Chapter 14: The Harvest Season

At first, Kemmer didn’t realize that his visit to the Jellyfish People this time was undoubtedly a historic event. For the nations and cities along the middle and upper reaches of the Catalonia River, it was simply unimaginable—something that countless nations and people had struggled for centuries without success, accomplished so easily by this inexperienced kid. It was frustrating, but that was the truth. The saying “ambition knows no age” seemed to be the best praise for Kemmer. By now, his residence in Luxembourg City was already overcrowded.

Many people wondered why the Jellyfish People, who had always refused human entry or even contact, would treat Kemmer so well. Not only did they agree to allow the fleet nominated by Kemmer to pass through the Catalonia River routes, but they also consented to allowing the Caucasus lords to establish a temporary docking site in the central part of the Catalonia River’s marshlands. What did this mean? It meant that the middle and lower reaches of the Catalonia River had completely become part of the Caucasus’s sphere of influence. It could even be said that the Jellyfish People had become loyal allies of the Caucasians, at least in this regard.

Kemmer watched Thomas and Dou Lvtai, who had come in a hurry, with interest. He had always been quite polite to old friends. Although the hallway was already filled with shipping owners from Luxembourg City, including many officials with influence in the principality, Kemmer still interrupted his meetings with others as soon as Thomas and Dou Lvtai arrived and invited them inside.

Kemmer’s warmth and courtesy reassured Thomas and Dou Lvtai greatly. Their previous cold treatment had made Thomas nervous, but thinking that this baron in Luxembourg City didn’t seem to have the trust of any powerful figures, he believed Kemmer would prefer them. Yet, thinking of the principalities and cities across the river, as well as the nations upstream along the Catalonia River, Thomas couldn’t help but sigh inwardly at this guy’s good luck. Such an almost fantastical feat had been achieved by him—wasn’t this the blessing of the gods?

“My Lord Baron, I offer my heartfelt congratulations. Your efforts have finally paid off; it seems the Jellyfish people hold you in high regard, granting you such great authority. I don’t know how you won their trust and respect—it’s truly a miracle.” The polite congratulations carried a hint of envy, which Komer could detect, but he didn’t mind. He was used to such tones by now and preferred to hear something more practical.

“Heh, just luck. The Jellyfish people are indeed reclusive, but they value integrity greatly. They are my friends, and I am proud of them.” Komer’s hypocritical words sounded sincere, making Dou Lvtai feel nauseous.

“Hmm, My Lord Baron, I know you’re busy. I heard you’re about to return to the Caucasus. I suppose there’s no need to beat around the bush. I just want to ask—does our original agreement still hold?” Thomas licked his lips nervously, staring intently at Komer’s eyes.

“Heh, Your Highness Thomas, of course it does. As long as you fulfill your promises, I’m certainly willing to cooperate with you. Although Prince Maxim also wishes to be involved, rest assured—you’ll always have priority.” With a cold smile in his heart, Komer maintained his composed expression.

“Maxim?” Thomas felt uneasy and instinctively glanced around. The sword hanging on the wall seemed familiar—wasn’t that Maxim’s most cherished sword? How did it end up here? Ah, so Maxim had gotten there first. It seemed this Baron had already captured everyone’s attention in Luxembourg City.

“My Lord Baron, since Brother Maxim has come to you, how do you plan to deal with him? It’s your right to decide. We have no intention of opposing Brother Maxim, but I hope you’ll consider a person’s character and integrity before cooperating with them. Otherwise, problems may arise later, and it will be too late to regret it.” Dou Lvtai gently touched her anxious brother, her usually bright cheeks taking on a calm demeanor, as if she was confident.

“Your Highness Dou Lvtai is right. Honest people disdain praising their own virtues, while those of low character try to embellish their glory. Komer’s eyes are not blind; he can see everything clearly.” Komer nodded and smiled.

Sighing in relief, Dou Lvtai felt relieved. It seemed this guy wasn’t entirely confident in Maxim either; otherwise, given Maxim’s capabilities, he should have been better equipped than Thomas and herself to help him.
“Your Highnesses, I think we needn’t beat around the bush anymore. Komer is willing to fulfill his promise. Perhaps we should spend more time discussing the specifics of our cooperation?”
Komer’s invitation excited both of them, as they had long awaited this moment. Yet, out of nobility, they hadn’t dared to ask directly. Having such an opportunity to ease the situation was beyond their wishes.
Discussing the specifics of cooperation became much easier. Once the fundamental issue was resolved—namely, the distribution of profits—Luxembourg, being an important grain-producing region with relatively low grain prices due to transportation constraints, was exactly what Komer needed urgently. A shipping route from Bahomun to Luxembourg would greatly address this issue. Bahomun would be developed into a large grain terminal and storage facility for strategic reserves in the Caucasus. Thomas and Dou Lvtai would be responsible for handling grain exports, at market prices. Meanwhile, some daily necessities needed in the Caucasus—such as cotton, woolen goods, and alcohol—would be imported from Luxembourg. In return, the Caucasus would export iron ore and iron products to Luxembourg. These negotiations would be handled by Thomas and Dou Lvtai.
As part of the deal, Komer agreed to grant Thomas rights to operate four medium-sized ships and Dou Lvtai rights to operate three ships. This would generate income for them and benefit their own interests. The fees for these rights would be set at the lowest possible rates. Komer also frankly told them that Maxim had been granted rights to operate three ships, but at a much higher price. Both understood, as Maxim was still the first in line to inherit the title of Grand Duke of Luxembourg. It wouldn’t be easy for Komer to keep him completely in the dark about his actions.