Chapter 573: Volume 14: Accumulate Thinly, Erupt Mightily, - 17: One Step Ahead
This seemed like a cause for optimism, but intuition told Komer that there were likely too many hidden dangers behind it. The calmer and more normal it appeared, the more it indicated something ominous, but Komer couldn’t figure out what Philip was planning to do. What could he do, or rather, what did he dare to do? Even with the full support of the Galle Region, the mere forces of Homer and Galle would probably have a hard time confronting the kingdom’s army. The two lords in the North would not be able to provide much substantial support and aid to Homer and Galle, not to mention their average relations with the two southern lords and the powerful pressure from the beastmen on the Northern Border that demanded their full attention, leaving no spare strength to involve themselves elsewhere. The kingdom probably took this into account when they dared to make such a bold judgment.
But would Philip accept defeat so easily? Komer did not believe so; Philip was not that kind of man. He must be brewing something, possibly even a decisive countermeasure, before acting. Philip always believed in planning thoroughly before making a move. His calm demeanor was often mistaken for timidity and weakness, but Komer knew it was the moment a venomous snake tenses before striking. Any who underestimated him were bound to pay a painful price.
Komer lacked the ability to change any of this or to interfere with the decisions and changes in situation at the kingdom’s center. The only thing he could perhaps do was to seek ways to strengthen his own power. While Caucasus had been developing rapidly, compared to regions like Homer and Galle, it still amounted to nothing significant. Komer was aware that if Philip really wanted to destroy him at all costs, it would be far too easy without the kingdom’s constraints—Philip might have already made his move.
Opening the Catania Channel was for accumulating strength, and taking control of Leon was also for enhancing his own power, and the visit from the Barbarian seemed like an opportunity as well. It all depended on how he could seize it. The Barbarian was a double-edged sword—handled well, it could be a sharp weapon to defeat the enemy, but mishandled, it could be a tool for carving one’s own epitaph.
No matter what Philip planned to do next, the issue of the Barbarian remained. Since Komer had become their neighbor, he couldn’t avoid it. They had demands, desires, and difficulties, but also strength, opportunities, and hope. If he could establish a good and harmonious relationship with these people, perhaps they could provide unexpected assistance in the various crises and difficulties he might face in the future.
"Chief Dvanch, welcome to Caucasus. On behalf of all the citizens of Caucasus, I express our sincere pleasure at the visit from our neighbors," Komer said, embracing the other warmly. Then feigning a casual look at the two individuals beside Dvanch, he added, "May I ask you to introduce your two friends? We Caucasians are quite hospitable, you know."
"Respected Baron Komer, you may have heard that our Garong Tribe is a member of the Sanjia Tribes. These are the chiefs of the Galong and Gapeng Tribes. This is Chief Bellamong of the Galong Tribe, and this is the Sike Leader of the Gapeng Tribe. Chief Bellamong is my elder, and Sike Leader is my dear brother. For this time, the Galong Tribe and the Gapeng Tribe each provided three of the Eight-headed Earth Dragon Cubs to show our respect for our neighbors," replied Dvanch, very pleased with Komer’s enthusiastic reception and respect, especially in front of the chiefs of the two brother tribes.
"Thank you, three leaders, for your generosity. The Earthwalking Dragons are a specialty of the Mountain Clan, and I am quite fond of them. I also hope to form an Earth Dragon Warrior Squad. I do not expect to build a particularly strong martial power with the Earthwalking Dragons, but as you all know, my territory is inhabited by citizens of various races, and I need a deterring force to display before them. That’s why I wish to acquire the Earthwalking Dragons. I have discussed this with Chief Dvanch before, and I hope it won’t cause any misunderstandings," explained Komer with a smile, gesturing for the three chiefs to take a seat.
"Baron Komer, I have already discussed your thoughts with the two chiefs, and they are very supportive of your ideas. If it were not for the limited number of Earthwalking Dragons available to our Sanjia Tribes, we would be more than willing to provide you with more Earthwalking Dragons."