The Vastness of Magical Destiny

"Gutenberg is known as the Garden City, and it truly lives up to its reputation. Although Mycenae is the capital of a kingdom, compared to Gutenberg, it seems no more than a rural market. However, for such a grand and beautiful city, with its buildings so rich and colorful, I wonder how much it must have cost the treasury. It seems that the Galle Region’s reputation as the wealthiest area in the Kingdom of Nicosia is indeed well-earned," even the usually stern and traditional Reese couldn’t help but sigh deeply after experiencing this prosperous land where every inch of ground is worth its weight in gold.

"Haha, Mr. Reese, the prosperity of Gutenberg didn’t happen overnight. Its rise wasn’t solely due to its special location and fertile land. The flourishing of commerce and agriculture were just icing on the cake. Its initial rise was because of the movable printing factory founded by Duke Zellin’s great-grandfather, Duke Gutenberg. At that time, movable type printing was not as popular as it is now, but Duke Gutenberg, with his keen insight, grasped this opportunity, invested a huge sum of money in the printing factory, and spared no effort in promoting this new thing within his territory. Since printing elsewhere on the continent mostly used engraving, which was time-consuming and costly, the spread of movable type printing immediately sparked a printing revolution across the whole continent. Parchment and engraved printing became relics of the past, and today’s wide circulation of books on the continent is thanks to Duke Gutenberg," Komer said with a touch of emotion. "Duke Gutenberg’s keen instincts turned this then-obscure town into the printing center of the kingdom and the whole continent. A steady stream of books and illustrations were exported from here. Although this period did not last very long, it was enough to lay a solid foundation for today’s city of Gutenberg."

"One man can prosper a state, one thing can prosper a state. It seems that a correct decision by someone in power can lead a place onto the path of prosperity," Reese was also captivated by the rise of Gutenberg and spoke thoughtfully.

"Isn’t that the truth? But those in power also bear greater risk. A single misstep in decision-making can just as easily plunge the interest group they represent into trouble," Komer hinted, prompting a moment of realization between the two.

Although they had already witnessed the wealth of Gutenberg, when Komer and his group punctually arrived at Duke Zellin’s villa on the south side of the city, everyone was still shocked by the splendor of the villa.

This was an asymmetrical garden villa. The main entrance didn’t lead to the main building but rather to a large and quiet courtyard. Along the right side of the court was a long row of low stables, capable of accommodating dozens of steeds. Further down along the edge was a spacious lawn, intended as backup space for the master’s large banquets and receptions, in case the number of guests and their carriages and horses became too overwhelming. Beside the horse farm to the right, there was a row of simple but impeccably clean resting rooms for the coachmen of visiting guests.

Passing through the wide passage and separated by a tall wall with openings, one would officially enter the main complex of the villa. A corridor, dozens of meters long and ten meters wide, led directly to the circular pool in front of the main building. The magic crystal lamp reflected the pool in all its colorful glory, with the sound of gentle cascades and the play of light and shadow. In the center of the pool stood a group of statues, prominently featuring the gold Statue of the god Apollo holding aloft a seven-string harp, exuding a lavish and unrestrained demeanor. With well-defined and symmetrical muscles, every line appeared lifelike under the magic lamp’s illumination. Several nude nymphs followed behind him, some calling out in surprise, others looking on with trepidation or admiration, all incredibly lifelike and natural.

This exquisite group of statues stood proudly in front of the main building, which itself was of a dignified and refined character. Anyone passing by these masterpieces for the first time would be utterly mesmerized and filled with longing for the villa it adorned.

Upon entering the grand hall decorated with large carved glass doors, one is dazzled, as at least several representatives from the merchants of the Meine and Susoer City-States gasped. Such a large panel of carved relief glass couldn’t even be thought of without the expense of three thousand gold shields, and just the decorations in this hall used twelve panes. The cost alone could support a hundred ordinary households for a year. The gracefully behaved and handsome doormen were clearly well-trained over many years, their every move conforming to the basic etiquette of nobles. This made the refugee representatives following Komer feel awkward and worried about committing a breach of etiquette.