“Heh, Knight Sart, I think your words are insulting the intelligence and experience of these representatives. Do they not yearn for a better life? True, the majority of places in the Galle and Homer regions are more suitable for their lives, but these places have already been inhabited by indigenous people for generations. One hundred and fifty thousand refugees may not be that many, but they’re not few either. Should they really flood into these areas, wouldn’t they bring the lords quite a lot of trouble? Doesn’t today’s scene prove exactly this point? As Duke Zellin said, even a baseless rumor can provoke such a strong reaction from the locals. What if it were true? Putting aside the fact that they have not been approved by the kingdom, even if they settle down, wouldn’t the refugees still live in endless attacks and fear? And refugees without recognized kingdom identities are undeniably in a worse position than slaves, their lives and properties being completely unprotected. Is this the life the refugees need? They might as well have accepted Boninski’s request from the beginning and gone directly to the Leon Region to become mine slaves.”
“Moreover, Knight Sart is also right about one thing— the Caucasus Region lies on the southern edge of the kingdom’s territory, with the barbarians’ lands to the south of the Caucasus. However, the barbarians haven’t had conflicts with the kingdom for decades, living in peace with each other. As for magical beasts, I’m sure there are some in every region—it’s just a question of more or less. In the Caucasus, at least I haven’t heard or seen magical beasts intruding into human settlements. Of course, to achieve an area completely devoid of magical beasts even in the Galle Region’s Dun River Swamp is, I think, equally impossible. As for Damarlinsk Castle, Knight Sart’s statements are probably exaggerated. True, it is the castle of the lords of the Caucasus. While it has had some troubles in the past, I don’t believe this means it will always be so. Between us, after I return to the Caucasus this time, I plan to choose an appropriate time to move into the castle. By then, I hope Duke Zellin and Knight Sart will be able to come and take a vacation in Our Caucasus when you have free time, to go hunting and relax. Our Caucasus has a warm climate and abundant game, which makes it a great place for adventures and hunting.”
In the face of the other’s provocation, Komer replied with a calm and leisurely smile, his tone not taking the other party seriously at all. His sharp and biting words were his specialty, leaving the young knight flushing red and then pale, clearly not as eloquent as he was combat-skilled. No match for Komer’s sarcasm and mockery, all he could do was glare bitterly at the crafty country bumpkin, inwardly resolving to teach this oblivious fool a lesson if the opportunity arose.
“Haha, Your Excellency the Baron, your eloquence is indeed superb. The migration of refugees from the three regions to the Caucasus was also a decision by the kingdom. While the Caucasus is a bit remote, it is certainly much better than falling into the fate of becoming Beastmen slaves. I am sure the gentlemen here agree. I am truly sorry for today’s incident, and I ask for your understanding for the impropriety of my young daughter earlier. I had hoped to invite you all to stay and rest well here, but I reckon you are not in the mood now. So, tonight, I will hold a banquet in the mansion as compensation for the regrettable events of today, and I hope you all will not shy away from attending.”
Since the plan had been exposed, halting this immature and imprecise scheme was inevitable, and he believed the others felt the same. It was a pity, though, to lose the opportunity to profit handsomely from this group of wealthy lower class individuals. The silver-haired elder had become certain that today’s uproar was related to this seemingly unaffected country fellow, but he could not yet comprehend who within his territory had the power to stir up such a storm without his knowledge, nor could he ascertain if the purpose was to hinder his acceptance of affluent refugees for a huge profit or if it was the kingdom orchestrating events from behind the scenes to provoke contention and strike at his reputation. If it were the latter, that deserved his deep contemplation.
With six hours left until the banquet and plenty of time, the representatives from Meine and Susoer politely declined the lord’s cordial invitation. They needed to return to their people’s dwellings outside the city first to explain the day’s events to the part of wealthy merchants and landlords who longed to live on the Galle Plain. Duke Zellin’s last words undoubtedly announced the end of this conspiracy.