Chapter 4: I Don’t Need Allies

“Very well, Lord Komer. I’ve long heard that you’re an honest man, and I’ve also witnessed your decisive style in the canal project. Our Laurent family, representing a large portion of the people of Giza, hopes to receive your protection. In return, we will do our utmost to serve you—whatever you need, we will try our best to fulfill it.” Karmanee’s words were concise and clear.
“Oh? Did I hear that right?” Komer raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Have the people of Giza encountered some disaster? Or is it the Light Church trying to eliminate you? I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Lord Komer, you should understand that there’s no need for concealment between us. Since I, Karmanee, can speak so frankly, I have nothing to hide.” A hint of displeasure appeared on Karmanee’s face. “We, the people of Giza, want to be treated fairly and no longer live in constant worry and fear, fearing that those in power might seize our wealth, arrest us for any reason, or throw us into prison. We don’t want to live like this anymore. We don’t have many demands—we just want to enjoy the rights that a normal citizen should have.”
“Very well, then let’s cut to the point. I still ask the same question: Why choose me? I need a reason that can convince me.” Komer’s expression turned serious.
“The reason is simple—judging a person by their actions. We believe Lord Komer can do this and is worthy of our trust. That’s all there is to it.” Karmanee remained brief.
“Oh? How so?” Komer’s gaze sharpened, as if trying to see into the other man’s heart.
“Lord Komer, you rose from being a minor Caucasus baron to driving away your own lord and becoming one of the four most powerful lords in the Kingdom of Nicosia. Surely you’re not satisfied with where you are now. So we believe you’ll keep moving forward, and you have the ability to do so. With the help of us, the people of Giza, we believe you can go even further. If you were limited to Homer and the Caucasus, we wouldn’t have such high hopes for you—after all, those regions are too small for us Giza people who roam across the continents. But if you continue to move forward, we see this as a hope for us.”

Karamanni did not hide the speculative mindset of his people. Cooperation between the two sides was a process of selection—if one’s side had something valuable for the other, an agreement could be reached; otherwise, they would simply part ways. Cooperation was built on mutual benefit, and mere out of pity assistance was never lasting or strong, capable of collapsing at any moment.

“Hmm, it seems the Giza people see great potential in me,” Komer said with a strange smile on his lips, seemingly both pleased and self-mocking. “Anything else?”

“Well, my lord can not only accommodate half-orcs and treat them equally but also conquer barbarians, forcing them to submit beneath your feet. These barbarians, who are considered insignificant by ordinary people, can enjoy equal citizenship under your rule. Why shouldn’t we Giza people, who are also of mortal origin, be able to do the same? For this reason alone, we Giza people are willing to engage in genuine cooperation with you,” Karamanni said slowly, word by word, his pale, thin cheeks turning red.

“Cooperation? Hmm, I need to think carefully about whether I really need cooperation.” Komer’s words were full of uncertainty, and he wasn’t moved by Karamanni’s enthusiasm.

“My lord, please do not underestimate the strength of us Giza people. We are spread across every country and city on the continent, possessing funds and wealth beyond your imagination. Among us Giza people, there are also countless outstanding individuals. With our help, I guarantee that whatever goals you set will be achieved as you desire.” Karamanni was both angry and anxious. He hadn’t expected the other party to remain so indifferent. In his view, after receiving such a promise, the other party should be overjoyed or at least respond positively, but this guy seemed to take it lightly, making Karamanni feel insulted.

“Mr. Karamanni, I believe the Giza people certainly possess considerable wealth and power. With your help, I can indeed reduce a lot of pressure and move forward more swiftly, as you said. But I can achieve these things even without your help. I don’t think I need the Giza people’s assistance right now.” Komer seemed casual, which surprised and puzzled Karamanni.

“What do you mean? Do you not need our help?” Karamanni truly couldn’t understand the other party’s words.

“I welcome any help from anywhere, but I disagree with what Mr. Karmanni said just now—that the Giza people cooperate with Homer and the Caucasus. I think this wording is inappropriate; its ambiguity could lead to many unnecessary troubles. Therefore, I believe it’s better to be cautious on this issue,” Kommer replied carefully, choosing his words carefully.

Karmanni stood there with his mouth wide open, seemingly not understanding Kommer’s words. After a long while, he asked hesitantly, “Lord Kommer, could you please explain it in more detail?”

“Mr. Karmanni, you said earlier that we could cooperate in the same way as half-orcs and barbarians. I think there’s a misunderstanding. The half-orcs and barbarians obtained Caucasus citizenship in exchange for swearing loyalty to me. I don’t think this is cooperation; rather, it should be seen as a price to pay for legitimate citizenship. They swear loyalty to me, acknowledging me as their sole lord, and must fulfill their civic duties, such as serving in the military and paying taxes. In return, I grant them Caucasus citizenship and will do my best to protect their legitimate rights as citizens—nothing more.”

“What I heard from Mr. Karmanni seems to suggest that the Giza people are on an equal footing with me, engaging in some kind of mutual exchange. I cannot agree to that. You might consider this a cooperative alliance, but if a citizen within my own territory were to be my cooperative ally, wouldn’t that be absurd and ridiculous? Unless Mr. Karmanni means that the Giza people are not included in my territory and they also have no intention of becoming citizens of my territory, in which case I would consider discussing this as an alliance.”

Karmanni carefully pondered the meaning of each word Kommer said. It was clear that this lord was quite calm and clear-minded; although he appeared casual on the surface, he analyzed every word he said very seriously. His responses, though somewhat surprising, proved his seriousness and caution in this matter. He did not agree to the Giza people engaging in such exchanges on an equal footing but instead demanded that they acknowledge his sovereignty over all Giza people in exchange for protection of their interests. On the surface, it seemed as though what he wanted was even less than what they had offered earlier, but Karmanni understood that once sovereignty was established, the two sides would no longer be able to negotiate on equal terms and would have to ask for protection as subjects—a situation that went beyond their established bottom line.

“Lord Kommer, your words sound rather dismissive. We Giza people have never been accustomed to being citizens of any country or city. We prefer to exchange things through practical and feasible benefits. Isn’t that good? Becoming allies should be beneficial for both sides,” Karmanni tried to persuade him.

“I’m sorry, I don’t need allies! Especially not allies like the Giza people! That would only bring chaos to my territory. It’s unheard of for a group to live in my land, enjoy citizen rights, yet refuse to take on the corresponding obligations, hoping instead to replace them with money. I suppose only the Giza people could have such absurd ideas,” Kommer said coldly with a smile. “Please forgive me, but I’m unable to help. You’d better find suitable allies elsewhere.”

Karmanni felt awkward. The other party’s firm attitude made him hesitate. His family’s bottom line wasn’t to maintain this equal relationship; becoming Kommer’s subject wasn’t entirely unacceptable either, but it would depend on how ambitious Kommer was. The Giza people were spread across the entire Blue Continent. If Kommer was merely a lord of Homer and the Caucasus, it was obvious he couldn’t shoulder the responsibility of protecting all the Giza people. They needed a protector far more powerful than the current Kommer. Although this guy was ambitious, it seemed he didn’t possess such strength yet, which was why Karmanni was worried.

“Lord Komer, may I ask presumptuously to what extent do you intend to go before stopping? Or rather, what does the world look like in your mind?” Though the words were vague, they were clear to Komer—the other party wanted to see if he had the courage and strength. Komer found it somewhat amusing.

These Giza people are really meticulous; even when applying for something, they choose carefully. It’s no wonder. Given their awkward position, choosing the strong ones likely means those would only use them without taking on any real obligations, while choosing the weak ones is pointless. Moreover, they need to find someone who isn’t psychologically averse to the Giza people—a role that’s quite difficult to find. Perhaps only he himself is barely suitable.