Chapter 667: Volume Eighteen: Stormy Secrets, - Eighteen: Ambitious Ambitions
"Viscount Komer, Bahomon has made quite an impression on me. I never imagined that you could build such a prosperous town in a place the people of Jazair probably can’t even recall by name. I can hardly believe my eyes." Katya’s expression flickered, but ultimately she maintained the grace expected of royalty, praising and encouraging the astonishing feat accomplished in Caucasus.
"Lady, although Caucasus is remote and its people are somewhat simple and unlearned, there is one thing that stands out—a trait not found in the citizens of the Kingdom Inland. Here, they are less burdened by cumbersome formalities; their temperament is honest and straightforward. Even though they can be rough and uncivil, once you truly earn their respect and trust, many problems become solvable and numerous tasks, much easier to initiate."
Komer explained with a smile. It seemed that the stimulus Bahomon gave Princess Katya was significant. This was a good sign. As his strong side was increasingly revealed before her, she would come to realize that perhaps he was an exceptionally good partner. He wondered how her perception of the Barbarians, those she deemed archenemies in her heart, would change once she set foot in the Cordillera Wilderness.
"Viscount Komer, it seems you have truly poured your heart into this land. From your emotional words, I can feel your affection for this territory. I think I should report all that I’ve seen to the kingdom upon my return. Such a great transformation of Caucasus under your leadership suggests that Leon could be similarly influenced. The kingdom has chosen wisely in entrusting Leon to your care. I just hope, Viscount, that you do not forget the kingdom’s expectations and the heavy responsibility it has placed upon you." Though these were clichéd courtesies, they carried a particular flavor when spoken by Katya, and Komer found her words deeply meaningful.
"Your Highness, my loyalty to the kingdom is as clear as day. Even in the most difficult of times, Caucasus has mobilized its Self-defense Army to support Jazair, is that not proof enough of our fidelity?" Komer’s tone remained calm, but his attitude was quite serious, "I can affirm once again—if the kingdom needs, anything within the power of Caucasus and Leon, and our hundreds of thousands of citizens, we are ready to heed the kingdom’s call."
"Viscount, you are too grave, but please understand my feelings. The kingdom is currently in turmoil, and many within are not considering how to revive it. Instead, they scheme day and night about how to remove dissenters and fortify their own positions, placing personal interests above those of the kingdom. Can such behavior truly be convincing?" Katya glanced sideways at the sincere-smiling Lord of Caucasus, her words as sharp as a blade, openly challenging.
"Haha, Lady, let’s not discuss this issue today, shall we?" Komer smiled, "Friends from the Cordillera Wilderness have long awaited Your Highness’s arrival. This will be the first time a figure of such importance has set foot into the heart of Cordillera Wilderness. I believe their fervor and subservience will alter many of your perceptions."
Clever as a fox! Katya cursed internally. Confronted with a tough topic, he’d maneuver and diverge or outright refuse to answer. This man, not old in years but deep in schemes—what kind of anomaly was he? She pondered over this question for a long time. Yet the man’s true nature remained shrouded in layers of mist, always out of clear sight.
The barbaric charm of the Cordillera Wilderness allowed Katya to witness aspects of the Blue Continent wildly different from Mortal Society. On this vast land, ferocious Barbarians galloped at will, and the spectacle of Earth Dragon Warriors, Thunder Peng Knights, and Barbarian Berserkers, a display nearly demented, not only made Katya uncontrollably betray fear but also deeply shocked Komer, though he maintained a composed facade. This was the true might of the Barbarians.