The Vastness of Magical Destiny

"Alright, Lord Komer, you are a straightforward man, a fact I have long heard of, and I have also experienced your decisive and efficient style in the canal construction. Our Laurent family, representing a significant portion of the Gisa people, hope to gain your protection. In exchange, we Gisa will serve you with all our might, fulfilling any need you may have to the best of our abilities," Karmani stated plainly.

"Oh? Am I hearing this right?" Komer raised his eyebrows in surprise and asked, "Have the Gisa people encountered some kind of disaster? Or is the Church of Light planning to purge you? I can’t understand what you mean."

"Lord Komer, you should understand that there’s no need for us to hide or tiptoe around anything. Since I, Karmani, can speak so frankly, there’s nothing to be taboo about," Karmani expressed a hint of dissatisfaction on his face, "The Gisa people want to be treated fairly and not live in constant anxiety and fear, worried that those in power will confiscate our wealth, arrest us on some pretext, or throw us into prison. We do not want to live like this anymore; we have no excessive demands, only to enjoy the rights that a normal citizen should."

"Then let’s not beat around the bush, I’ll repeat my question, why choose me? I need a reason that can convince myself," Komer’s expression became serious and solemn.

"The reason is simple, by observing actions, you can know the person. We believe Lord Komer is capable and worthy of our trust, just for these two reasons," Karmani maintained his concise manner.

"Oh? What makes you think so?" Komer’s gaze sharpened, as if trying to peer into the depths of the other’s mind.

"Lord Komer, you managed to rise from a mere Caucasian Baron to drive out your direct superior and become one of the Four Great Lords within the Kingdom of Nicosia. And now, you’re certainly not content with this situation. Therefore, we believe you will continue to move forward, and you also have the ability to do so. With the help of the Gisa people, I believe your strides can be even larger. We wouldn’t be so optimistic about Lord Komer if it was just about Homer and Caucasus, as these two regions are too small for the Gisa people who wander around the whole continent. But if you are to continue on, we feel this may well be hope for us, Gisa people," Karmani explained without any pretense of their opportunistic mentality.

Karmani didn’t conceal the opportunistic mentality of his people. Cooperation between both parties is a process of selection. If one side has something of value to the other, a deal can naturally be struck. If either party lacks something valuable to offer, then they simply part ways. Cooperation is, after all, built on mutual benefit; mere pity-based help is neither sustainable nor durable and can disintegrate at any time.

"Hmm, it appears the Gisa people see great potential in me," Komer commented with a sly smile on his lips, appearing complacent, yet also seeming self-deprecating, "Anything else?"

"Yes, Sir, if you can shelter the Half-Beastmen and treat them as equals, and also subdue the Barbarians to kneel at your feet, then these barbaric tribes, scorned in the eyes of Mortals, can also obtain equal citizen rights under your rule. Don’t the Gisa people, who belong to the same Mortal lineage, deserve the same? It’s for this reason alone, we, the Gisa people, are willing to engage in a true cooperation with you," Karmani stated slowly, emphasizing each word, as a flush of excitement rose on his pale, gaunt cheeks.

"Cooperation? Hmm, I must consider carefully whether I truly need to cooperate with anyone," Komer said, filled with uncertainty in his voice and unswayed by Karmani’s excitement.