Chapter 6: The Feller Family

Seeing the intense gazes of the father and son fixed on his face, Komer knew what consequences might follow if his answer didn’t satisfy them—consequences even he couldn’t predict. Yet it seemed they held no ill intent; even Jacques, who was disabled, was standing so close to him. Still, the eager look in their eyes put some pressure on him.
“Why do Mr. Pilo and Mr. Jacques seem so interested in this ring?” Without answering their question, Komer remained calm and composed, his gentle gray eyes showing only a hint of surprise, allowing the two who had been observing his expression closely to detect nothing unusual.
“Uh, Lord Baron, my question might be impolite, but since this ring is closely related to our Feller family, I dared to invite you here,” Pilo said. He probably felt his actions were inappropriate, but his urgency made him disregard such considerations.
“Oh?” Turning his gaze away from the father and son, Komer thought about how to answer. Saying he took it from the deceased was out of the question—he couldn’t let outsiders know about his practice of necromancy yet. Even people like Puber and Ilot weren’t someone he wanted to inform for now. But this ring clearly had an extraordinary origin. Claiming it was purchased or given as a gift seemed unlikely to satisfy them; it was indeed difficult to explain.
Seeing Komer seem hesitant, Jacques and his father grew nervous. They didn’t understand how the ring ended up in his possession and found it strange that he seemed unaware of its value and significance.
“Mr. Jacques, Mr. Pilo, I’m sorry, but I can’t reveal details about this ring until I understand more about it. However, I can briefly explain that it belongs to a friend of mine. Unfortunately, he was assassinated and gave me the ring before dying,” Komer said vaguely, though he wasn’t lying. After all, the other man had indeed died by assassination. As for the nature of the assassination, he dared not speak rashly and could only respond ambiguously.
The older man’s tension eased suddenly. His body slumped back in his wheelchair, his eyes dimming as he lowered his head and murmured, “So he’s really gone. Sigh, I should have expected it.”

Seeing his father’s distress, Pilo cleared his throat gently. “Lord Baron, may I ask about the appearance of your friend? And by whom was he assassinated?”
“Hehe, Mr. Pilo, didn’t I already say? My friend instructed me not to disclose the details casually. Please understand,” Kommer deftly avoided the question.
The atmosphere in the room grew silent. Pilo realized his request was excessive. The man was merely a customer who came to buy slaves, yet he had drawn him here and brought up many unrelated topics—no wonder the man was displeased.
“Enough, Pilo. We are very grateful that Lord Baron has gone this far. I’ve also heard that Lord Baron is heading to the Caucasus. Your purpose in buying slaves today is probably to prepare for that journey. The Caucasus is a magical and beautiful place. I spent some time there when I was young. Fort Damansky isn’t as terrifying as people imagine; there are many mysteries to be solved there. Ordinary people will surely return disappointed, or even in danger. But I have a feeling that Lord Baron will achieve satisfactory results there.” As if waking from deep thought, the elderly man’s once rosy cheeks now appeared aged. He stopped his son from speaking further and waved his hand. “I hope Lord Baron will visit Cyprus a few more times if he gets the chance. Perhaps our next meeting will be in a more relaxed atmosphere. Well, to express my apologies for being presumptuous today, Pilo, go and help Lord Baron choose some suitable slaves as a gift from me.”
The elderly man’s tone was unyielding. Even Kommer was stunned. Gifts of slaves for him just because he visited? He felt honored, but three years of exile and hardships had given Kommer a depth of maturity beyond his years. He stood up, bowed politely, and thanked him, “I dare not refuse such a generous gift from you, sir. Thank you very much for your kindness. If I have the chance in the future, I will definitely come to visit you.”

The subsequent tour truly broadened Komer’s horizons. The vast manor was filled with houses connected one after another, with hardly any vacant rooms. To be honest, the Ferrer family’s attitude toward slaves, whom they treated as private property, and the living conditions they provided could be considered fairly mild—far from as harsh and cruel as abolitionists claimed. In Pilo’s own words, which Komer heard, “Which merchant would want their goods to get damaged or covered in dust before they’re sold? That would only mean losing money needlessly.”

Komer roughly estimated that there were at least three hundred slaves of various races in this manor, including quite a number of half-orc slaves, with a few extremely rare elf slaves as well. At current market prices, the value of just these slaves alone should exceed one million five hundred gold shields—and that was only the value of the slaves stored there. This gave Komer a deeper understanding of the power of the merchant families in the city of Cyprus.

Pilo quickly selected two servants for Komer. They were mortals from the hill regions along the western Andes border. The Andes region lay on the border, and the Kingdom of Nicosia had long been at odds with its western rival, the Duchy of Seville. Small-scale wars between the two sides in the border areas persisted, and the inhabitants of those regions were often captured by either army and sold into slavery. These two youths likely were captured by the Seville army and then trafficked into the Homer region through other channels. Komer briefly checked the documents proving their identities, which were necessary for slave trade. They listed the slaves’ names and source, along with a special seal from the place of origin. With these documents, transactions could be conducted legally without further concerns.

“Mr. Pilo, thank you and your father for your generosity. I am truly honored to have met you and your father.” The carriage that had come with Komer and his companions was already ready. It was clear Pilo did not intend to return to the city with Komer and Ilot. Smiling, he replied, “My lord, you’re too kind. It’s I who am honored to have met you both. My lord was granted a fief right after reaching adulthood. Please believe that my father’s judgment has always been fair and accurate. I have no intention of flattery toward you. I believe you’ll have ample opportunities for growth in the Caucasus. I look forward to your return. If you need anything, please let me know at any time.”

Taking the dark-black iron seal handed over by Pilo, Komer knew at the mere touch that this specially made object must be the seal of the Feller family. However, such family seals were generally not given away to outsiders unless the recipient had a close and strong connection to the family. This once again surprised Komer. Although the other party had given two slaves as compensation for their abrupt invitation, it seemed reasonable enough. But a family seal like this was far more valuable than just one or two slaves—it meant considering him an important ally or partner of the family. Yet, in every way, Komer did not think he met these criteria. Even though he was nominally the lord of the Caucasus, that was unlikely, as the situation in the Caucasus could not be hidden from those well-informed people. Still, since the other party had done this, there must be a reason. As the recipient, especially given his current situation, he seemed to have no reason to refuse. Komer gladly accepted the gift and was about to express his thanks when suddenly shouts of battle and the crisp sounds of weapons clashing came from not far away.