The Vastness of Magical Destiny

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"Humph, what’s so good about the south? Can it compare to our Caucasus? If you want to make money, you still have to be in our Caucasus." The tavern owner seemed to be an indigenous person, wiping the glasses while humming and chirping, "Just look at our Santiago and you’ll know that what I’m saying is true."

"What money can you make here?" A dwarf intervened, unconvinced.

"Humph, what can’t you make money on? Why else would these people come here? I tell you, three years ago, Santiago was nothing, just a few hunters around here. I moved from Ugru three years ago, and I’ve witnessed the transformation. It started with the immigrants from the three northern territories, the half-beastmen, barbarians, and merchants of all sorts who came here to make their fortunes. One by one, coal mines, logging yards were established, streets stretched out, and the population grew. Now, with the canal extending from Mattdam, I hear that in another two months, the canal to Lake Niall will also be through. By then, our Santiago will turn into a true transportation hub. To the south, you can head to sea; to the north, you can reach Izmir. We have coal and charcoal here. Iron ore from Izmir is shipped in, and won’t this place become another Bahomon? You dwarves always say you’re the best at smelting and forging, why can’t you make a living here?"

The tavern owner’s words stirred the hearts of the dwarfs. With the volatile situation in the south, not only are the barbarians continuously attacking the surrounding countries, but Shiama has been ravaged by barbarians’ lands. Moreover, within the Corinthians Alliance, disputes continue unabated. The Severo Duchy and Piraeus have been locked in a diplomatic dispute over Giganthia Temple’s collapse and have yet to resolve it. Tensions have been high, with the risk of war looming, especially since Piraeus’s strength has been expanding rapidly, posing even more danger to the Severo Duchy. Dwarves don’t have a profound concept of nation-state, preferring a nomadic lifestyle that makes it easier for them to find a place to settle. Their homeland doesn’t hold much appeal to them, which is why they often migrate their entire family due to reasons unimaginable to mortals, such as the discovery of a dwarven ancient civilization in the Volt Mountain Range.

Komer was almost certain that this tavern owner was either a spy planted by Maha Gummi or a character inserted by Puber here, a role that fit Puber’s style. This man wasn’t wrong. When the canal is fully interconnected, both Izmir and Santiago will become new industrial centers, especially in the smelting and forging industry which required a large number of skilled workers, and the masters of smelting and forging were in high demand. These dwarfs seemingly had a background in this profession or had come into contact with it before. It would really be a shame if these fellows ran off to the Southern Mediterranean.

"Owner, do you have any Red Maoshao in your shop?" Komer suddenly raised his voice.

"Uh, there are three jars left," the tavern owner replied after a pause.