The Vastness of Magical Destiny

The meeting with Xerob ended under relatively peaceful circumstances, with neither party persuading the other, but both Komer and Xerob understood that it was not in anyone’s interest to break ties at this time. The situation had not yet escalated to a public fallout. Both sides still needed time to calm and adjust. Unity would benefit both while division would harm both. Both Komer and Xerob were wise and were not going to rush into a step like that.

Piraeus was clearly infiltrated by the Dark Holy Church, with Dark Temples visible everywhere. Phoenicia and Sparta were also showing signs of this, albeit much more covertly. Once the fervor of the people was invoked, even the rulers dared not challenge it directly. It was wise to go with the tide and take advantage of the situation. Cyrus, the old fox, clearly had a good grip on this balance. The expansion of the Dark Holy Church in Sparta was unstoppable, but the pace was firmly in his hands. In comparison, the rulers of Piraeus and the Phoenicians were much duller.

Komer watched all these changes with a cold eye. During his brief absence from the Southern Mediterranean, the Dark Lineage had made such significant progress, which undoubtedly resulted from the long-term accumulation of power by the Dark Lineage. Gathering momentum quietly until it bursts forth like a spark igniting a prairie fire, uncontrollable once started. The Church of Light, which had never been deeply rooted in this region, was suddenly in a precarious position, even in Flanders within the Iberian Kingdom, this subtle change was distinctly felt.

Komer made cursory visits with rulers of multiple countries, his polite demeanor barely concealing his doubts and fears. While he understood their apprehension, not everyone was conservative about his arrival. At least in places like Phoenicia and Tyre, where various factors made progress challenging, the city-states and countries hoped for a significant shift in the Southern Mediterranean’s dynamics. Perhaps only then could they escape their current dire circumstances — a belief they held firm in no matter what changes might come.

Komer did not easily show his stance. As a representative of the Northern power Nicosia, he needed to maintain a composed image, ensuring his actions followed his words and yielded results. He hoped to leave such an impression during his first appearance as this representative in the Southern Mediterranean region. With plenty of time ahead, he believed there would be many opportunities for cooperation with these potential allies.

The ships coming and going from the Port of Patrae were bustling, with the Mediterranean breeze bringing them endless power. Komer leisurely lay on the deck, basking in the early winter sunshine of the Southern Mediterranean, warm and tender like a lover’s gaze, arousing yet languid and gentle.

Finitz still wore that pleated dress, but Komer was sure she was not undressed underneath. Such stories did not happen without reason. This girl’s physical condition was unusually good; although the Southern Mediterranean was warm, her thin dress was still somewhat surprising.

A medium-sized speedboat was heading straight for them. Although the channel was wide, the other party seemed to have no intention of yielding. Their flagman signaled for Komer’s ship to move aside. Komer was surprised. Who could warrant such special treatment? In the Southern Mediterranean, unlike the North, the power of the nobles was much weaker, and such blatant privilege would only provoke criticism from the council.

"The Saintess is passing through, please make way."

Most of the crew under Hayreddin were seasoned sailors in the Southern Mediterranean who, despite knowing the reputation of the other party, kept silent very sensibly as Komer gave no sign.

Komer could even see an indignant look on the face of the imposing warrior on the prow of the other boat, but perhaps the knightly dignity made him still maintain restraint.