Chapter 4: Entering the Scene

Puber was momentarily speechless by Komer’s words. Fortunately, Komer didn’t go into further detail—many things could be understood without being put into words. Although the current leader still retained his old temperament in many aspects, his cunning was far beyond what it used to be. This made everyone around him gradually feel awe, while their affection for him faded somewhat, a change even Komer could faintly sense.

Perhaps realizing the lord’s unstable mood, Mahagumi’s report became much more concise. Aside from briefly describing the situations in the Caucasus, Leon, and Bruce Fortress, he focused mainly on Homer, Calais, and Jazair.

Even Komer hadn’t expected Mahagumi to quickly establish an intelligence network through Carrera’s connections in Calais and Jazair. Though it wasn’t yet perfect, it was much better than their previously weak situation, greatly enhancing Mahagumi’s ability to gather intelligence within the kingdom.

The Salvation Society also became more active in Leon and the Caucasus, but their efforts there weren’t very successful. Half-orcs had always revered strength and the belief that the strong should rule, a belief firmly rooted in their hearts. Komer’s performance had convinced them that he must be the incarnation of the war god Mars—something that also owed much to Mahagumi’s efforts. In contrast, the Salvation Society fared better in the Caucasus. The upper-class wealthy immigrants from those regions, having lost all faith in the Light Church, began to lose their religious devotion. It was difficult for the god of darkness, Hades, to make them believe in him immediately, but some still began to worship secretly. The Salvation Society, posing as a reformist faction of the Light Church, seemed more acceptable to these northern immigrants.

However, given the deterrence power of the Church of Light, the activities of the Order of Salvation in the Caucasus were already tantamount to certain death if exposed. The Inquisition’s pressure to suppress the Order of Salvation far exceeded its pursuit of the Dark faction. In their eyes, it was the activities of the Order of Salvation that truly threatened their rule in the north, while the Dark faction seemed like mere surface-level impurities. It was precisely because of this realization that Carrera and the others in the Order of Salvation spared no effort to help Mahagumi expand intelligence networks in Calais and Jazair. As long as the Caucasus and Leon could not remain independent of the Church’s influence like the southern kingdoms, the Order of Salvation could not openly preach. To achieve this, they had to place their hopes on Komer.

The orcs in the northern Mogan Plateau seemed to have gone into hiding, while the situation within the kingdom became unusually turbulent. The reason was simple: His Majesty the King’s health had suddenly deteriorated. Staying in Versailles for recovery, he seemed no longer capable of taking control of the kingdom. Who would inherit the throne became the focus of everyone’s attention. By now, Jazair had become the center of the storm, as if everyone was waiting for the moment His Majesty would pass away.

Regent Hoffman had already gained the upper hand. The major nobles of Jazair had clearly sided with Hoffman, and it was said that the two major lords in the north had also reached an understanding with him. Only the two major lords in the south had not yet made their stance clear. Although the smaller nobles in the kingdom’s direct territories favored Kakiya, Hoffman’s agreement with the major lords meant that their interests would inevitably be sacrificed—there was no doubt about that. But their power was not enough to sway the situation. Perhaps the only variables were the attitudes of Minister of Internal Affairs Tez and Minister of Military Affairs Matthew. Yet everyone believed that the two would not take any stance until His Majesty died.

“Mahagumi, what about the merchants and financiers?” Komer asked after a long silence.

“My lord, I’m not quite sure whom you mean by merchants and financiers,” Mahagumi asked cautiously.

“Merchants of weapons, grain—those closely related to the kingdom’s military. What’s their attitude? And what about the usurers and other financiers?” Komer demanded sharply.

“The merchants have all fled to places outside Jazair. Now Jazair is entirely under the control of the high nobles. As for those usurers you mentioned, although they remain in Jazair, they hardly go outside; it seems they’re waiting for something.” Mahagumi seemed to have realized something, but also didn’t fully understand the implications.

“Boss, what can those merchants and usurers do? They’re either commoners or low-ranking nobles. They have no say whatsoever in matters related to the heir to the throne!” Pube asked in surprise, expressing the same doubt Mahagumi had.

“Hmph. On the surface, they indeed don’t have the right to directly influence who becomes the heir. But you must understand that the kingdom is already on the verge of collapse. Its finances rely entirely on the support of merchants and usurers, especially for military expenses, which depend completely on loans from usurers and some merchants closely tied to the royal family. The economic power of those high nobles is nowhere near that of these so-called inferiors—getting them to contribute 100,000 gold shields would be harder than killing them. Perhaps the high nobles won’t consider this, but Taze and Matthew certainly will. If the merchants and usurers lose faith in Hoffman and refuse to provide funds or even demand immediate repayment of debts, the kingdom will go bankrupt and collapse instantly, the army will rebel, and the kingdom will cease to exist!”

Komer’s forceful words revealed the underlying truth, making Pube and Mahagumi suddenly understand. No wonder Matthew and Taze had been reluctant to take a clear stance—perhaps they were also waiting and observing.

“Taze and Matthew can’t tolerate such a situation, so I must understand the movements of those major merchants and usurers. If even they’ve sided with Hoffman, then this throne struggle is without suspense. We’ll have to give up on Kakiya, and the Zuke Valley can be put on hold for now. If these people are still hesitating, it means Kakiya might be biding her time, gathering strength for a final strike.”

“Boss, are you saying there’s still a chance Kakiya can win?” Pube couldn’t help asking.

“Just a possibility. Her background and lineage mean she has no allies among those nobles who value noble bloodlines. Moreover, she chose a ruined noble as her fiancé, so her allies are even fewer. If I were her, even if I didn’t choose a noble from another country, I’d pick a wealthy merchant’s son,” Komer shook his head.

“Then why would she make such a choice?” Pube was a bit confused.
“Hmph. While the Creator granted women unparalleled beauty, He also gave them ambitious hearts. They’re not the kind to accept being controlled by others,” Reno said calmly.
Pube nodded silently. Women’s inherent weakness forced them to seek balance; otherwise, their hard work would end up benefiting others.
“The merchants may have some fondness for her, but whether it’s worth such a big gamble, they’re still hesitating. Fortunately, they have capital to rely on. In this kingdom, no one who comes to power can do without merchants, so they still have time to decide,” Komer added. “The balance is tilting in Hoffman’s favor, but it’s not over yet. So we must get involved in this game. Being a bystander keeps one’s head clear, but it robs one of the pleasure of playing the game.”
“When are you setting off, boss?” Pube knew Komer’s trip to Jazair was inevitable, so he didn’t try to persuade him any further.
“Is everything arranged there?” Komer asked in return.
“Hmm, I’ve made contact with the Ferro family. I haven’t told them explicitly yet. As for the Kafli group, the Barefoot Society’s people in Jazair are all ready. They’re waiting for you to arrive,” Pube nodded. “The Salvation Society has also offered some help, but since it’s our first time working together, I’m not sure how much impact they can have.”
Seeing Pube’s gaze turn toward him, Mahagumi quickly continued, “There shouldn’t be too many problems. They’re all staunch believers of the Salvation Society, though they’ve never revealed it before. If the lord makes good use of them, they might prove to be a valuable asset.”
“Hmm. I hope the Salvation Society won’t disappoint me. I’ve given them so much; I expect them to give me something in return as well,” Komer nodded. “Is the ship ready for me? I plan to go to Gutenberg first, then head to Jazair.”
“Boss, you…” Pube hesitated after a moment.
“It’s fine. I know what I’m doing,” Komer said calmly, though a hint of emotion showed in his eyes—only Pube could see it.
“Um, boss, be careful. Vero might not betray you, but Zelin isn’t easy to deal with…” Pube felt his advice wouldn’t make much difference. No one could change what his boss decided.
“Don’t worry. I know,” Komer nodded and walked out. “Shatima, let’s go.”

A plump and beautiful young woman stepped forward, her charming pink cheeks exuding an allure that could drive men wild. Her full, rosy lips were slightly pouted as she gently took Kerr’s arm. Her form-fitting bell-shaped dress accentuated the deep cleavage between her full breasts. The sun hat perched on her head was slightly tilted, covering her flame-colored hair—she was none other than the beautiful Long who had been missing for months.