Chapter 691: Volume Nineteen: Lost Horizon - Nineteen: Contempt
The deep grey of her eyes flared red in an instant, and Katrina’s face twisted into a look of frenzy and ferocity. Komer grew quite concerned that the Mediterranean Pirate Queen might lose her sanity due to the shock of the news. Although he was not afraid of her sudden outburst, he was not intentionally trying to anger her this time, as it would benefit neither party.
Soon, Katrina proved that her self-control, which earned her the leadership of the Carter Fleet, was not unfounded. Rage, shock, pain, excitement, joy, and anticipation—all those emotions flitted across her face in a matter of seconds, combining into an unfathomable expression. Yet, Katrina did not display any significant loss of composure, which made Komer look at the woman before him with new respect.
"Viscount Komer, name your terms, as long as it’s within my capabilities. I need the Mirror of Thousand Miles and the Magic-armed gun, and I can agree to anything I can do, on condition that the Carter Fleet is provided with them immediately. I need your help, and in return, I can offer you everything that Gote and his ilk could never achieve."
The Red-haired Witch, now calm and clear-headed, seemed even more collected. The light that sparkled in her grey-blue eyes was persistent and fervent, but it was a cold fervor that radiated from her.
"Oh, I can understand how you must feel right now, Miss Katrina. In fact, I’m starting to regret why I ever cooperated with that selfish Gote. His shortsightedness was very disappointing. The Homer Navy is still blockading my approach to Cyprus through Caucasus and Leon, and Philip still tightly controls the canal entry to the inland of the Kingdom of Nicosia from Odessa. I gave them so much, yet he did not give me the expected return."
Komer, at this point, suddenly became rambling, incessantly complaining about his former collaborator.
"Enough, Viscount Komer. I have no interest in hearing about those petty issues between you and Gote. That you chose the wrong partner reflects on your judgment, but now, it seems you are not entirely foolish. To mend the fold after the sheep is lost, it’s never too late. Choosing me will be the most correct decision of your life. I believe that together, we could claim the Mediterranean and the Nether Sea as our own," Katrina said flatly, dismissing Komer’s reflections with no sugarcoating, until her last words betrayed the fierce passion and longing in her heart.
"Oh, Miss Katrina, immersing oneself too deeply in the sea of desire for power can lead to loss of direction. I must remind you of that," countered Komer, unfazed. The capricious Mediterranean Queen tolerating his audacious speech here was probably the limit of her patience. But Komer enjoyed the thrill of riding through storms, leisurely savoring the various excitements the voluptuous Red-haired Witch presented, which he found quite soothing—even if it meant taking some risks.
"Hmph, Viscount Komer, I would advise you to spend more energy on yourself and your own territory. The news of your disappearance is likely to continue indefinitely. The noses of the Church of Light are sharper than anyone else’s. If they learn you’re hiding in the Mediterranean—even if this is the territory of Hades, the god of darkness—they won’t let you off easily," countered Katrina with a cold jab.
"Hehe, My territory requires no worry on part of Miss Katrina. It will continue to grow as though I were still in charge. My mood is lighter now than ever before. Traveling the Mediterranean has always been a dream of mine, and now it seems like it may be realized," Komer replied nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders.
"Enough, Viscount Komer. I don’t want to hear any more of your pointless blather. I want to know the terms of our cooperation. I’ve already promised that I can agree to any condition within my reach, so I hope you’ll consider it seriously," Katrina erupted impatiently.
