Chapter 559: Volume 14: Accumulating Profoundly and Striking Decisively - 4: I Guarantee!
"Your Excellency the Baron, I personally hold deep admiration for everything you’ve done in Caucasus, and indeed, it’s surprising and joyous to see the prosperity you have brought about here today. I recall an inscription from the ruins of a lost civilization which said, ’Honor the old as we do our own elderly, and care for the young as our own youth. All beings are equal and blessed by God’s grace.’ This has become our Salvation Society’s creed. Under Your Excellency the Baron’s support, Mandu has become a place of peace and happiness. Banassia and Izmir are also willing to swear loyalty to Your Excellency, and the 100,000 citizens of Murray truly wish to become your faithful subjects, allowing the people of Leon to feel Your Excellency’s benevolence and bathe in the divine grace of the gods. This is indeed an extraordinary feat. Does Your Excellency have any concerns still?"
It was hard for Carreila to guess the thoughts of this young lord with an unfazed expression. The submission of Banassia and Izmir didn’t seem to have gotten the approval of this Lord. What was he worried about? Could it be the threats and pressures from Homer, or was it a psychological resistance to an occupation that wasn’t acknowledged? Carreila had pondered this Lord’s style during his journey. Unyielding yet shrewd, meticulous in his actions making it difficult for others to grasp any vulnerability. His maturity was not befitting of his age, but it was precisely this that enabled Caucasus to rise abruptly on the Edge of the Nether Sea.
"Mr. Carreila, in fact, you should understand what I’m like. Although the Salvation Society is unpopular across the Continent and even considered taboo, I personally hold no prejudice against it, and even harbor certain admiration for some of its tenets. You’re probably aware that while the Church of Light has been granted the right to proselytize in Ugru, other faiths are equally respected and protected here. I am keen on supporting the Salvation Society to establish a foothold in Caucasus, but now is not the time. I’m not afraid of Homer, but until the kingdom lifts the ban on the Salvation Society, I cannot promise you more. I believe you understand my meaning," Sir Komer said.
Carreila once again witnessed his counterpart’s sharpness, as Komer’s skillful choice of words revealed an effective attitude without stating anything too direct. Upon a closer reflection, it seemed as though he had been given nothing at all. Although it was a small maneuver, Carreila was quite satisfied, as the Lord, just as he understood him to be, held great prejudice against the Church of Light, a good sign.
Seeing the other party acknowledge with an understanding nod, Komer slightly bared his teeth and said with a smile, "Mr. Carreila, I truly admire your Salvation Society’s creed of benevolence towards others. The compassionate spirit you embody deserves the respect the world owes to you, which aligns more with the knightly creed than some other famous factions that pride themselves on false fronts. I don’t want to hide anything. Although I have many pressures that I can’t avoid, I still want to extend my goodwill. Welcome to our Caucasus, and um, including Leon, our Leon."
His eyes brightened as he noted Carreila’s conscientious avoidance of the term "Salvation Society" in his last sentence, welcoming only himself and his companions. But this was enough for Carreila. If he could gain recognition and support from this party, even if only in secret, it would be a remarkable breakthrough for the Salvation Society. Up until now, no true Lord had dared to extend such an invitation and stance. Although still a remote corner, it marked a fresh beginning.