Chapter 20: Conversations About the World

Kajia stood with her arms crossed, her somewhat frail figure appearing especially lonely under the natural light from the window.
When Komer entered the room, he hesitated for a moment. An indescribable feeling made him pause—neither guilt nor embarrassment, but rather a faint sense of desolation and solitude.
Recalling their acquaintance, from strangers to friends, from working together to becoming close, from deep affection to parting ways, they eventually turned into enemies. Was this the capricious play of fate?
Komer didn’t know. Although the collapse of the Romanov dynasty wasn’t entirely his doing, he had indeed contributed to it. Hoffman withdrew from politics, indulging in wine and pleasure, while Lenta willingly became his ally. But what about Kajia?
Komer had no idea.
How would Kajia react to the reality ahead? With cold indifference or harsh rebukes? No, neither seemed likely. Kajia must be clear-headed and rational; otherwise, she wouldn’t have accepted his invitation.
It was precisely because Kajia had agreed to come that Komer was puzzled. How would this meeting begin and end?
Her elegant court hairstyle was tied at the back of her head, adorned with a crystal-green jade hairpin. A black silk net held her heavy bun in place. Her slender neck bore delicate down that fluttered in the wind. A deep purple cloak wrapped around her, seemingly shielding her from the cold wind outside. Komer wondered whether it was him or the wind that brought more chill to her.
Entering silently, Komer noticed that Kajia seemed unaware of his arrival. She stood frozen by the window, perhaps distracted by troubling thoughts, unable to focus.
Sighing deeply, Komer felt regret and helplessness. This was fate—unchangeable. One could only passively adapt to it.
When Komer placed his hands on Kajia’s abdomen, she seemed to awaken from her thoughts. After slight resistance, she realized who was behind her. She stopped struggling and let Komer’s breath brush against her neck, her hair stirring his nose. An indescribable emotion lingered between them.
They stood there, embracing in silence, neither wanting to break this delicate atmosphere. Perhaps this was the last time—they would never again be able to be close like this.

“Kagiyaa, do you still remember when we first met?”
“What does it matter if I do? We still ended up here.” Compared to Komer’s deep affection, Kagiyaa remained much calmer. “Don’t forget our respective identities. Neither of us can betray ourselves. I’m not Lenta, and the Romanov family isn’t made of spineless people.”
“Aren’t you tired of proving yourself like this?” Komer released his hands dismissively. The current atmosphere wasn’t suitable for physical closeness. “What can you prove or gain by doing this?”
“Am I the one who needs to prove or gain something? Is that how you see me?” Kagiyaa retorted.
“Everyone needs to prove themselves, but what differs is their methods and goals. You and I are no exception.” Komer countered bluntly.
“So you think you can prove yourself by defeating and conquering me?” As soon as the words left her mouth, Kagiyaa realized there was a mistake, but she didn’t care at that moment.
“Do you really think that’s the case?” Komer didn’t answer directly.
Kagiyaa remained silent, seemingly unwilling to answer the question.
“Actually, we both know the Romanov dynasty has come to an end. Its downfall started with itself, not due to external forces. I know my role in it, and so do you, Kagiyaa. Without me, others would do the same, even more cruelly and despicably.” Komer spoke firmly.
“Kagiyaa, clinging to memories of past glory won’t give you anything. It will only keep you trapped in history—that’s not realistic. We all need to calmly accept what happens around us. If you want to change it, if you think you can, then try. I won’t interfere, but I certainly won’t sit idly by either. But if, after careful consideration, you realize it can’t be changed, then I suggest you adapt to it. This is society, this is the trend.”
Kagiyaa lowered her head and remained silent.

“Katin no longer has the strength to survive in this cruel world. Whether it’s the Northern Alliance or the orcs, they just haven’t taken action for some other objective reasons—not because they’re kind. I know everything you’ve done, and I don’t blame you. But one thing you must understand: while using strategies, you must have strength as a foundation; otherwise, it’s like playing with fire and burning yourself. Orcs aren’t as simple-minded as you think. Otherwise, how would the guys from the Northern Alliance and the Light Church end up being bitten by the very snakes they tried to control? Do you think the Northern Alliance and the Light Church would willingly watch the orcs grow stronger and erode our mortal civilization? No, they’re just powerless to change this situation.”

“What is the Light Church anyway? It’s just a group of gamblers who happened to arrive in an era of turmoil, daring to take risks when people lost their faith and faced crises. They just happened to bet on the right thing. Do they really have no one who flees in fear? Are there no others who fight bravely against the invasion of magical beasts? No, no—those are just propaganda and embellishments created by those driven by future interests.”

“Now their corrupt and declining nature is gradually being exposed, and people are tired of their hypocritical and insipid preaching. Yet they think they can use the legacy left by history to give orders and establish beliefs for the whole world. It’s ridiculous. Who gave them that power? Their god? What if we don’t believe in their god at all? Then their foundation of existence disappears, and why should we listen to their nonsense?”

It was rare for Komer to express his views on the world so clearly in front of anyone. Even in front of Mahagumi, who was as loyal as his students and followers, he only revealed a little about his thoughts. He himself was surprised—how could he open up and talk about the world in front of Kakiya?