The Vastness of Magical Destiny

Chapter 82 - 82 Ten The Big Trade (1)

?Chapter 82: Chapter Ten: The Big Trade (1) Chapter 82: Chapter Ten: The Big Trade (1) When the two returned to the banquet hall arm in arm, most of the guests had already arrived, and almost every man’s face showed a decidedly amorous expression at the sight of Katya arm in arm with a young man. Even Old Chen, the solemn Internal Affairs Manager, couldn’t help but frown at the scene, but given the circumstances, as the host, Duke Tez couldn’t say much and simply motioned for them to enter.

Seeing several people beside Duke Tez, the perceptive Katya courteously greeted them and then gracefully departed, leaving the others to enter the lounge next to the banquet hall without much ado. This lounge was specially prepared for guests needing to discuss important matters undisturbed, allowing for private conversations.

“Baron Komer, allow me to introduce you. This is Viscount Kleyan, the plenipotentiary representative of the City-State of Naples; Baron Buhaz, the plenipotentiary representative of the City-State of Medea; and Viscount Selibas, the Netherland Duchy’s ambassador to our country. Gentlemen, this is Baron Komer, the Caucasus Lord of the Nicosia Duchy.” As soon as they entered the lounge, Duke Tez skipped pleasantries and began introducing everyone. After a brief exchange of courtesies, they quickly delved into substantive discussions.

“Your baron, the three gentlemen from our ally, the Kingdom of Nicosia, you must be aware of their purpose. This time, we wish to thoroughly resolve the refugee issue lingering at the borders of our respective countries. I believe we can find common ground,” Duke Tez signaled the waiter to leave with the wines and then continued, “Winter is fast approaching, and according to the meteorologists at our Kingdom Court, this winter will be exceptionally cold, probably even surpassing the one ten years ago. Therefore, we cannot delay this matter any longer. Once the cold wave hits, there may be a large number of casualties among the refugees. Such a humanitarian disaster, should it occur, would be something none of our countries could afford. So I suggest we discuss this openly and hope to find a satisfactory solution.”

After Duke Tez’s words, the room fell into an awkward silence. The delegates of the Three Kingdoms seemed somewhat unsatisfied with Duke Tez’s assertiveness. As the leading figure of the allies, he was shifting responsibility and obligations onto his fellows rather than setting an example himself. No wonder the envoys were uncomfortable. However, given that Duke Tez was also a senior statesman in the kingdom and had years of dealings with the three representatives, it was not appropriate for them to voice their displeasure openly, so discontent was conveyed through silence.

Of course, this uncomfortable silence couldn’t last long, and someone would inevitably break it. With a cough, the gaunt old man sitting diagonally across from Komer finally picked up the conversation: “Baron, I’ve heard that your visit to Versailles is to acquire a batch of immigrants to satisfy the needs of your territory?”

Komer immediately analyzed the information about this man in his mind. Viscount Selibas was from a prestigious family of the Netherland Duchy, a bosom friend of the current Grand Duke, and had considerable clout in the Netherland Ducal Court. Convincing him would have a significant influence on the representatives from the other two city-states.

“No, Mr. Selibas, you might be mistaken. I have not come here to seek immigrants but to recruit labor. To put it plainly, that means workers, but let me clarify, not slaves but free citizen laborers. Once they arrive in my territory, they will be granted the status of official Free Citizen residents, enjoying all the same rights as any other citizens in my territory, and of course, that includes duties,” Komer said, shaking his head and emphatically refuting the Netherlander’s first suspicion.

According to the agreement with the Internal Affairs Manager, Komer could do his utmost to negotiate the financial subsidy each refugee received with the Representatives of the Three Countries, and Duke Tez would assist him, but the kingdom would take thirty percent as a transit security fee. The demand raised by Duke Tez caused Komer and Caffrey to spit blood and faint, yet they had no choice but to accept it. Without the kingdom’s mediation, these refugees could never safely pass through the territories of Duke Zellin and Grand Duke Philip, nor through the Leon Region of the grudge-bearing Count Boninski who had been meddling with Komer.

A Netherlander in a velvet noble’s attire showed a hint of confusion on his gaunt cheeks as he retorted, “Your baron, what’s the difference? If they are free citizens, then of course they will follow your arrangements in your territory.”

“Viscount Selibas, you seem to be misunderstanding,” Komer said cuttingly, affecting this demeanor on purpose to provoke the other party, “I only need able-bodied men capable of labor because the Caucasus, being in a remote region, requires reclaiming wasteland and mining labor. I have no need for women, children, or the elderly; we do not have enough food to support these people,” Komer articulated sharply, aiming to make the other party see the current situation.

“Absurd!” the gaunt elder’s face flushed with a wave of anger as the Netherlander struggled to suppress his outrage, “Baron Komer, your thinking is too absurd. Which man doesn’t have a family to support? How is your approach any different from that vampire, Count Boninski?!”

“Viscount Selibas, what Count Boninski needs are slaves; I offer refugees freedom, and there is a fundamental difference, which you should be clear about,” Komer rebutted emphatically, “The Caucasus is just being established, and you might have heard about the specific conditions there. It can be summed up in eight words: desolate wilderness, utterly devoid of anything. Everything must start from scratch. If you expect me to bring back a crowd of the weak and elderly, what will I use to supply their needs? The Caucasus is not a charitable hall, nor am I a philanthropist.” Komer continued fervently, “Actually, I would like to tell all of you that being a slave is better than dying of cold or starvation in the wilderness. Although Count Boninski’s conditions are a bit harsh, at least he can provide these refugees the right to survive. But remaining in this northern wilderness, when the cold wave comes, even foxes know to hide in their dens. The only fate for those without shelter from the wind and snow is to become zombies. If you all care so much about their fate, then why not open your borders and let these refugees into your countries? Treat them the same as your citizens. Wouldn’t that be a great joy for all? Even if I don’t recruit the labor force I need, I would still be happy to see that happen.”

Komer’s sharp words left the gaunt elder speechless. With more than two hundred thousand refugees at stake, no one dared to openly welcome them into their countries, because the multitude of problems they would bring could not be resolved with just a few words. Especially in these neighboring countries, these people, yearning for their old country, would endlessly demand that the allies help drive out the Beastmen and reclaim the lost lands. But who could fulfill such a demand? If unfulfilled, such failure would inevitably lead to the dissatisfaction of these people, a consideration that any politician would first take into account.

“Enough, Baron Komer, we are here today to discuss the conditions for accepting refugees, as to who should accept them, I think we have already reached a conclusion. However, regarding the numbers, I believe we still have some differences that need to be discussed here,” the authoritative tone of the Internal Affairs Manager made Komer obediently bow to show his apologies. However, when Duke Tez mentioned that the number problem had not yet been settled, Komer felt as though he had been duped by someone again.

Before Komer could open his mouth to speak, Duke Tez had already solemnly gestured for Komer to stop, continuing earnestly, “Gentlemen, the number of refugees currently staying in the border region has been clearly listed. The total exceeds two hundred and seventy thousand, with Myron Duchy’s refugees numbering over one hundred and fifty thousand, and Meine City-State and Susoer City-State both exceeding sixty thousand, which is twenty thousand more than our initial estimates. Therefore, we must discuss this matter further.”