Chapter 652: Volume Eighteen: Stormy Secrets, - Three: Direct Confrontation
"This is the place known as the curse of God—Damarlinsk Castle?" Caru breathed deeply and gazed into the distance. The imposing Damarlinsk Castle was actually not very tall, but the flat plains surrounding it made the fortress-style castle remarkably striking and abrupt. The blackened walls appeared to have a considerable history, and the moss that grew and dried up on the walls before falling off and regrowing did not diminish the castle’s simple and rustic style. Instead, it added a sense of historical significance, making one feel as if they were in long-established cities like Jazair or Gutenberg.
It was undeniably a pleasure for both Caru and Boritz to encounter such an unadorned architectural marvel in such a desolate place. It seemed that the individuals who lived here should not be tainted with any dark dust. Although idealism often diverges from reality, Caru and Boritz couldn’t help but entertain such thoughts.
"It must be here; I can’t imagine there being a second such castle in this area. Having this one is already astonishing enough." Boritz was also visiting the Caucasus for the first time. He had to admit that the town of Ugru had made a good impression on him. Despite scrutinizing everything with a critical eye, he had found little to discomfort him. If only there had been fewer half-beasts and barbarians, it would have been perfect. That was Boritz’s only regret. In fact, Ugru had far fewer half-beasts and barbarians compared to Muscat. Mostly, it was affluent families from Myron, Meine, and Susoer who settled here, and with the Lord’s Mansion situated here as well, the town’s development was unrivaled throughout the Caucasus.
"It looks like our host, the Lord, knows how to enjoy himself. Such a castle would be top-notch even in Jazair or Cyprus." Caru joked, "It’s just that I wonder whether His Lordship, recently promoted to Viscount, is entitled to enjoy this inheritance?"
"Let’s go and weigh him up then. Hopefully, he won’t disappoint us, nor overjoy us," Boritz added, unusually profound, prompting Caru to nod subtly.
The formidable and fierce-looking half-beastman guards stood fully armed on either side of the door, but to the two of them, they might as well have been scarecrows. Of course, the two visitors didn’t think the other side was just posturing. After all, these half-beast soldiers did have a deterrent effect on this land, especially for those vagrants who came from afar, seeking a life or hoping to strike it rich. They also effectively balanced the power between half-beasts and mortals. Caru realized that the young man approaching at a brisk pace was not a simple character. But just how complex he was, that would depend on Caru’s own assessment after contact.
"Welcome to you, friends from Marco; I hope you can bring more light to this remote wilderness." Komer’s face still bore that respectful but proud smile, and the sincerity and joy within that smile did not reveal any pretense. His clear eyes met the piercing gazes of Caru and Boritz squarely, and although he seemed somewhat unaccustomed to their sharpness and instinctively dodged, Komer’s demeanor was fairly standard.
Exchanging glances, neither Caru nor Boritz could discern any particular meaning in the other’s eyes, but both sensed each other’s deep disappointment, with Caru feeling an additional touch of relief. To be honest, they hadn’t discovered anything out of the ordinary. Although the other party was avoiding their gazes, it was merely an intentional provocation on their part. Any person would react to their probing shine, whether it is through avoidance or resistance. If there was no reaction, it would mean that the person either had no magical foundation or was inscrutable. However, resistance undoubtedly signified hostility, while evasion was the most normal response.
"Hehe, Viscount, the God of Light never abandons His citizens. Any believer who harbors faith in the divinity will receive God’s protection. We have come to the Caucasus with this belief, hoping to bring peace and tranquility to the Viscount’s territory."
Caru and Boritz were not adept at the almost slogan-like preaching typical of most missionaries, but as high-ranking priests of the Church of Light, these clichés were second nature to them. They spoke with authority, though not with the same fervor as those preachers who could rattle on for hours with frothy zeal. Their delivery inevitably carried a slightly awkward tinge.