Chapter 6: A Turn of Events

After three ships laden with treasures left Groningen for the colonies on the Vast Continent, Ebson, along with Komer, delivered a farewell speech at the lord’s residence in Poznan. After thanking Komer for his kindness, he harshly criticized the Cilicians and Gallics for their baseness and shamelessness, openly revealing to his people that he had been betrayed by his former allies, forcing him to leave Poznan and seek opportunities on the Vast Continent. He called on all people of Poznan to resist the ambitions of the Cilicians and Gallics. At the same time, he highly praised the new lord, Komer, saying that although they had become enemies due to differing positions, he held no hatred toward him; instead, he hoped to establish friendly trade relations with Komer’s territory in the future.

Komer also attended this farewell banquet with great elegance. He did not explain Ebson’s mention of betrayal by allies but instead praised Ebson as a true noble gentleman. Although the two sides had been forced into a war they neither wanted due to their differing positions, that did not affect their personal relationship. He stated that all territories, including Poznan, would actively engage in trade with Ebson’s colonies on the Vast Continent and wished him success in his endeavors there.

This peculiar farewell banquet was truly unique on the Blue Continent—there was the former lord who was forced to leave and the new ruler who drove him away, yet both praised each other at the banquet. Their graceful behavior showed the nobles and merchants what true dignity looked like. The way they drank and conversed at the banquet shocked and surprised the nobles and merchants of Poznan sitting below. The former lord’s vague but angry remarks clearly indicated that it was the vile tactics of the Cilicians and Gallics that were to blame for his departure. However, it was unclear what role the new ruler played in all this. Now that everything was in the past, with a relatively peaceful handover, a new chapter in Poznan’s history was about to begin.

At the party, Lenta moved among the guests like a butterfly among flowers. Her emerald green velvet gown, her full figure, her crystal-clear gemstone necklace, and the blood rose ring symbolizing the Romanov lineage all clearly indicated her special status. Everyone could see the princess’s excited expression, and many speculated whether she was already engaged to Lord Komer. Such rumors were not new; it seemed both the princess of Bessarabia and this princess were competing for that position.

Ebsen also showed considerable respect for the one who would soon serve as Komer’s representative in Poznan. As a member of the Romanov family, although the Kingdom of Nicomedia no longer existed, the noble bloodline still earned Ebsen’s respect. At least having such a representative in place was far more pleasing than having those vile half-orcs or barbarians reside in his lordly residence.

Lenta never imagined that her dreams would come true so quickly. Poznan seemed to have been effortlessly taken by Komer with just a stroke on the map. Ebsen’s praise for Komer at the party left Lenta both amazed and slightly frightened. What tactics did this man have at his disposal to make Ebsen surrender Poznan—a territory once held by the four great lords of the kingdom—and still treat Komer with such respect?

Lenta, of course, didn’t understand the intricacies behind this, but just this display was enough to fill her with an inexplicable fear of Komer. It seemed everything was in his control, even her original purpose for coming to the Caucasus. That was hard to accept.

Although Komer hadn’t explicitly stated their deal, Lenta had already decided to make the most of this opportunity to showcase her talents. She had always thought she shouldn’t just serve as a mere ornament, without any real role. She had never wanted to be a decoration for men. Now that Komer had made it clear he wouldn’t reside in Poznan permanently, it meant she, as his representative, would have considerable autonomy—exactly what she desired.

Yet all doubts and shock were replaced by the joy of becoming a powerful figure in Poznan. As a member of the Romanov family and one of the heirs to the Kingdom of Nicosia, Lenta had enjoyed endless glory and luxury. But she knew that everyone’s smiles toward her were based on her lineage. Now, the prestige of being a Romanov and an heir to Nicosia had faded, revealing nothing but ugly, desolate ruins—no one would show her genuine respect anymore.

But all that would change. Becoming the representative of Poznan’s lord would bring her endless glory. Lenta valued this more than her own life. If it meant living in such honor, she was willing to give everything. She feared a life devoid of splendor and longed for one filled with adulation and attention. She also knew that Komer had seen through this and used it to buy her over. The temptation was too great; she couldn’t refuse.

The people of Poznan also greeted the princess, who was hinted to replace Komer as the permanent ruler of Poznan, with cautious enthusiasm. Many speculated about the relationship between this member of the Romanov and Anson families and the new lord. But in response to various inquiries, neither Lenta nor Komer would comment, suggesting that their relationship still needed to be clarified. One thing, however, was acknowledged by Komer: this unidentified Princess Lenta would, in many cases, replace Lord Komer in managing Poznan’s daily affairs—though only routine matters, not specific decisions.

The disgruntled Silesian envoy reported in detail to Nisa Ferdinand everything he had experienced in Poznan, nearly exploding with anger. Nisa Ferdinand never expected such shameless responses.

“Was this really what Komer said in person?”
“No, I never even met Lord Komer. His representative in Poznan conveyed his words to me.”

Nisa’s fists clenched so tightly it seemed water might squeeze out. His face twitched with rage, yet he had nowhere to vent it. Trying to control a tiger always carried risks, but he thought he had the skills to do so. Now it seemed not only had he failed to control Komer, but he had also been thoroughly mocked by him.

The army that set out for Poznan on its own was halted at the border. Homer’s forces rudely refused Cilician troops from entering, and even minor clashes occurred. Strangely, the remaining Poznan forces sided with Homer’s army. Realizing the situation was dire, Nisa immediately sent envoys to Poznan to find out the truth, only to receive utterly devastating news.

A transfer? A deal? Or a conspiracy? Ebsen had simply handed over Poznan to Komer, with the presence of Princess Lenta from the Romanov family as witness. It seemed this was meant to legitimize their despicable scheme. So what was his own role then? All the great sacrifices he had made for Poznan, including those at Hoffman’s place in Katyn and the resources invested in the Church of Light—all of it reduced to nothing because of Ebsen and Komer’s collusive act?

To this day, Nisa still didn’t understand why Ebsen’s attitude had changed so suddenly. Logically, it should have been Homer the culprit, so his attitude toward the Homerians shouldn’t have been so strange. Blaming everything on himself and the Gallicans was simply unreasonable.

The lord’s shifting moods made the envoy uneasy. Everything he saw and heard in Poznan was filled with hostility toward the Cilicians. Even though a new lord had taken office, the general distrust of the Cilicians among the people of Poznan was still evident everywhere.

“Is it Princess Lenta who is receiving you?” Nisa finally asked after a long silence.

“Yes. Princess Lenta said that relations between Poznan and Cilicia will remain as before, but she hinted that tariffs on Cilician goods transiting through the port of Groningen might need to be raised slightly to calm the emotions of the Poznan people.”

Annoyed, Nisa couldn’t help but snort. That wretched man was using such a pretext to enrich himself. Nisa knew now that everything was already decided. His grand plans had only served to benefit the Homerians. The foolish Ebsen had undoubtedly fallen into their trap, and he too was trapped. He still didn’t realize he had narrowly avoided a massacre. If it weren’t for the disagreements among the beastfolk, Cilicia might already be a prey divided among several parties.

Nisa didn’t know what to do now. She had painstakingly devised what she thought was a perfect plan, only to end up with such a result. No one could accept it easily, but what could be done now? Break ties with the Homers and attack Poznan directly? That was certainly not realistic—the Cilician army didn’t have the strength yet, especially since the Homerian forces didn’t seem to have suffered much in the battle at Poznan. Perhaps it would be best to wait and see how the Gallics in the south reacted. The Gallics and Homers were already engaged in fierce battles in the border areas. If the Gallics could break the deadlock, it would still be time to join them.