Chapter 268 - Nine: Strolling Down the Path of Life
The atmosphere in the woods seemed filled with a subtly amorous charm. Princess Katya casually picked up her coffee cup and took a gentle sip, the crimson imprint of her lips and the blush on her cheeks becoming so enchanting in Komer’s eyes. Every move she made emitted an alluring aura like fermenting mellow wine, slowly revealing itself, seemingly even more bewitching than the scene Komer had witnessed at the banquet a few months ago. Komer liked this ambiance; although he had no intention of taking any action, it was the lethality of these fleeting sentiments that far exceeded many straightforward expressions, a fact of which Komer was well aware.
Confronting the undisguised look in his eyes, even Katya, accustomed to the gaze of many a man, felt a slight tremor in her resolve, which frightened her. Be it emotion or a flutter of the heart, such feelings seemed long estranged from her, and she was used to the exchange of benefits under all sorts of gazes. However, she could sense a difference in his gaze from all she had experienced before—a liking, an appreciation, perhaps even intimacy, which was unlike mere lust or love. It might develop into love if it progressed further, which filled Katya with fear, for she realized she harbored a joyful feeling deep inside. She did not wish to be entangled with anyone, even if only a possibility, and perhaps the best way to sever such sentiment was to discuss those unpleasant yet unavoidable matters.
"Your baron, it seems your territory is indeed somewhat different from what I had imagined. I see Half-beastmen and Barbarians freely coming and going within your lands, and your guard is mainly composed of Half-beast soldiers. Are you not afraid that they might rise up in rebellion?"
One could say this trip had truly opened Katya’s eyes. She had long heard that the Caucasus was both a vibrant and frightening place. At the time, she could not understand it until she arrived and witnessed the prosperity of Mattdam and Ugru. She then grasped the true meaning of that phrase. It seemed everywhere bustled with activity, with Notices recruiting workers plastered on shops and construction sites, and streets crowded with people of all races from various places seeking suitable work and homes. Mortals formed a large part, but Half-beastmen, Barbarians, Half-Elves, Dwarves, and Elves were also present in significant numbers. Even the Shark people, rarely seen elsewhere, could occasionally be found. Menacing Half-beast soldiers marched impressively through the streets, while Half-Elf Archers stood guard atop tall towers, watching the horizon vigilantly. The passersby seemed accustomed to all of this, displaying no fear or terror, leaving Katya excited yet somewhat worried. The land seemed to be one where all were armed, and the culture of martial training appeared quite popular here; everyone seemed to carry weapons, although few dared to draw them.
The seemingly harmless and elegant Baron in front of her was not as simple-minded and easily deceived as one might imagine. The fact that he had turned a desolate and remote wilderness into this in just a few months, if attributed to mere luck or opportunism, would be utter nonsense. No wonder Hoffman and Renta had kept silent about the situation in the Caucasus upon their return. Had not Palermo divulged a bit of inside information to pique her curiosity, she would never have condescended to visit such a remote wilderness.
"A rebellion? Ha, Lady, do they look like they wish to rebel?" Komer laughed heartily, seeming to realize she wanted to break the subtly romantic mood. He had no desire to dwell on this either; some things were better kept at a certain distance, and besides, he had no real designs.
"You mean you can guarantee they won’t oppose your rule?" Katya asked, puzzled. It seemed he was quite confident about this issue, and she didn’t know where his confidence stemmed from. These races had never truly submitted to the rule of Mortals. Could this man achieve that?
"Well, if I didn’t have that confidence, why would I dare let them live freely in my territory?" Komer replied with a rhetorical question and nodded slightly. "Lady, don’t view these people with such fear. They are actually very simple and kind, and even easier to manage than Mortals. Of course, you need to earn their respect. "