Chapter Twelve: A Difficult Choice

Difanqi and Belemon walked gloomily through the streets of Ugru. It was expected that Komer would use tricks to prevent the soldiers from returning, but they hadn’t anticipated him revealing outright his intention to annex the Sanjia tribe. This made it hard for both of them to accept. Yet, as Belemon himself said, they could no longer turn back— the Mountain People’s Alliance had already begun to exclude the Sanjia tribe, and more and more tribes were following their example. This had sparked extreme hatred among the stubborn tribes within the Thirteen Alliances toward the Sanjia tribe. It was the Sanjia tribe that had started this, leading to such uncontrollable consequences. Now, returning to the past was utterly impossible.

The bustling scenery of Ugru had numbed them somewhat. It had to be admitted that Komer was a highly capable man—turning Caucasus into what it is today in just a few years was no small feat. But just because he could lead Caucasus out of trouble didn’t mean he could do the same for all the Mountain People. Would their independent existence and cultural traditions also gradually fade away as mortal civilization invaded with its economic dominance?

Many questions forced them to think further. Komer’s words—that they would gain only wealth and lose only their false glory—hurt them deeply. Reflecting on themselves, Difanqi and Belemon considered themselves unselfish people who had dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to the development of their tribes. But improving the harsh living conditions of the Mountain People seemed to require such a high price. This left them at a loss.

Were independence and prosperity truly incompatible? Difanqi pondered painfully. They weren’t necessarily incompatible, but in this world dominated by mortals, it seemed impossible for the Mountain People. Especially with Komer around, such a possibility became even more remote. He always pushed people step by step into desperation, forcing the Mountain People to make difficult choices.

Belemont was also in pain. Instability within the Jialong tribe had become apparent, and Komer was by no means as honest and upright as he appeared. The Jiapon tribe’s interference only added to the risks. Belemont wasn’t attached to staying, but he didn’t want to flee due to such despicable tactics. All of this forced him to make this journey; whatever the outcome, he had to make a choice.

“Difanqi, what do you think?”

“What do you mean?” Difanqi asked back.

“Komer is strong—not just in terms of strength, but also in wisdom and leadership. He can successfully bring together many different people to form a new whole, one full of cohesion and vitality. That’s his skill, and we can’t deny it.” Belemont organized his thoughts as he spoke. “The Sanjia tribe is both unfortunate and fortunate. Unfortunate because it has such a powerful neighbor, resulting in either conquest or absorption. fortunate because it can integrate and become part of it, allowing our people to enjoy a better life, though they might lose their identity in the process.”

“How many people will still realize they are mountain dwellers in a hundred years?” Difanqi asked with a bitter smile. “Are we worrying needlessly or planning ahead?”

“I don’t know,” Belemont replied casually. “The world is too complex. I’m getting old and increasingly unable to adapt.”

A gloomy atmosphere hung between the two. The Caucasus acted like a magnet, firmly attracting everything around it. The mountain dwellers were like tiny dust particles, silently drawn toward the magnet. Everyone knew it was futile to resist such magnetism—it might even backfire. What should they do?

Komer stood with his hands behind his back, watching the two figures disappear through the doorway. Another parting without joy, but perhaps this was the last time. Maybe from now on, their meetings would be pleasant.

“Lord, have we pushed them too hard?” Mahagumi emerged from behind the thick curtain by the window, standing silently behind Komer. “We can wait a little longer, until the time is more ripe.”

“When the time is ripe here, it means we lose other opportunities. They can wait; I can’t,” Komer said coldly. “How are your activities with the Sanjia tribe progressing?”

“Sik is very cooperative, and with the full support of the Jiapon tribe, things are progressing smoothly,” Mahagumi said confidently. “Soon they’ll realize that their authority is gradually slipping away. They’ll understand that authority is built on bringing prosperity to the people. Seeing the living standards of neighboring tribes improve while theirs remain unchanged, it’s obvious the people will think their leaders have failed them. As for them coming here voluntarily this time, I believe they’re also under great internal pressure. Even with Di Fanchi’s determination and prestige, dissension within the Jiarong tribe is growing, though it hasn’t yet crossed a critical threshold.”
“Then keep stepping up the pressure until I get what I want,” Komer said. He didn’t want to hear the details; he only needed the outcome—Di Fanchi and Belemont compromising or even yielding. That was all.
“My lord, rest assured, everything will be done according to plan. By then, they’ll realize how big a mistake it was to ignore your advice.” Mahagumi paused and thought for a moment. “But in my opinion, they might not last that long. If Di Fanchi and Belemont are smart and sensible, they should realize this situation will end in their failure. Instead of that, it’s better for them to reveal their intentions earlier; maybe that way they can gain more.”
“No, Mahagumi. This isn’t something to boast about. What I need is a Trijia tribe with balanced strength, not one that has completely lost its spirit and momentum. So I expect them to act more rationally.” Komer frowned. This guy seemed to have a skewed understanding, as if he wanted to push the Trijia tribe into an irrecoverable situation.
“Uh, I understand,” Mahagumi quickly stopped his own assumptions. Staying grounded in reality was the most important thing.