Chapter 539: Volume 13, Sea Rain and Heavenly Wind, - 9 - Journey to the Sacred Land (2)
The earth-shattering battle that had just taken place evidently alarmed the nearby Jellyfish People, but the turbulent storm made it impossible for them to approach and see clearly what had happened. Apart from the warriors of the Jellyfish Clan with a certain level of combat power, almost no one knew what truly transpired deep in the Reed Marsh. Had they seen their revered Pharaoh and Guardian Saint fleeing in distress before an Ice Dragon, Komer couldn’t help wondering whether that would shake and shatter the image of the supreme idols in their minds.
The Venerable Iris beside him was indeed a woman, just as he had suspected. Her gold scale-covered garments hid most of her feminine features, even her figure was unnoticeable, making him wonder if her chest was bound by some kind of silk bandage. Still, a faint scent of makeup betrayed a woman’s secret, indicating that women of all races could not escape customary vanities. Whether a saint or a commoner, the desire for beauty and charm seemed an innate nature of women, and the Jellyfish People’s Guardian Saint was no exception.
The river was crystal clear and calm as a mirror, with only the occasional chirping of birds from the reeds, creating a serene atmosphere, starkly different from the recent tempest of wind and thunder. Komer pondered how to start the conversation when he suddenly heard the Guardian Saint’s high-pitched and strange voice beside his ear, "Baron Komer, I know you are the lord of the Caucasus Region downstream of the Catania River. I’ve heard you’re a noble from the Homer region who almost got dismissed from your lordship due to personal affections. Would you consider your current post in the remote Caucasus as an exile?"
Komer was taken aback, not expecting Venerable Iris to be informed of such matters. Although this wasn’t a secret in the Caucasus or Homer regions, it was puzzling for the usually reclusive Jellyfish People to know about it. Perhaps the Jellyfish Clan was not as isolated and aloof as the outside world believed. In which case, coming to the Jellyfish territory might have been the right move after all.
"Heh, I did not expect Saint Iris to be so well-informed. Indeed, my relationship with Lord Homer, Duke Philip, is sour, and they see my assignment to the Caucasus as an exile. However, I do not view it that way. One’s quality of life should not solely be judged by external circumstances. The Caucasus, vast and sparsely populated, is not barren, only slightly isolated in terms of transportation, which, if improved, could transform the region into an enviable land of prosperity in no time," Komer said with a faint smile, hinting at something more.
"I am currently working towards that goal. Since you are so aware of my personal life, you must also know that Mattdam at the mouth of the Catania River has officially opened as a port. This is just the first step for the Caucasus to step forward. Confinement and isolation can only lead a nation and region into decline, a point which I believe anyone can understand," he answered pointedly.