Upon seeing such a fine piece, Thomas almost forgot what his purpose was for tonight, being too engrossed in admiring the item in his hands, even disregarding Komer who stood in front of him and had given the gift, until the girl beside him gently touched him, prompting Thomas to snap out of his trance.
Now fully awake, Thomas regained his composure as a prince of the kingdom. Although he calmly handed the object back to Komer, Komer easily gleaned information from the reluctance in his eyes.
"Well, to be fair, it is a good item, but I cannot accept it," Thomas said, having fully regained his usual demeanor. "However, if Baron Komer is willing to part with it, I might be interested."
"Heh, Your Highness seems to doubt my motives? I, Komer, am not a merchant, merely expressing a token of friendship to Your Highness," Komer raised an eyebrow, speaking cooly, "Since Your Highness cannot even trust this much, I have nothing more to say."
Nonchalantly accepting the crossbow case handed back to him, Komer bowed slightly as a polite gesture, "Then I shall not disturb Your Highness any longer."
"Baron Komer, please wait a moment." The middle-aged man, who knew his master's tastes like the back of his hand, smiled and gestured for the three people who were about to leave, "Your Baron, please hold on, my prince merely wishes to know why you would give such a valuable gift to him?"
Komer was about to explain when the girl, with eyes as clear as water, spoke coldly, "Baron Komer, I won't conceal it, my brother is very fond of this item, but we will not accept gifts without reason. If you could explain, I think we would all be glad to know."
Although Thomas and his peers were puzzled, they did not suspect the crossbow case of having an unclear origin. After all, Komer was also a noble, and a newly enfeoffed one with a territory at that, even though said territory was remote and desolate. They were more concerned about whether the other party had any ulterior motives in offering the bribe.
Of course, Komer was well aware of their doubts. As an important figure in the kingdom, he must always consider national interests first. No matter how much he liked the item, he would not let his desires betray his rationality and do something regrettable. Without giving them a reasonable explanation, his impromptu visit would end in complete failure.
"I understand Your Highness's feelings. Though I, Komer, may be foolish, I wouldn't dare to do something so opportunistic just because I gave a gift." After pausing, seeing that all three were looking at him, Komer continued with a bitter smile, "Your Highness is probably aware that I have been enfeoffed by the Duke to Caucasus, where life is harsh, the population merely two to three thousand, and food is the main issue. Transportation is extremely difficult on both north and south sides, with only the Catania River running through Caucasus. With rampant pirates in the eastern sea, it's too risky to transport food by sea, leaving the upstream within your kingdom as the best route. Therefore, I took the liberty to request that, under acceptable conditions, Your Highness might facilitate this matter." Komer spoke calmly, openly laying out his purpose, believing that being truthful in the presence of such individuals is the quickest way to earn their trust under these circumstances.
Before Thomas could respond, the girl's expression changed abruptly, "Baron Komer, you seem to have forgotten what exactly is in the middle section of the Catania River, haven't you?"
"No, Your Highness, of course I know, but I believe that is not an insurmountable barrier. What I mean is, if I can resolve this issue, would Your Highness consider the request I just made?" Komer's demeanor remained composed, betraying no sign of discomfort.
Exchanging glances, both Thomas and the man named Dolomites were shocked by Komer's thoughts.
The Swamp Area has always been the domain of the Jellyfish People, a species independent of the world of mortals. Their unique physical qualities allow them to live in the aquatic world for extended periods, especially in places like the Swamp, which is perfect for them. The Great Swamp Area, including the middle of the Catania River, is under their influence. They particularly despise the intrusion of outsiders into their domain.
For hundreds of years, the Duchy of Rosenbourg has been trying to open this waterway, which would provide an excellent strategic transport route, but they have never succeeded. The Jellyfish People, who traverse water as if it were flat land and are exceedingly xenophobic, even refused to meet with envoys from the Duchy of Rosenbourg. The warships that the Duchy of Rosenbourg sent to force their way through ended up as wrecks in the Catania River without exception. To achieve victory over the Jellyfish People, who are accustomed to living in the water, is far too challenging for the navy of the Duchy of Rosenbourg.
Thomas's attention, which had been focused on the crossbow case, was now completely captured by Komer's words, "Wait, Baron Komer, did you just say you could solve the problem with the Jellyfish People and allow free navigation on the Catania River?"
"No, Your Highness, solving the problem with the Jellyfish People is not that simple. Hasn't your country also tried everything to no avail? I only have some ideas, but if I can miraculously gain the consent of the Jellyfish People, would Your Highness agree to my earlier request?" Komer finally smiled, shaking his head in denial of the assertion, yet he persistently made his request.
Looking away in some disappointment, Thomas thought it probably wasn't that simple, bringing his attention back to the wooden box in Komer's hands, "Well, if Baron Komer can really solve this problem, then not just importing food from our Rosenbourg, but any other terms can be discussed. Though, I fear no one could manage that."
"Then Your Highness, let us agree on this. If that day indeed comes, I hope Your Highness will remember today's promise, that will be enough for me. I have no other intentions. This Magic Crossbow is of little interests to me as it's like casting pearls before swine. I heard Your Highness is rather fond of such items, so I thought to gift it to Your Highness as a small token upon coming to our Cyprus, nothing more," Komer once again smiled as he passed the crossbow case over.