Chapter 837: Volume 26: Gathering Strength - 3: Potentially Unreliable Ally_2
"Mr. Karmani, it seems you indeed have much to discuss, so please don’t hold back. I’m quite easygoing, and you needn’t have any reservations," Komer noted the other’s inner unease, the spiritual pressure unintentionally manifesting itself upon his own body, making the other party feel uncomfortable even though he didn’t intend to do anything.
"Lord Komer, I feel that you hold a prejudice against the Gisa People, including our Laurent family. I hope I can dispel this unfair view of yours," Karmani took a deep breath as he spoke.
"Oh? Mr. Karmani, do you find it necessary? Or am I really that important in your eyes? I don’t think I deserve such attention from you. Your Laurent family has businesses and properties elsewhere, too. Do you act this way everywhere you go?" Komer was surprised. He had always assumed that Karmani had some other business endeavors he wanted to engage with him, not expecting him to merely seek clarification.
"Well, of course not, in other places we just fulfill our duties as merchants," Karmani shook his head.
"Then I’m quite curious why Mr. Karmani holds me in such high regard. Is it the business opportunities in Caucasus and Homer that you value, or is it me you regard highly?" Komer found this increasingly interesting.
"One could say it’s a bit of both, but more importantly, we are more interested in Mr. Komer," Karmani smiled, and the atmosphere lightened considerably.
"Oh, is that so? I’m feeling a bit flattered indeed," Komer smiled as well.
"Lord Komer, including you, many people may look down on, even despise the Gisa People, thinking we are solely profit-driven and treasure wealth as life itself, believing we Gisa people would forsake morals and conscience for gain. But have you ever wondered why the Gisa People are like this? We Gisa primarily engage in trade, and we could do business just like any other merchants; however, we are forced to pursue more profits and sometimes against our conscience. Do you think we don’t know this would bring more hatred and anger upon us, making our survival in this world even more difficult?" Karmani fixed his gaze on Komer, enunciating each word.
Komer nodded; he too wanted to hear the explanation. It’s said that the Gisa People have a natural talent for business, able to root themselves anywhere and become the local wealthy class, but they have no political status whatsoever; they are subjects of resentment everywhere, this unique and embarrassing position causing the Gisa People to attract disapproving gazes wherever they go.
"Why? It all stems from that damned Church of Light!" Karmani said through gritted teeth.