Chapter 936: Volume 30 The Beginning of the Empire - 7 Divergence
Komer indeed was somewhat troubled, for he had to rely on balancing tactics to win time before he grasped overwhelming power, but such techniques of balance were difficult to master, and they easily incurred the dissatisfaction and hostility of both sides.
The hearts of the people now seemed considerably important; whether it was secular forces or religious ones, the key factor in determining the rise or fall of those powers was still popular sentiment. Of course, popular sentiment did not refer to the wishes of the great nobility, nor the ideas of the lowest commoners, but rather the views of the middle and small aristocracy, free farmers, and ordinary knights and merchants that existed between them.
If Komer wanted to successfully gain a firm foothold in Nicosia and truly become the master of this land, he had to take this into account.
In the Caucasus, this problem didn’t exist. Whether it was the barbarians or immigrants, they were all establishing anew the social order on a blank slate, and a great extent of this social order had been constructed under Komer’s manipulation, leaving no issues in regard to loyalty and stability.
As for Homer, Komer could only exploit the merchants’ propensity for profit, tying Odessa, which was dominated by merchant forces, and its representative southeastern region to his own interests through economic benefits. However, in the west at Plovdiv, and in the north at Cyprus, Komer’s ruling foundation was very weak, especially in Cyprus, which was Philip’s stronghold. Even up to now, Komer could only control the surface, and on many deeper issues, he still faced resistance from the nobles.
In the issue of Poznan, Komer skillfully utilized the role of Ebson and Renta. In this way, he greatly reduced the hostility of the populace, and with Renta’s adept social prowess, one could say their integration into his rule was very successful, even surpassing Homer to some extent. This was also why Komer was unwilling to easily resort to martial conquest of Silesia and Galle; even if he occupied those areas, the internal chaos would overwhelm even a ruler like himself.
"Lord Tez, how have you been? This gentleman must be General Mathew. I have long admired your renown. Your presence in Plovdiv is a great honor for Komer. Please, this way," Komer said with great eagerness, without a hint of the conqueror’s dominance and arrogance.
Centered on Godeburg, the eastern region of Nicosia was in a state of chaos, with the major and minor nobility each governing their own affairs. Following Hoffman’s announcement of his retirement, Katya also refused Hoffman’s proposal to take over the affairs of all of Nicosia. Instead, she kept a low profile and abstained from making any further statements.
This chaotic situation would make any responsible noble’s heart twinge. Although the Northern Beastmen had not made any moves yet, should they suddenly decide to move south, Godeburg might become the next Jazair.