Chapter 5: Rings

After examining several storefronts that seemed passable, Komer and Ilot were still undecided about which one to choose. A clerk from the largest store came out and invited them in. Once they sat down and were served hot tea, a shopkeeper entered from the back door and got down to business. After carefully checking Komer and Ilot’s identification to confirm they were adults, the shopkeeper asked what they needed.

“We want to buy two servants to assist us in our daily lives,” Komer said briefly, immediately letting the shopkeeper understand that they were likely new to this kind of business.

“Heh, it seems you two are new to this, so there are a few things you might not be aware of. Let me explain: first, do you want male or female servants? There’s a significant price difference between the two; second, are there any racial restrictions or special requirements, as well as regarding language? Third, do you need them immediately or would you prefer to place an order and pick them up later? Fourth, are there any requirements regarding age or experience? Fifth, are there any special skills required from the servants? These are the basic conditions. I hope you’ll consider them carefully. We can provide comprehensive advice and find servants who meet your specific needs.” The shopkeeper was a middle-aged man with neatly combed reddish-brown hair. His face showed signs of experience and shrewdness, clearly indicating he was a seasoned businessman.

“Oh? Specific needs?” Komer became somewhat interested. He had only planned to take a casual look for suitable servants but ended up learning something here. “What exactly do you mean by specific needs?”

“Although this is your first time here, I actually know you two already. I heard you’ve both reached adulthood. Baron Komer is about to take up his post in your fiefdom, right?” A hint of mockery flashed in the middle-aged man’s eyes, though his tone remained sincere. “If you trust me, I’m willing to select two excellent servants for you, ensuring you’re satisfied. But first, I need to know your requirements.”

Unexpecting to still be infamous even after three years in exile, Komer gave a faint wry smile before answering, “That’s not necessary. We just wanted to take a look to see if there are any suitable servants. By the way, may I ask your name?”

“Pilo, Pilo Feller.” The middle-aged man remained expressionless and nodded slightly. “Well, if that’s the case, if Baron Komer is interested, how about I accompany you to visit our slave warehouse?”
He was somewhat surprised by the other man’s enthusiasm. Although he had a decent reputation, it was merely due to the reckless acts he and Ilot had committed in their youth—reputations that seemed worthless to these merchants. Moreover, the unpleasant incident he had with the guild members last time seemed unrelated to slave traders. Why was this Pilo so interested in him?
But Komer had never been one to avoid things, so he nodded gladly. “That would be great. I’d like to see how many secrets the Feller family’s slave warehouse holds.”
“Hehe, it’s not really a secret. It’s just that our Feller family has been in the slave trade for over a hundred years, and we’ve always adhered strictly to three principles: integrity, fairness, and thoroughness. It’s these three principles that have allowed the Feller family to stand firm in the competitive slave trade.” With pride, the middle-aged man raised his head, signaled the butler in the shop to prepare a carriage, and then invited Komer and Ilot to follow him out through the back door.
The carriage sped along the streets lightly. The cool sea breeze, carrying a faint salty scent, added to its elegance. It was a road built along the coast. As far as the eye could see, the sea and sky merged together, with white seagulls flying back and forth freely. White sails slowly traced delicate patterns on the shimmering waves, while green peaks dotted the small islands, looking leisurely against the blue waters.
The carriage was large, and the three of them had plenty of space inside. Ilot wisely kept quiet, knowing he wasn’t the focus of attention today. The Feller family wasn’t one of the prominent families in Cyprus, but their century-long business experience was beyond that of ordinary nobles. Komer’s face remained calm, with no signs of surprise. His eyes were fixed on theoutside the window, seemingly admiring the beautiful sea and sky, but deep down he was wondering why the other man had suddenly invited him to visit the slave warehouse. For a family primarily involved in the slave trade, a slave warehouse was like a jewel merchant’s treasure room—something not open to just anyone. Yet the other man had invited him without hesitation, which was indeed unusual.

Komer was self-aware enough to know he couldn’t arrogantly assume that being a lord of the Caucasus would earn him the respect and recognition of these merchant families who valued business interests above all. Yet precisely because of this, Komer was puzzled—did the Feller family truly believe the Caucasus would bring them huge profits? It seemed rather absurd.

The carriage took the coastal road, followed the edge of the city walls straight to the south gate, and left the city without stopping. Komer and Ilot exchanged surprised glances but remained silent. For the sake of convenience and safety in trading, merchants usually located their warehouses in areas outside the city near the walls—spacious, secluded, and relatively inexpensive. Yet few actually placed their warehouses outside, as it was unsuitable from both a safety and logistical perspective.

The three of them remained very quiet and calm. After leaving the south gate, the carriage traveled three miles along the road before turning onto a shaded path. This was clearly a sizable private estate. Komer rarely went outside the city, but he knew there were many estates owned by wealthy families for vacation and leisure.

The carriage soon entered the estate’s gates. By the time the sound of hooves echoed on the stone path, the estate’s gatekeeper had already opened the gates. The carriage stopped only after reaching a row of houses.

“Baron Komer, please!” Pilo gestured politely, leading him toward several simply furnished cottages.

Surprised, Komer nodded and followed Pilo inside.

The old man sitting in a wheelchair before him clearly seemed to be Pilo’s elder, as they shared the same distinctive hair color and prominent hooked noses due to their common ancestry.

“Father, this is Baron Komer. Baron, this is my father, Jacques Feller.” The brief introduction brought a hint of confusion to the elderly man, who couldn’t get up. Pointing at his legs, he apologized with a hint of remorse on his rosy cheeks, “I’m sorry for being rude, Baron. My legs have left me unable to move for ten years now, so I can only meet you in this way.”

Komer quickly stepped forward to express his respect. Showing respect for elders was the most basic courtesy for a noble. Although merchants weren’t exactly worthy of respect, this was still a disabled elder, and moreover, the head of the renowned Feller family.

As Komer entered the cabin, Ilot had already been invited to visit the real slave warehouse. Knowing he was merely a companion, he went along leisurely. Watching the two people in front of him, Komer silently wondered why Pilo had brought him to meet his father. It was the first time he had encountered such a situation where someone invited him to their home on the first meeting, but he knew there must be something unusual at play.

“Baron Komer, please forgive me for inviting you to my father’s residence without any explanation. There are indeed some very important matters for which I need your help. I will make amends for my rudeness,” Pilo said politely, apologizing to Komer and asking for his forgiveness.

With an elegant nod, Komer thought to himself that this was indeed typical of a merchant—ready to make amends even for a single offense. But that was good; it suited his needs. He replied calmly, “No, it’s alright. I suppose Mr. Pilo must have his own reasons for doing this. I’m happy to hear your explanation.”

Seeing that his father had noticed the ring on the visitor’s finger, Pilo smiled and said, “My lord, I’d like to ask a question rashly—where did you obtain the ring on your hand?”

So that’s it! Komer was shocked. No wonder he had been brought to such an important place in his family just after meeting him once—it was all because of the ring he was wearing now.