer also felt somewhat troubled. He hadn’t expected Lady Elysis to be so difficult to deal with. No wonder Hothep had let this woman board his ship—she must have come to gather information first. These people probably had already guessed his intentions, which explained their reaction. It was said that the Jellyfish people were rigid and reclusive, but it seemed these individuals were exceptionally shrewd, at least their leaders.
“This question is too vast and important. I can’t give you an accurate answer now. I think it’s better to discuss it in detail after we disembark. Lady Elysis, I greatly admire the combat skills of you and your companion, the Holy Lord. But why do you insist on antagonizing an ice dragon? If that ice dragon weren’t still immature, or if we hadn’t happened to be here at just the right time, have you considered the consequences? It could cost your entire Jellyfish tribe a heavy price.” Komer deliberately shifted the topic to something that interested him.
The Holy Lord of the Jellyfish people was clearly dissatisfied with Komer’s evasive and vague responses, but she also understood that he couldn’t give her a satisfactory answer right away. Since he had come so confidently, he must have some demands. It seemed no mortal had such a pure heart as to free the Jellyfish tribe from the nightmare that had plagued them for centuries.
“Baron Komer, the mysteries and complexities of the Great Swamp Region are beyond your understanding. Even those of us who have lived here for generations can’t fully fathom it, let alone you. We don’t know why the ice dragon resides here, but what we do know is that its presence brings us great trouble. Our people often suffer unjustly. We don’t expect to kill the ice dragon; we just want to drive it away. Its existence keeps everyone in the Great Swamp Region living in fear,” Elysis replied, casting a cold glance at Komer.
“You mean the ice dragon attacks your people on its own? Could such a thing happen?” Komer asked in surprise. As far as he knew, dragons didn’t like killing; they generally wouldn’t attack humans unless they coveted human treasures. Otherwise, those greedy creatures wouldn’t take the initiative to attack humans, though there were some extremely rare exceptions.