Chapter Fifteen: Seeds of Desire

Vero’s feelings toward him seemed to show signs of coldness, but Komer knew it was due to the girl’s pride and reserve. As long as he showed sincerity in moderation, he believed their relationship would soon return to its former state.

The real issue wasn’t that. Lenta’s aggressive demeanor had become evident ever since she took control of Poznan and Silesia. She was skilled at exploiting situations. With the blood ties between the Anson and Romanov families, coupled with her own cunning, she had already conquered those rustic nobles in Poznan and Silesia with her proud, somewhat arrogant demeanor.

It seemed Lenta was living quite comfortably, even more successful than him, the true lord. Yet only Komer and Lenta herself knew that without him, she would be nothing. No one would take seriously a woman without real power. If it weren’t for the vague potential connection of their engagement, Komer believed Lenta’s status would be no different from Tracy’s. Fortunately, Lenta was well aware of her true position and never crossed boundaries. Her performance was indeed commendable, worthy of praise. Komer also had to admit that without Lenta, Poznan, Silesia, and even Homer wouldn’t be as peaceful as they were now.

Lenta, Vero, and now also Vyrana—Komer was truly troubled. If Lenta and Vyrana were largely political marriages, Vero certainly didn’t fit that description. Komer didn’t want that term to tarnish the relationship between him and Vero.

It would have been nice if Vero were like Eve or Grace, or even an alien like Finitz. But now it seemed he had to make a choice, and any choice would bring many negative consequences. Even without Vero, it would still be the same. So Komer simply chose to ignore it. If it weren’t for Puber revealing everything, he might have continued to delude himself.

Seeing Komer’s distracted expression, Puber shook his head secretly. Such romantic affairs should be a source of pride for anyone, but when it came to the boss, it turned into a tricky problem. Why should a man worry so much? Acting as one pleases was the true essence of a man. It was a pity the boss never seemed to understand this.

“Boss, if things are really tough, why not make some concessions on other conditions? I’m sure they value the power in your hands more than Vyrana’s supposed status—though there will definitely be a connection between the two in the future. They’re also struggling under the combined pressure from the Northern Alliance and the Light Church. If we can offer some support in certain areas as compensation, I doubt they’ll insist too much on Vyrana’s status. As for Vyrana herself, with your wisdom and strength, I think it shouldn’t be a problem, right? Women—once you’re in bed with them, it’s all the same; just use a few tricks to coax them along.”

Puber’s words moved Komer a bit at first, but the following sentences were almost nonsense. His old friend always liked to mix serious matters with jokes. Fortunately, Komer had gotten used to his style.

“If the people of Bithynia really want to become close allies with us in Nicomedia, they shouldn’t just rely on these actions. They should have more concrete ways to prove their sincerity,” Komer changed the subject.

“Hmph, Boss. Antoniscu doesn’t have the courage for that. Producing a little sparrow like Vyrana is probably his greatest achievement in life. At best, he’s a defender—to put it accurately, he isn’t even a decent defender. Just look at how he acted during the disasters in Nicomedia; he clearly doesn’t even understand the principle that ‘if the teeth are lost, the lips will suffer.’ If the Light Church and the Cnossians suddenly show interest in his territory, it’s hard to say he won’t willingly offer up that little sparrow.”

Puber’s words were blunt and cruel, especially his description of Grand Duke Antoniscu’s despicable mentality. But Komer was used to his harshness. It was just the way he was—when spoken without any embellishment, many people found it hard to accept.

“He not having the courage doesn’t mean he lacks the desire. In terms of desire, I think every ruler is the same. We have dealt a heavy blow to the Atticans; I believe he should be able to see clearly how the Katyn conflict is unfolding. I need to remind him that if he doesn’t take more decisive action, there’s a high chance we’ll just stand by idly if future disputes with the Northern Alliance escalate into crises. But if he can be more resolute in this conflict, we’ll offer them selfless help and support regarding the territorial disputes with their northern neighbors.”

“Heh, Komer, you’re practically declaring war on the Northern Alliance here. Inciting Transylvania to make territorial claims against its northern neighbors? Do I really think Antonescu has that much courage and ambition? I doubt it.” Puber shook his head in skepticism.

“Hmph, the Transylvanians have always had territorial disputes with their northern neighbors. It’s only under the heavy pressure from the Atticans and Knossians that they dare not voice objections. Once those two giants—Attica and Knossos—who once stood tall in the eyes of the Transylvanians collapse, what do you think Antonescu and his officials will do? If even their backers tremble under our assault, why should the Transylvanians fear those small northern countries?” Komer said with a smirk, arms crossed. “Once the seed of desire is sown and given the right amount of water and fertilizer, it can topple any stone pressing down on them—especially since that stone seems more like a pile of broken dirt.”

Puber nodded in approval. His boss understood the desires of rulers far better than he did. It wasn’t that they lacked ambition; it was just that they hadn’t had the opportunity. Once given that chance, the power they could unleash might be far greater than imagined.