Chapter 289 - 9: Journey
Hayreddin was somewhat moved by Komer’s candidness. After all, having a secret agreement with the leading pirate chief of the Nether Sea should be considered a true secret. If such information fell into the ears of those with ill intentions, there’s no telling how much turmoil it would stir up. However, the other party didn’t seem to be concerned about this issue at all; perhaps it was out of trust in him, or perhaps it was simply because they had no fear of anyone finding out.
"Sir Baron, although the Gray Skulls are contending with the Red-Haired Witch for hegemony over the North Mediterranean, they still have their roots in the Southern Nether Sea. I believe they must be vigilant towards the Homer Navy. Mattdam isn’t too far from Rhode Island. If the Homer Navy Fleet really extends its reach to Mattdam, I think the Gray Skulls won’t remain indifferent. Sir, if you negotiate well with Gote, I believe he will share this view," Hayreddin insisted on his opinion, not ready to give up.
"No, no, Hayreddin, I’m afraid you don’t quite understand the intricacies. Gote, that old fox, has been active in the Nether Sea for so many years; do you think there’s no collusion between him and Philip? Their understanding is likely closer than that of some allies. If you pin your hopes on him, you’ll surely be the one to suffer in the end. I have never trusted anything I cannot control. I am quite content if the Gray Skulls can guarantee that they won’t attack the merchant fleets to and from Mattdam. As for everything else, we will have to rely on ourselves," Komer waved his hand dismissively.
"But Sir Baron, it’s really difficult to communicate with the Jellyfish People. They ask for nothing from the outside world and are not willing to make contact. They seem to be very satisfied with their current way of life. How can we communicate with them? And on what basis can we persuade them?" Hayreddin finally gave up on persuading Komer to make efforts with the Gray Skulls. He had felt that this baron was unique in his dealings, insisting on keeping everything under his own control, and preferring to do without anything that wasn’t certain.
"Trust me, there will be a way. Everyone has needs and weaknesses. Why do they establish outposts? To communicate and connect with the outside world. This shows they still have certain dealings with the outside, it’s just that people haven’t been able to find or meet their needs. As long as we can do that, I believe this obstacle can be overcome," Komer smiled confidently. He had deep faith in himself in this area, having already conducted a thorough investigation beforehand and made some targeted arrangements. Now it was time to see what would happen upon entering the Java Swamp.
The overnight discussion in Odessa allowed Hayreddin Barbarossa to wholeheartedly follow Komer to Luxembourg. Hayreddin felt the Lord of Caucasus’s desire for control over maritime rights, from the situation in the Northern Nether Sea to the conditions in the Southern Mediterranean. Komer showed keen interest, and in his words, he conveyed the hope that Caucasus might assemble a fleet belonging to the Lord’s Mansion. Although it had not been explicitly stated whether it would be a merchant fleet or a naval fleet, the revelation of this intention still excited Hayreddin. Commanding a fleet, perhaps even a naval fleet, was almost the lifelong dream of any navigator. He was no exception and even fantasized about one day leading it to sail gloriously in the Southern Mediterranean, to show those who once despised and humiliated him the true might of Hayreddin Barbarossa!
Rebry found it amusing that Komer so easily captivated a new follower. He could tell that, although this newcomer was physically strong, in reality, he was at best an ordinary warrior. In terms of combat ability, he simply couldn’t compare to the likes of black knights such as Solonberg or Vladimir Koff, nor even to Fran and Baoling, who stayed behind to train their self-defense armies and Lord’s Guards in Ugru. However, Rebry noted that the baron had suddenly taken a renewed interest in everything maritime, which might be the sole reason for recruiting this red-bearded fellow.