Chapter Thirteen: The Dawn of Civilization
The method of voting determined its outcome. With signatures added to the votes, excluding the Sanjia tribe that did not participate, the lopsided result of 10 to 0 proved how ingenious and skillful Komer was at manipulating the new alliance.
Although they had previously cursed and vowed to resist to the end, when those “sacred” votes were placed in the hands of these leaders, they all felt the weight of responsibility for the first time.
What if they voted against on behalf of their own tribe while other tribes voted in favor? That would still mean the decision would be carried out, but they would become the target of criticism, and Komer would never miss an opportunity to suppress their tribe. They would then become outcasts within their own tribe. This responsibility might have been bearable for the once-powerful tribal leaders, but now it could signal their removal from power. Of course, these mortals would not miss such an opportunity to stir up dissent within their tribes in order to bring about revolution.
The reality filled all the leaders with sorrow, yet also a secret sense of relief—relief that they had not resisted the decisions of that man from the Caucasus as they had initially planned. The significance of this vote lay not only in the attitude toward building a road across the Cordillera Desert but also in making these leaders realize that their companions, including themselves, had long abandoned the mountain people’s former creed of betrayal.
Caramanica appeared at just the right time in Ugru. Whenever there was a major and challenging construction opportunity, the Laurent family was always eager to get involved. The news that a road would be built across the Cordillera Desert had already caused a great stir in Nicomedia and Iberia, even exceeding the excitement when the Catalan Channel was opened.
How could the barbarians agree to such an seemingly unbelievable road construction project? This question was widespread in both Nicomedia and the Southern Mid-Sea region. No one believed that the barbarians would silently submit to Komer’s authority.
In their eyes, the barbarians were unconquerable. The vast and complex Cordillera Desert, their centuries-old rebellious traditions, their fierce and violent racial instincts, and their closed, conservative yet highly aggressive national character—all showed how out of place this group was in the world of mortals. To think that they could be made to change their ways without even going through proper warfare was pure fantasy.
Komer didn’t expect people to believe it all. In fact, he didn’t want this special relationship between him and the barbarians to be understood too thoroughly, as that would undermine the mystery surrounding them. A moderate degree of mystery could greatly demonize the barbarians, keeping them somewhat separate from human society and making it easier for him to manipulate things in the future.
The construction of this road was merely to facilitate the control and plunder of the abundant resources in the Cordillera Wasteland by his regime. To be precise, Komer had no intention of opening up the entire Cordillera Wasteland to everyone. Civilization also required a process, and that process had to serve his own interests.
Although the road was over a thousand kilometers long and Komer’s requirements for its condition weren’t very high—plus many sections could use the paths originally used by the barbarians—building a complete road in the Cordillera Wasteland was still a monumental task. For a race that had remained isolated for hundreds of years, such a groundbreaking effort would inevitably face resistance from those who opposed it, even if approved by the tribal leaders.
“What do you plan to do? I’m sure you understand how difficult this project is. I hope the Laurent family can complete it with minimal impact and avoid causing me unnecessary trouble. In short, I want it done smoothly and successfully—that’s my basic requirement.”
Komer had long recognized the capabilities of the Laurent family and believed the Giza people had the skill. But this time was different. The Cordillera Wasteland wasn’t like other places; his control over that region wasn’t strong enough. Yet only by completing this project could he truly extend his influence to every corner of the wasteland. So he needed to know the specifics of how the Giza people would carry it out—he didn’t want things to go wrong and cause chaos.
“It’s simple, Lord Komer. It’s not as complicated as you think. Interest! Interest determines everything. Once these people’s interests are tied to mine and to the benefits this road will bring, all conflicts will naturally be resolved. That’s why I need your authorization, my lord,” said Caramanee confidently.
“Hmm, interesting. What kind of authorization do you need?” Komer nodded.
“The rights to explore and mine minerals within ten kilometers along the road in the Cordillera Wasteland—if you agree to this, I can raise the funds, and I can easily turn the rebels’ resistance into support for building this road. What do you say?” Karmanee proposed with a smile.
“Hmm, Karmanee, that’s a good idea. You’ll take everything, so what’s in it for me from building this road?” Komer retorted.
“Hehe, Lord Komer, would you really value such things? Of course, we can pay a reasonable fee for the mining rights, but not too much. After all, funds are needed for building the road, and I also have to distribute those mining rights to the rebels. I hope Lord Komer can understand.”
“Alright, I’m generally in agreement with you. We can discuss the specific amount later. You can proceed this way. I believe anyone with vision should see the potential of this road. If things don’t go smoothly with the rebels, I can send people to assist you, but it won’t be for long. It still depends mainly on you.”
“Great, my lord is decisive. Within a month, you’ll receive a progress report, and within three years, the road will be completed. Everything will be done as you request. Of course, I also hope my lord will keep his promises.” Karmanee stood up, full of confidence, and said, “Everyone will witness the creation of this miracle.”