Komer's heart warmed at their concern. Hardships reveal true friendship, and although this was not exactly a hardship for him, in fact, it was a huge relief, to the common people, Caucasus was indeed regarded as a land where devils dwelled. Ilot had made his stance clear, and what more could one say? According to the laws of the kingdom, a vassal resisting his lord's command would be sentenced to death by fire, and accomplices would share the same guilt. Both of them were well aware of this.
Waving his hand, Komer stopped Puber, who was about to speak, and with a carefree tone said, "Ha ha, I appreciate your concern, but why should I flee? Though life in exile is colorful, I've experienced it for over three years, and that's enough for me. I don't want to live in hiding anymore. Since His Grace has kindly decided to grant a fertile fief to my father and then to me, how can I not accept such a favor?"
"A fertile fief? Komer, have you lost your mind? Don't tell me you don't know what kind of place Caucasus is?!" Puber and Ilot couldn't help but exclaim in unison.
"No one dares to go there, other than dead convicts and heretics. Haven't you heard all the stories about it? Fifty years ago, Viscount Burke was exiled there and lost his life within two months. Twenty years ago, Baron Fayez went and was killed by a mob in less than three months. Ten years ago, Baron Hawkins spent just a week there before going mad, and he's still confined in the Psychiatric Hospital. Even the knights and mages from the Knights regiment sent by His Grace to investigate have never mentioned that place again. Do you think this is a game or a joke, or do you think you're an omnipotent God?" Puber couldn't contain his anger any longer and shouted furiously.
"Puber, calm down. Caucasus is not as terrifying as you imagine. Thousands of residents also live there, and haven't they been living well all these years?" Komer leaned back in his chair, squinting slightly, and looked out of the window at the riverbank, "I've been there, not just once, but I stayed for two days. Though a bit remote, it is definitely not a wilderness. The majestic Damarlinsk Castle stands tall, and despite some decay, it does not diminish its grandeur."
Puber and Ilot finally calmed down and exchanged glances. Puber composed himself and said solemnly, "Boss, you've been to Caucasus? Then have you been inside Damarlinsk Castle? Have you heard the legends there?"
Confronted with his friend's inquiry, Komer found it difficult to answer. Of course, he knew about Damarlinsk Castle. Although he had never entered, the sight of the grand and exquisite structure had captivated him when he passed by, and the contradictory and bizarre legends had been the main attraction for his visit.
Of course, Komer did not dare to enter or even get close. The place had been avoided like Ghosts for decades, and it certainly was not a blessed land. If he had carelessly entered, perhaps he would be the next one sent to the Psychiatric Hospital. Komer was not that confident.
"Of course, I haven't been inside Damarlinsk Castle, but I've learned about it. There are many stories, each different from the last, yet as outsiders, perhaps nobody can really clarify what has happened there. To truly understand, I fear, one must go there personally. But I do not have such courage. Damarlinsk Castle has so much allure and is well-known in our kingdom. I think it must have some Special Features that spark all kinds of speculation," Komer answered thoughtfully.
After a moment of reflection, Komer continued, "Maybe it's these various legends that have aroused people's boundless curiosity. Curiosity is always the primary motivation for humans to conquer the unknown."
At Komer's response, Puber and Ilot were left speechless, realizing that their boss was determined to try his luck in that devilish place. Perhaps the more than three years of roaming exile had exhausted him, making him willing to venture into a place as dreaded as the Caucasus. For a time, Puber and Ilot found no words with which to argue or persuade him.
Seeing his two friends looking at each other in dismay, unable to comprehend, Komer smiled slightly, "Puber, Ilot, it's not that I have to go to Caucasus, but given the current situation, I have no choice but to go. And I don't think it's as terrible as you say. It's unprecedented in history for His Grace to grant a fief to the Reese Family, for special merit that hasn't been recognized in such a way before. Moreover, it was designated to be passed on to me, and I'm just a soon-to-be adult, illegitimate child. How could I not accept such an honor from His Grace?"
Ilot stared intently at Komer's nonchalant expression and asked, "Boss, are you saying that you understand His Grace's intentions?"
Turning his face away, Komer's gaze sharpened, and after a long pause, he said, "How could I not be aware of it? Who doesn't know about this matter? Yet everyone unanimously says it's a sign of His Grace's esteem for our Reese family, a favor toward my father. Heh heh, but this so-called gift has fallen upon my head, truly a blessing of three lifetimes."
After a pause, Komer quickly glanced around and, seeing no one paying attention, lowered his voice and said, "His Grace is probably still holding a grudge over the affair from more than three years ago. Maybe we were just too naive at that time. Now, if I don't go, our situation would become even more perilous. Here in Cyprus City, making us disappear would probably be easier than crushing a mosquito. Why would I wait here for death? Death is all the same everywhere, so why not venture out? On the Caucasus land, no one can cover the sky with one hand; perhaps I will still have a chance."
Both Ilot and Puber fell silent. The boss had long known that this was a targeted arrangement, but just as he said, if they did not accept it, the fate of not only him but also the two of them would perhaps be even more tragic. Maybe someday, someone would discover three aristocratic children drowned after a drunken mishap, or even if the three of them vanished in Cyprus City, no one would inquire.
The air was filled with oppression and sorrow, thinking that they had not long reunited only to part again, a bitter melancholy welled up in the hearts of the three friends who had grown up together. Reality is such; if you've done it, you have to be responsible for your actions. All existing rules seem fair, it all depends on whether you have the strength to change them.
"Boss, why don't I come with you? I've got some skills, and maybe I could even be your bodyguard. After all, I'll soon be having my coming-of-age ceremony, and my mother said she'd give me some money to keep me from joining the army, just to hang around in Cyprus City. But how long can I live like that? As you said, boss, it's better to have an adventure out there. Perhaps I can make something of myself. I've decided, I'll go to the Caucasus with you!" Ilot's tone was firm, conveying his resolved decision. After a silence, he turned his head and asked, "Puber, what about you?"
Puber, who'd been silent and looking down, slowly raised his head, a faint blush on his pale face, "If Baron needs an Administrative Officer or a Finance Officer, Puber is willing to serve!"
The sudden change in their thinking took Komer by surprise, and he shook his head firmly in refusal after a momentary shock, "No, it's not a good idea. The Caucasus doesn't need you; you have your own lives. Just because fate has arranged for me to go to the Caucasus doesn't mean you must go too."
This time, it was Puber who spoke up first, "Boss, this isn't a whim for either of us. Both Ilot and I will face the same difficulties as you. After coming of age, continuing to stay in Cyprus City, we were part of that affair years ago, and we're just as endangered in this city. What if one day His Grace has a merciful thought about us? That would be a big problem. Besides, as you've said boss, the Caucasus is not hell. Instead of idling in this city, it's better to go out and see the world. Since you'll be the lord there, you'll definitely need people to help you manage the affairs and protect you. Who better than Ilot and myself for those roles?"
Seeing the determination in their eyes, Komer's rock-solid heart once again showed cracks. He disliked this kind of sincere emotion; as friends, he didn't want them to face danger with him. Over three years of exile had made him more accustomed to a life of quid pro quo, and this heart-to-heart friendship made him feel incredibly comforted, yet it also brought him confusion.
"Have you two decided?"
"We have, it's our own choice." "Yeah, we might experience a new kind of life, which is certainly better than just muddling through the days in Cyprus City."
Their unwavering answers made Komer reflect for a while before finally making up his mind, "Alright, we're all brothers. I won't say much more, things are not as dire as some people imagine. I believe with our combined strength, we can bestow the halo it deserves on the Caucasus, this land eyed by all as a wilderness."