Chapter Seventeen: Provocation

The meeting with Xuruo ended in a relatively peaceful manner; no one convinced the other. Yet both Kemer and Xuruo understood that escalating tensions at this point would benefit no one. The situation had not yet reached the point of outright rupture, and both sides needed time to ease tensions and adjust. Cooperation would benefit both, while separation would harm them both. Kemer and Xuruo were both smart enough not to take such a step lightly.

Piraeus had clearly been infiltrated by the Dark Holy Church, with Dark Temples visible everywhere. Similar trends could be seen in Phoenicia and Sparta, though more subtly. Once the populace’s fervor was stirred, even rulers dared not provoke it. It was wise to go with the flow and guide events accordingly. Cyrus, that old fox, clearly knew how to strike the right balance. Although the Dark Holy Church’s growth in Sparta was unstoppable, the pace was firmly under its control. In contrast, the rulers of Piraeus and the Phoenicians were much slower to react.

Kemer observed all these changes coldly. In the short time since he left the Southern Central Seas, the Dark faction had made such significant progress—clearly the result of years of building up strength. Like a spark that spreads into a wildfire, it became uncontrollable. The Light Church, already weak in this region, found its foundations in jeopardy. Even in Flanders of the Iberian Kingdom, such subtle changes could be clearly felt.

Kemer met with rulers of various countries in a cursory manner. Beneath his polite demeanor lay doubts and wariness. Kemer understood this, but not everyone held a conservative attitude toward his arrival. At least in nations and city-states like Phoenicia and Tyros, which were struggling for various reasons, there was hope for a major change in the Southern Central Seas. Perhaps only then could they escape their current difficulties. Whatever the changes, they believed it would be better than their current situation.

Kemer did not declare his stance easily. As the representative of the northern Nicomedia forces, he needed to maintain a steady image—keeping his word and being decisive. He hoped to leave such an impression on his first appearance in the Southern Central Seas. There was time ahead, and he believed he would have many opportunities to collaborate with these potential allies.

Ships departing from Port Patras came and went in constant flow, the sea breeze from the Southern Mid-Sea providing them with endless momentum. Komer lay leisurely on the deck, basking in the early winter sunlight of the Southern Mid-Sea—warm and gentle, like a lover’s gaze, stirring desire yet exuding a sense of languor.

Phenix still wore that pleated skirt, but Komer was sure she wasn’t naked underneath. Such a thing wouldn’t happen for no reason; the girl’s physical condition was quite good. Although the Southern Mid-Sea was warm, her thin attire was still somewhat surprising.

A medium-sized fast ship approached head-on. Though the waterway was wide, it seemed the other ship had no intention of giving way. Its flag bearer displayed signals asking their own ship to avoid collision. Komer was surprised—who could be so special? In the Southern Mid-Sea, unlike the North, noble power was far weaker, and such reckless privilege would only invite criticism from the council.

“A holy maiden is traveling—please make way.”

Most of the crew members under Haireddin were experienced sailors from the Southern Mid-Sea. Having endured many ups and downs, they knew who the other party was, but since Komer showed no reaction, they wisely remained silent.

Komer could even see the imposing warrior on the other ship’s deck looking annoyed, though perhaps courtesy as a knight kept him in check.

The two ships slowly approached each other, their sailors using poles to prevent minor collisions. The atmosphere was oddly tense, with no one taking the initiative to greet the other side.

“Why don’t you yield? Can’t you see the sacred lily emblem?” The tall warrior frowned slightly, seemingly realizing the other party wasn’t an ordinary person. Anyone sailing in the Southern Mid-Sea should know the status of the holy maiden. Though there were no specific laws, respect and convention meant ships should always give way—yet this time, it seemed there was an exception.

“Sorry, but we seem obligated to no one to give way. Is there such a law in the Southern Mid-Sea? Some new decree from the Corinthian Alliance Council or the Kingdom of Sparta?”

Komer’s gaze had fixed on the two women behind the handsome warrior—graceful and elegant. One was older and wore a veil, while the younger one was someone he had met before—Holy Maiden Helena?

“Dare you! Who are you to be so rude?”

The handsome warrior was also an acquaintance—Kaiserlen, Aristotle’s favorite disciple. Oh, the world was still too small; Komer never expected to run into an old acquaintance here, though back then he had appeared under the name of Kaladin.
“Rude? Are we that? Are we outsiders to be discriminated against just like this?” Komer stood up with a smile, strolling across the deck. His gentle smile seemed to carry a hint of sarcasm. “I really don’t know what we’ve done wrong. Just because this knight wants to show off his superiority in front of two beautiful ladies, does he have to use us poor wretches as stepping stones?”
Kaiserlen tried hard to stay calm. Such a wonderful morning, such a good mood—everything was ruined by this lazy scoundrel right in front of him. And with Miss Klepper and Helena present, especially given the many disrespectful words from the other man, it was unbearable.
He lightly leaped into the air, as if the three-zhang gap between the two ships didn’t exist at all. Kaiserlen tried to keep his expression normal. He didn’t draw his sword, but a faint aura of combat energy emerged.
The other man dared to be so presumptuous, and he wouldn’t underestimate him. But he didn’t believe anyone could be that bold in these waters, no matter who it was—even if it was Katerina disguised!
A dark glint flashed in Komer’s eyes. That arrogant fool really thought his combat energy made him invincible?
“Get lost! You rude wretch! Haven’t your elders taught you not to enter private territory without permission?” Komer shouted arrogantly. The spells he had silently recited were suddenly unleashed. With a subtle gesture of his left hand, a dark blue light screen suddenly descended from the sky.