Chapter Nineteen: So That’s How It Is!

“Freeman, every word you say is so cutting—be careful, or it might bring disaster upon us,” Lenta said, her tone insincere, glancing briefly at the maids still busy in the distance.
“Is that so? Does His Highness Hoffman still have the interest to concern himself with such matters? He should know well that I’m not among the loyalists of the Romanov family.” Freeman smiled faintly, revealing his yellowed teeth.
“I’d really like to hear your opinion,” Lenta said, taking the initiative since he didn’t seem eager to speak.
“Your Highness, don’t you think you’d be a perfect match for Viscount Komer? I believe a marriage between you two would benefit both of you greatly. To put it precisely, it’s a very suitable match—he can use you to boost his influence, while you can get what you desire.” Freeman finally smiled.
“Oh? What do you think I want? What can I gain?” A strange light flashed in Lenta’s eyes; clearly, Freeman’s words had stirred her thoughts.
“Does Your Highness still need me to make it clear?”
The sneer on Freeman’s lips made Lenta feel annoyed, but in the presence of this old man who seemed to see through her thoughts, she felt as if none of her intentions could be hidden.
Seeing Lenta silent, Freeman shook his head slightly. “Your Highness, desiring glory and power isn’t something shameful to speak of. Who doesn’t crave power? Who doesn’t wish to control others’ fates? And who wants their own fate to be controlled by others? It’s just that circumstances force people to accept reality. Now that you have such an opportunity, why not make the most of it?”
“Oh? I’d really like to hear your plan,” Lenta said, her eyes shining.
“Viscount Komer now not only holds the title of lord over the entire Homer region but also the former Greater Caucasus region has effectively become a direct territory of the kingdom. Although the Greater Caucasus was once neglected due to its remoteness and desolation, its current level of development is remarkable—it has truly become a worthy direct territory of the kingdom, not much inferior to regions like Livonia.”

“And from what I’ve heard, Viscount Komer acquired territories in the Flanders region of the Iberian Kingdom while traveling in the Southern Seas. No matter how he obtained them, the Iberian Kingdom officially recognized his status as a noble lord within the kingdom. In other words, Viscount Komer now holds lordship over three territories. I even heard that Princess Kakiya granted him the region of Krk Valley in Livonia as a reward. Even without that territory, owning three areas of considerable size and wealth is extremely rare among the kingdom’s nobles. Moreover, these three territories are far apart, with different political and economic centers. I think Viscount Komer will likely struggle to manage so many territories in the future.”

At this point, Freeman paused intentionally to observe the other person’s expression. Seeing that they remained still, clearly very interested, he continued, “According to the customs of our continent, if a lord owns multiple territories that are not in the same area, he may have multiple marriages, and each wife can gain noble status or even inheritance rights through each of the lordships. Of course, this only applies to commoners and not to the princess. But what I’m trying to say is that if the princess enters into a marriage agreement with Viscount Komer, it might be much easier for her to manage one of the territories, especially considering that Viscount Komer may have even greater opportunities for growth in the future.”

Lenta was moved by Freeman’s words. She hadn’t expected his observational skills to be so sharp and precise, able to analyze her mindset so accurately. To be honest, she wasn’t someone who craved vanity; she might be willing to give up external honors, but her desire for power was much stronger than most people’s. Accustomed to the ups and downs of power in the court of the Kingdom of Nicosia, Lenta believed that every member of the Romanov family had a strong desire for power—she just had it more intensely. As Freeman said, such a mindset existed in everyone and wasn’t anything shameful.

Whether it’s Kajiya or Hoffman, circumstances once pushed them to the peak of opportunity, but clearly that peak has passed now. The power center of the kingdom has been seized by the orcs, and neither Katin nor Gothenburg can take on the role of Jazair’s power center. The kingdom’s power has dispersed across multiple political centers, including Katin and Gothenburg, with both Cyprus and Ugru seemingly aiming to secure a position among them.

It’s unlikely that Homer and the Greater Caucasus will merge again. Although they could be united under the rule of Lord Komer, their vast territories, uneven levels of development, vastly different ethnic compositions, and cultural practices create clear distinctions between the two regions—a fact that’s beyond dispute; they are two separate territories.

In the future, Komer might reside in Cyprus, spend more time in Ugru, and the distant Flanders will undoubtedly take up much of his attention as well. As Freeman said, this presents many opportunities for oneself. He doesn’t have any absurd ideas of overthrowing Komer’s rule, but exercising real influence or even control as a lady lord seems like a quite good option. Perhaps he really should consider this seriously.

Lenta’s flustered expression didn’t escape Freeman. He knew the princess, whom he had watched grow up, all too well. She didn’t like to show it, but that didn’t mean she was unaware. Lenta had been in a state of confusion, never finding her own path. The Romanov dynasty was on its last legs, so there was no need for her to struggle for a dynasty that was slowly fading away. It would be better for her to think about what she should do instead. Although marrying a viscount as a princess might seem somewhat mismatched, this viscount wasn’t an ordinary noble. His territory was the largest in the kingdom, and its economy was thriving. With such a rising political power, countless noble girls must be eyeing him. If she failed to seize the opportunity, she would regret it deeply.

“Freeman, do you think Komer will accept such a marriage?” Lenta suddenly asked.

“Why not accept it? As a noble lord, he always needs a marriage, and at present, the Romanov family members are the most suitable for him. Kakiya is out of the question, so Your Highness is the best choice. It doesn’t matter whether he likes you or not, nor does it matter whether you like him. The point is that your union can bring considerable benefits to both him and you. Why can’t he accept it? Do you and he still expect some illusory thing like love to happen between you?” Freeman shook his head. “Your Highness, this isn’t a mere farce; it’s a union based on interests. You and he should both understand the reality better than I do.”

Lenta was speechless. Freeman was clearly more sober and rational than she was. Though harsh and even cruel, it was the truth. Her heart stirred slightly as if she remembered something. She raised her head and asked meaningfully, “Freeman, how did you suddenly think of these things? I mean, did you come up with them on your own?”

Freeman laughed. It seemed the princess wasn’t too slow to understand. Although most people would be less perceptive when it came to matters affecting themselves, she was indeed a member of the Romanov family and reacted quickly.

“Your Highness, what do you think?” Freeman asked with a smile, arms crossed.

Lenta suddenly understood a lot. This former old servant was clearly not so simple these days, but it didn’t matter. As long as their interests aligned, everything could be resolved amicably. “I’m just curious. I wonder if you can satisfy my curiosity.”

“Of course, Your Highness. We have no conflicting interests. In fact, I’ve never deceived you. I’m a devout believer in the teachings of the Salvation Society, and your mother has known this for a long time.” Freeman wasn’t showing off; it wasn’t something worth boasting about anyway. As an important retainer of Lenta’s maternal family, he had stayed by her side hoping to contribute someday.

“The Salvation Society?” Lenta realized. No wonder Komer could be so arrogant and confident. The alliance between the Salvation Society and Komer gave Komer a huge advantage, while the Salvation Society also got a great opportunity to expand its influence. It was a situation beneficial for both sides. Now, by arranging her marriage to Komer through the Salvation Society, it seemed to be a win-win situation—somewhat of a triple win, at least fulfilling her own wishes.

“Yes, Your Highness.” The smile on Freeman’s face seemed even more subtle in Lenta’s eyes.

“Well, that’s great. I’m not a follower of the Light Church either, nor the Salvation Society. Great, maybe we’ll have opportunities to cooperate.” Lenta nodded with a smile.
“Of course, I believe we will have opportunities to cooperate, but only if Your Highness is willing to take the steps I mentioned earlier.” Freeman was practical and direct. “Of course, as long as you agree, we’ll help ensure its success.”
“No problem, I agree.” Lenta was even more straightforward. Why not seize such an opportunity? Let Hoffman go to hell.