The Vastness of Magical Destiny

Chapter 81 - 81 Nine Instigation

?Chapter 81: Chapter Nine: Instigation Chapter 81: Chapter Nine: Instigation “Your Highness, you’re incredibly well-informed,” Komer could not but admire. “I indeed plan on that. My territory lacks sufficient labor; I need some help to reclaim wasteland and mine the mines. For this, I’ve met with Duke Tez and am now awaiting his reply. Why would Your Highness take an interest in these tedious matters?” Komer deliberately played down the complexity of the matter, also aware that his counterpart certainly knew the cold disdain and disapproval this issue received from the Great Lords, especially what reaction would Duke Philip of the Homer region, as a landowner, have to his actions?

“Your Baron, when you make a move, it’s always a big one. Over a hundred thousand people— even my father praises you incessantly. This time, you have really helped the Kingdom solve a big problem. Of course, some do not wish to see such an outcome, but this is Versailles; they can’t change the result,” said the enchanting beauty cryptically, subtly touching upon the issue of concern for Komer; it seemed the two had found common ground.

“Heh, Your Highness is aware that it’s not that I wanted to make a big move, but did I have any choice?” Komer was startled that even the exact number of people he was supposed to accept was known so precisely. It seemed nothing short of impossible to keep anything secret in the court, and he believed this information had also reached the ears of the Great Lords. He just didn’t know what kind of trouble they would create for him. After composing himself, Komer could only reply with a bitter smile, “Whether these hundred thousand people are a curse or a blessing, I don’t even know myself.”

“Really? Then what brings Your Baron all the way to Versailles? It can’t be just to watch the grand play at Hunting Manor tomorrow night, can it?” The woman’s tone, tinged with sarcasm, left Komer no choice but to respond with a bitter smile, “What rumor did you say you heard in Cyprus?”

Finally, the conversation had turned to the main topic. Princess Katya had little interest in the refugee problem, and the disparity in views between the lords and her father could not change the current situation of the Kingdom, much less affect her directly. Still, the unfavorable rumors mentioned by the other party certainly warranted attention.

“Oh, it’s nothing much. I just happened to hear someone say that Prince Hoffman seems to place great importance on royal bloodline purity, claiming that if someone of impure lineage were to assume a high position, it could lead to dissension among the common people. Perhaps Prince Hoffman mentioned it casually, or maybe the speaker meant nothing by it yet the listener took it to heart. Such talk seems to be acknowledged by the nobles in Cyprus City. I’m worried that if this trend of conversation spreads to the Royal City, it might cause unnecessary trouble for Princess Katya. Would it be better to prepare early or perhaps it’s wiser for His Majesty to clarify?” Komer casually dropped a lie without batting an eyelid. The rumor was a figment of his imagination, crafted with the other’s identity in mind. To verify such a rumor would only smear things further, a principle well understood by Komer. He had no worries about being found out; this was a strategically prepared “gift” for the other party in a moment of inspiration.

“Really?” Princess Katya had never expected this seemingly honest Rural Lord would fabricate such malicious gossip at their first meeting. The issues between her brother and herself were public knowledge in the Royal City. Her brother’s loose talk outside was unsurprising, but if it won noble agreement in Cyprus City—the capital of one of the Four Great Lords of the Kingdom—it took on a different significance. Particularly since her father was already borrowing from the Four Great Lords due to the continuous northern wars, their influence and right to speak were increasing, possibly even affecting the order of Royal Successors. Although she was aware that Hoffman had long wanted to form a strategic alliance with Philip, that old fox Philip was not as simple as one might think, and the views of the nobility in the Homer region were not solely represented by Philip. She had to seriously contemplate her strategy.

Komer hadn’t expected that a casual, insincere remark could be taken so seriously by the lady. He found himself wondering whether this irresponsible comment might cause unnecessary trouble for himself. Yet, since the words were already spoken, taking them back was not an option. He had no choice but to feign a sympathetic demeanor to show his support.

“It seems that this brother of mine has indeed given thorough consideration for my father,” the enchanting beauty apparently showed little reaction to Komer’s words. But Komer knew very well that such potent comments were often etched deep into the hearts of such women. Their outward composure only proved their innermost taboos.

Princess Katya’s mother was not from any noble family within the Kingdom of Nicosia but the daughter of a humble household from the Southwestern neighbor, the Kingdom of Persmia. She was the result of a chance encounter during His Majesty the King’s covert visit to Persmia. Although she later followed His Majesty back to Jazair, she was never accepted by the nobility of the Royal City until Princess Katya was declared an adult and named the third in line to the throne. The debate had gradually subsided, but there were still many who scorned the Princess for her common blood and seemingly promiscuous nature.

“Your Highness, I think we should perhaps refrain from discussing such trivial matters that serve only to upset others. The pure remain pure, and the impure, impure. The course of events is unlikely to be altered by such trivialities. I am confident that His Majesty the King, with his wisdom, will not be swayed by these rumors and gossip, and Your Highness need not take them too seriously,” he said, feeling a soft wave emanating from the arm he was holding and a sweet scent of orange mixed with rose wafting into his nostrils – rich yet not overpowering, quite comfortable. It seemed to be the finest perfume produced by Godeburg, a city of gardens in the East. Just one small bottle of such perfume was worth thousands of gold shields, far beyond what ordinary wealthy folks could afford. This fragrance brought Komer back to that unforgettable midsummer night over three years ago.

“Well, Your baron seems to have deep sentiments on this matter. Have you too been troubled by something similar?” Princess Katya glanced in surprise at the rural noble who walked beside her. She had not expected him, a notorious rake from the remote lands of Cyprus City, to speak in a manner that resonated so deeply with her current frame of mind. She couldn’t help but elevate his standing in her heart by several notches.

“Ha, Your Highness, who in this world lives without worries? Farmers worry about poor harvests and fear the price of food falling, merchants are concerned about losing money and fret over increasing competition, officials anxious about lacking promotion opportunities, fearful of angering their superiors, women fret about aging and fear being abandoned by their husbands, and men worry about losing their virility, afraid of being ridiculed by women. The multitude of these little troubles is what forms the daily orbit of our world. To live without concerns is but an empty, idyllic fantasy. We can only face it all with a calmer disposition, live in hope, and make our spirits brighter,” Komer replied offhandedly with a trace of melancholy on his composed face, as he strolled through the courtyard arm in arm with her, like close friends.

Katya’s heart fluttered. His words, like the profound teachings of a philosopher, seemed almost to chide her, as if nudging her in every sentence. She cast another doubting glance at his slightly gaunt cheeks, which appeared no different from before. This caused an inexplicable urge to rise within her—to become well-acquainted with this man and to understand him better.