Chapter 15: The Pitiful One

The Catania River route was finally inaugurated amid grand celebrations. The Jellyfish People sent no one to attend the ceremonies held simultaneously in Rosenburg and Bahomun—clearly, they still harbored resentment toward its opening, though they were forced to participate out of necessity.

Reese, a judicial official from the Caucasus, presided over the inauguration ceremony at the port of Bahomun on behalf of the Caucasus lords. Comer, for his part, attended the celebrations in Rosenburg alongside representatives from various countries and cities along the upper and middle reaches of the Catania River. He showed them the authorization letters from the Jellyfish People, which filled those representatives with envy. On the same day, a representative office of the Caucasus lords was officially established in Luxembourg, tasked with serving as a bridge between the Caucasus and these regions. By controlling the Catania River route, the Caucasus grew increasingly influential over these areas.

“Look at this wretched fellow—how popular he has become! Can you believe he’s just a lowly baron from the Kingdom of Nicosia?” one noble said resentfully, watching Comer thrive at the banquet.

“Heh, are you jealous that the navigation permits fell into your rival’s hands?” another noble laughed. “But it doesn’t matter. I’ve heard through reliable sources that three more permits will be issued soon. It’s up to us to seize the opportunity.”

“Oh? Reliable?” The noble became excited.

“Absolutely. It seems that local merchants in the Caucasus are protesting that this guy has given too many permits to us upstream merchants while they’ve received few. They demand fair treatment. Under pressure, he’s gone back to negotiate with the Jellyfish People. There might be an additional ten permits. Prince Maxim has already made requests, and that guy agreed to consider them.” The other noble acted mysteriously.

“Is that so? But it seems he’s quite close to Prince Thomas and Princess Dou Lvtai,” the noble doubted.

“Hmph, I’m not sure about that. But I was there when Prince Maxim made his request to that guy and heard it with my own ears. It seems they have a good relationship. As for Prince Thomas and Princess Dou Lvtai, maybe that guy is aiming too high, having ulterior motives toward Princess Dou Lvtai.” With a sly smile, another noble said, “Regardless of which prince deserves credit, at least these three permits are real. If we can get one of them, we won’t have to worry.”

Komer was indeed in high spirits. Both Maxim and Thomas were vying to offer him favors. He knew the reason behind this—Duke Luc’s emphasis on the matter was the main factor, as it also aimed to ease the ongoing tension between Luxembourg and the Kingdom of Bohemia to the north. Bohemia had raised customs tariffs on goods entering and leaving Luxembourg and intensified efforts to crack down on smuggling in border areas, greatly affecting Luxembourg’s land-based trade. Although the Catalonia River route was still restricted by navigation permits, it was clear that this route would become increasingly important for Luxembourg.

Duke Luc had earnestly asked him to secure more navigation permits from the Jellyfish People. Though he had agreed, Komer knew it was unlikely to get many more concessions from them in a short time. The current volume of ship traffic already had a significant impact on the Jellyfish People’s lives along the coast. Getting ten more permits would require many conditions.

The struggle between Maxim and Thomas seemed to be intensifying. Even an outsider like him could sense the tension. Thomas had gained the upper hand in this matter regarding the Catalonia River route and earned Duke Luc’s praise, putting great pressure on Maxim. That fool—Komer had given him a chance, but he failed to seize it, focusing only on his own gains. In contrast, Thomas performed excellently, not only reaping benefits but also using the opportunity to win over a group of nobles who had been staying neutral. This not only narrowed the gap between the two but also gave the impression that he was surpassing Maxim in influence. Now, Maxim’s eagerness to please him was probably thanks to Thomas, Komer thought with a sneer.

The situation in the north is becoming increasingly tense. That guy, Puber, seems quite content in Jazair and hasn’t returned even after the verdict was announced. It seems what Kafli wrote in his letter is true. Philip hasn’t reacted yet, but Komer knows the kingdom is already making military preparations. The Blue Dove Regiment is ready to act at any moment. Once Philip shows any signs of rebellion, the kingdom will likely declare him a traitor, and the Star Chamber will swiftly rule to strip him of his noble status and lands. But Komer isn’t sure if things will go that far.

“Baron, what are you thinking?” A light green figure slowly approached Komer. Her form-fitting silk dress accentuated her graceful curves, truly befitting the beauty of the Luxembourg Duchy. It was said her mother was a famous beauty among the common people of Luxembourg, and it wasn’t until she gave birth to her that she was taken into the Grand Duke Luc’s harem, rising from a mistress to a duchess. Rumor has it she still retains her charm, though Grand Duke Luc now has another lover. It seems that if she were nurtured by a man, she too could become a mesmerizing beauty.

“Your Highness, you look absolutely stunning in this dress. I can’t find the right words to describe you. If you had a scepter in your hand, I think you would truly be the incarnation of the goddess Athena.” Praise poured out of Komer’s mouth as he grew more adept at playing the role of a noble.

“Is that so? Baron, you’ve changed a lot since you were in Jazair. Such words can easily win a girl’s heart.” Dou Lvtai’s smile was brighter than a blooming rose, but deep down she felt some disdain. This guy pretended to be sincere but wanted to play the role of a mediator between Maxim and Thomas.

“I wonder if I can win the heart of Princess Dou Lvtai?” Komer joked boldly. Though he was just a minor baron, once the barriers between nobles were broken, gender distinctions meant little. Besides, although she appeared noble on the surface, Komer knew she was nothing but a pitiful creature dependent on Thomas. That guy, Maxim, was truly twisted—wanting to degrade even his half-sister. If not for the accident, this woman might have long become a plaything of the nobles. A woman who lost her chastity was like a worn-out shoe—anyone could wear her, even a princess.

Over the past few days, Komer had made a good impression on Luxembourg’s upper society. Many nobles and businessmen eager to get close to him talked to him about everything—every secret and rumor spilled by these gossiping nobles as they tried to prove their well-informed status. Dou Lvtai was not popular among the elite of the principality; her background was the main reason, and her icy demeanor also pushed back those with ulterior motives. The Grand Duke wasn’t very interested in this illegitimate daughter either; otherwise, Maxim’s act of incest wouldn’t have gone unpunished, not even with a verbal warning. If not for Thomas’s protection, she likely wouldn’t have escaped Maxim’s grasping hands, who had always had ill intentions toward her.

“Baron, you’re joking. It’s a pity I already have a fiancé,” Dou Lvtai said, a hint of anger flashing in her eyes. This guy was going too far—how dare he speak to her in such a tone without considering her status?

“Viscount Kerry? He’s really a good man.” A good man? Just a weakling who would tolerate any insult from Maxim without saying a word. Either he had extraordinary patience or he was truly worthless. Komer had no intention of doing anything; he was merely attracted to the somewhat alluring curves pressed against his chest by her tight dress—a purely physical reaction.

Dou Lvtai detected the mockery in his words and grew even angrier, but she knew she couldn’t offend him now. She had to hold back her frustration.

“Are you planning to leave tomorrow, Baron?”

“Hmm. The representative office has been set up. If anything is needed in the future, Princess can simply inform the office. Of course, I’d also be delighted if Princess Dou Lvtai would visit my Caucasus region—it would surely give her a whole new experience,” Komer said nonchalantly.

“I heard the Baron obtained another batch of permits from the Jellyfish People. Is that true?” Dou Lvtai finally brought up the core issue.

“That’s right. But it seems Grand Duke Luc is more interested. I’m afraid it will disappoint Princess,” Komer replied, pushing back in his seat.

“But I heard why Maxim has control rights?” Dou Lvtai pressed further.

“Is that so? Maybe. Perhaps I’ll change my mind and give them to Prince Maxim,” Komer said with an indifferent expression.

“Why?” Suppressing her anger, Dou Lvtai’s chest heaved slightly.

“Why? Then I should ask you and Prince Thomas. Did my establishment of a representative office in Luxembourg harm Prince Thomas’s interests? Your behavior makes me feel like I’ve made the wrong friends,” Komer retorted darkly.
“We…” Dou Lvtai was shocked. She and Thomas had only expressed their opposition to setting up a representative office in the Caucasus during a private conversation with Grand Duke Luc. It seemed no one else was present—wait, there was a servant there. It must be Maxim’s doing! Damn Maxim!
“Enough, Prince Dou Lvtai. If you want to prove your sincerity, then show some. Your actions disappoint me greatly,” Komer interrupted rudely, even daring to linger his gaze on her chest before adding, “Don’t pick the wrong side, Prince Dou Lvtai. Otherwise, no one will recognize you as a princess.”