The Vastness of Magical Destiny

Preparations on several fronts were unfolding rapidly, from the second phase of exploration at Damarlinsk Castle to the formal takeover of the Leon Region, and Komer was actively pushing forward.

News from Jazair stated that judges of the Kingdom Star Chamber Court were considering the Caucasus’ request. The fact was that the Leon Region had already fallen into a state of chaos. Homer had no power to solve the problem. The cessation of the construction of the floating bridge at Bruce Fortress and Homer’s failure to take military action against Leon to date served as critical evidence. The chaos in the Leon Region had severely impacted and disrupted the situation in the neighboring regions. It was imperative to re-establish an administrative system for the Leon Region. The Caucasus requested that the Kingdom Star Chamber Court rule to incorporate the Leon Region directly under the kingdom and grant it to Baron Komer, or alternatively, let the Caucasus Lord Baron Komer act as the Lord temporarily, with an investigation by the Kingdom Star Chamber Court to follow after one year for a final judgment.

Homer obviously had not expected the Caucasus’ onslaught of money and relationships to be so fierce. It was unclear whether it was due to Puber’s efforts, but Duke Mathew, the kingdom’s Minister of Military Affairs, quickly expressed support for the Caucasus’ proposal.

Although the Star Chamber Court operated independently of the kingdom’s administrative system, opinions from high-ranking officials like Duke Mathew, who hailed from esteemed noble families, inevitably influenced the judges of the Star Chamber Court significantly. Meanwhile, Duke Tez, another important voice and the Minister of Internal Affairs, remained unusually silent. If Duke Tez also expressed the same view, it would mean that His Majesty the King’s stance was also clear. The opinions of these two individuals often represented His Majesty’s position, and it was well known that His Majesty the King almost never publicly voiced his opinions.

Homer also took some measures to counterattack, but the nobles and officials speaking on behalf of Homer were cautious due to Duke Mathew’s stance. Nobody could discern His Majesty the King’s current attitude, and Duke Mathew was known for his stern temperament, while the old fox Tez consistently refused to make his position clear. This made the officials and nobles who advocated for Homer adopt a more moderate stance in their opinions.

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Puber’s performance could only be described as a fish taking to water in Jazair. Whether it be the well-informed personages with special identities in the Royal City’s court, the fashionable elites of Jazair’s upper society, or the declining nobility that, despite their decay, still possessed illustrious surnames and house crests, they all quickly took to this small aristocrat who was generous with money and humble in speech. Aside from being somewhat lascivious, this small aristocrat indeed brought a new topic to many people’s lives since arriving in Jazair. Lasciviousness hardly seemed a flaw; rather, it was simply nobility’s instinct, dependent only on the refinement of one’s tastes. However, Caffrey’s letter made it clear he was not entirely pleased with Puber’s dealings between an heir of a fallen noble and a lascivious noble widow, recognizing such conduct as unwise for a merchant.

Komer always harbored a sense of understanding towards Puber’s insatiable desire for women. If a young nobleman was exiled by his family without any financial support but turned to diligent study instead, the tedium of life could drive one mad. Without entertainment, wine, or women, and nothing else—this was unbearable for someone like Puber who had no other interests. But Puber endured. He managed through two years of study, and now that he was not impacting his work, Komer could understand his needs to properly enjoy youth and indulge his emotions. So, although he occasionally warned him verbally, Komer never skimped on the vitalizing elixirs he had painstakingly mastered for the welfare of his old friend.

Puber knew how to spend money, or rather, he knew precisely how to spend it effectively. He was stingy when it came to clear aids like Katya and Hoffman, whether overt or covert. They were all tied into a joint venture of interests, and petty cash was insignificant to them. As for substantial sums, there was no need. Money had to be spent on those who could benefit the Caucasus’ current endeavor, and in this regard, his investments were decisive and evident. Of course, a position like Duke Mathew’s could not be bought with money. People at such a level had a very clear understanding of their own worth, and Puber understood this too. However, Puber could still use money to influence the attitudes of people around them. After all, he was a noble, and nobles couldn’t be separated from the support of their societal circle and class.