The Vastness of Magical Destiny

Watching Conan, who was drowned in alcohol all day, Ramla felt as if his heart was being wrenched. Everything had been overturned, his most esteemed eldest son had become a drunkard intoxicated daily, while the rebel of yesteryear had now become his liege. Though he did not acknowledge the other’s title, it was a fact that would not change at his will. He was aware that although the nobles in the city were still taking a wait-and-see approach, Komer’s displayed contempt and disdain had not only caused the nobles to feel insulted and trampled but also filled them with anxiety and unease.

Odessa had completely surrendered to that rebel. It was said that even the Odessa Business Association had granted Komer the title of Guardian of the Nether Sea, which, though somewhat presumptuous, also showed the merchants’ heartfelt welcome toward Komer.

Philip’s small fleet, composed of a few maritime drifters and lowly fishermen, was the first to accept Komer’s offer at the earliest opportunity, becoming the first to submit to the new master. Although the nobles and merchants did not highly regard this motley crew, it nonetheless brought a considerable impact. After the dissolution of the Knights regiment and the Storm Infantry Division, Komer had not managed to win the support of these scattered armed forces, despite having received a decree from Cartin. The Homer Fleet had started a bad precedent, acting like a weathervane, indicating that step by step, Homer would fall into Komer’s hands.

Ramla realized that he could not change any of this. For him, that rebel was as a thorn in his heart, yet he was powerless to remove it. How wonderful it would have been if all this glory belonged to Conan. But looking at Conan, who was sound asleep on the bed, Ramla could only express his helplessness and sorrow with a sigh.

These days would not last much longer. Although Komer had not yet set foot in Cyprus, Ramla knew when his illegitimate younger son entered the city, everyone there would have already prostrated themselves at his feet. Looking at the merchants in the city like ants on a hot pan, the nobles who could not sleep at night, and the townspeople who talked about the glory of Odessa all day, Ramla understood that the rebel had successfully stirred the emotions of everyone in the city. All he needed was such an effect. Soon these people would obediently, even tearfully, beg for his forgiveness. Such was the reality.

When three armed warships flying the Bear Head Flag and the Sword and Shield Flag sailed into Bahomon, they nearly captured the attention of everyone on Bahomon Pier. For those who lived inland, these large warships that usually appeared at sea were a novel sight, with their high sides and numerous masts. A sailor with an expression of extreme pride and arrogance, carrying a sword and leaping about the ship as if on solid ground, without any trace of affectation, displayed an air of fierceness and ruggedness that made everyone busy on the pier instinctively realize that this fleet was extraordinary.

As the sailors marched off the gangplank in rows, the people on Bahomon Pier realized that this fleet belonged to Caucasus, to Lord Komer. A mix of surprise and a touch of proud emotion quickly spread throughout Bahomon, a town of diverse races. For a region that had always been confined to inland areas, the unexpected possession of a fleet capable of dominating the sea and protecting the sailing of Caucasus merchant ships brought a sense of security and accomplishment that was, without doubt, a pleasant surprise for every Caucasian.

Even though the sailors’ attire appeared more motley and disordered compared to the polished armor of the Caucasian Soldiers, managing uniformity in armor and attire on the turbulent sea is clearly unrealistic. But these weren’t concerns for the public; they knew that from the Catania River to the sea, there was now a fleet belonging to Caucasus escorting their merchant ships.

Looking at the radiant, dark-skinned but incredibly vigorous Hayreddin, his wild and impudent spirit was palpable even from a few steps away. Gold will always shine, and cooped up in Caucasus, a piece of gold like him would lose its luster. However, once thrown into the tumultuous sea, amidst the waves, it is time for him to shine.

Komer felt deeply satisfied from the bottom of his heart, his spur-of-the-moment idea had led to the creation of a fleet without spending much funds or effort. He had left everything to Hayreddin to manage, and now it seemed he was already tasting the fruits of success.