Chapter 14: Making Friends

Komer wasn't surprised when Ramla Reese explained himself to the Business Association. As the highly trusted Chief Financial Officer in front of Grand Duke Philip, the special position of Ramla Reese spoke volumes to the traders. A single deal was nothing for wealthy merchants, not to mention the Chief Financial Officer's explanation was somewhat passable. It was all in the name of helping a friend, even though that friend was a lowly barbarian.

As Ramla Reese gritted his teeth while offering this explanation, he could only imagine the mixed looks of astonishment and contempt from the merchants, and how mortifying they must have been.

As an aristocratic child without inheritance rights, his status vastly differed from that of the common people. However, to be called a friend by an aristocrat, when even commoners would not associate with barbarians, was unthinkable. The term "friend" wasn't to be used casually. One could mention a business partner or a childhood neighbor, but never refer to someone of such disparate status as a friend.

This was surely groundbreaking news that would spread throughout Cyprus City by tomorrow. The moment the words escaped his lips, Ramla regretted it, but it was too late. Sir Ramla Reese had no choice but to stand his ground, even pondering if his rebellious son might have had a point: if he didn't find a way to get him out of Cyprus City, he might indeed bring more and more trouble and shame upon him.

The Night Sky Bar. Komer sullenly picked up a large mug of Rye Beer and took a hefty swig, a tinge of crimson slowly spreading across his pale face. The slightly bitter beer poured down his throat, washing away some of his irritability.

In reality, there was nothing particularly troubling. In fact, just yesterday Komer had successfully negotiated a deal for the ore with a merchant from Western Phoenix City, at a price even slightly higher than he had anticipated.

This made Komer deeply understand why Grand Duke Philip went to great lengths to maintain the free status of Cyprus City, and why the traders in the city were so rich.

Apart from reserving a small amount of special ore for his future refining needs, Komer didn't hesitate to hand over all the ore to the merchant from Phoenix City. In order to minimize the hostility and dissatisfaction from the other merchants, Komer even had the barbarians transfer the goods to the merchant's ship overnight, in their eagerness nearly arousing the merchant's suspicion of the goods' legality.

Fortunately, once the merchant learned of Komer's true identity, he was very understanding of the struggles faced by a noble non-heir approaching adulthood. He generously handed a large bag of gold shields to Komer and left contact information in a friendly manner, immersing Komer in his kindness for a long time.

With the deal concluded, Komer didn't profit from the margin. He generously handed all the earnings to the chief of the barbarians and referred him to a relatively honest food merchant to purchase food. Since food couldn't be collected overnight, this was as far as Komer could assist. The merchant recognized Komer's status and didn't make it too difficult for the barbarians.

The barbarians didn't seem to have any inclination to show gratitude. Apart from giving Komer a wooden bead bracelet when they followed the food carriage, they didn't utter any extra words of thanks.

After repeatedly confirming that it was just an ordinary wooden bead bracelet, Komer felt utterly disheartened.

He had wanted to establish a profitable connection, but it seemed the barbarians were not too interested. Even after the successful deal and Komer's enthusiastic persuasion, they showed no special response, making it clear they were only barely listening to his lengthy spiel out of gratitude.

Decadence, oh, decadence. If one does not emerge from decadence, they perish within it—isn't that so? Who said that?

True, decadence can be quite a sensation. It allows one to hover in a semi-floating state, with no ideals, no pursuits, nothing but numbness from the dual anesthetics of alcohol and the mind. But can one embrace decadence for a lifetime?

If one could afford such a luxury without worries, perhaps one would really fall in love with this debauched life of glitz and drink.

"Boss, what brought you to this place all of a sudden?" The refined voice came from behind him. Without turning, Komer knew it was his old friend, Puber.

"Puber, do you remember? This was our favorite spot. The bustling streets, the wonderful sensations—everything seems unchanged here, but we've both changed," Komer responded without looking back, his voice low and laden with profound sentiment. "The happy days are gone, never to return. Where do we go from here?"

Puber fell silent. Ever since Komer had returned from exile, Puber had noticed that their once boisterous and reckless boss had become a different person—melancholic, chilly, and distant. Yet on closer inspection, he found that Komer's nature still coursed with wildness and indulgence, just much better concealed.

"Boss, are you worried about where we should go after our coming-of-age ceremony?" After a long while, Puber asked feebly.

"It's not entirely that. It's just that seeing this old scene in front of me stirs up emotions. By the way, has your family discussed with you where you're headed?" Komer shook his head and asked.

"Sigh, it's still the same two options: either they give me some money to get rid of me, or they grant me a small piece of land to fend for myself. With our survival skills, I'm afraid it won't be two days before we end up like those lunatics over there."

Puber's voice was a bit soft, but his hand pointed toward the faraway streets of the Slum outside the bar, where several idle fellows were wandering around the block.

"Weren't those people the same as us before? But in just a few years, they've turned out like this. Look at them; maybe that is a picture of our future selves."

Puber's words were somewhat exaggerated, but Komer couldn't deny that there was some truth in them. People like them, accustomed to a life of luxury where everything was handed to them, would probably go insane trying to adapt to a life where every penny mattered.

Perhaps he would manage slightly better, but for Puber and Ilot, it would be even more unbearable. Yet, the only choices in front of them were these two paths. If they really were granted a piece of land, could a small, remote village sustain him?

Thinking about this, Komer felt another wave of frustration.

"Puber, didn't you study in Phoenix City for a few years? At least you could find a position in some department in the city, enough to secure food and shelter. Ilot could also continue with his profession, fight as a soldier. It seems his family is still somewhat kind to him."

Komer casually poured Puber a large mug of beer, his eyes playfully engaging with a server across the room.

"Hmph, that's because of his mother; at least she is the legitimate wife, unlike us. But I think his good days are numbered. Once he comes of age, I doubt his mother will be able to help him much, at most occasionally swindling some pocket money from her."

"Is the world not vast enough for us to find a way to live?" Komer perked up, perhaps provoked by the lascivious actions of a woman across the room. He felt a mysterious passion filling him and wanted to find somewhere to unleash it, but over three years of a refugee life had matured him considerably. He didn't want to commit a foolish mistake in certain matters, so he tried his best to suppress the burgeoning desires within, drowning them with beer.

"There are plenty of ways to make a living; it's just not that easy to have a leisurely life like we do now," Puber said coolly, analyzing the situation. "Especially since we've made a bad name for ourselves here in Cyprus City. Just the other day, you offended the Business Association. Although they let it slide using your father's name, it won't be the case once you leave. By the way, Boss, why did you give all the income to those Barbarians? Didn't you plan to profit handsomely from that?"

"Don't fuss about the small immediate profits. Look at the bigger picture; maybe they'll bring us more benefits in the future." Komer was already regretting his generosity, wondering why he had been so extravagant. Now that he was on the verge of leaving home with no savings, it was no wonder his friends couldn't understand. But at that moment, Komer had no choice but to stand by his knightly conduct.

"Small immediate profits?" The usually calm Puber couldn't help exclaiming, "Boss, you make it sound so trivial. Neither of us are wealthy men. It's not like we have to take all the money and run, but we should at least take a big share, shouldn't we? We took a huge risk, opposing the Business Association, and we know the consequences. Getting a fair share isn't asking for too much, right? But you, just like that, at least 30,000 Gold Shields gone."

"Alright, what's done is done, and there's no use regretting it. We didn't come here to argue about this today, did we?" Komer was also aware that his stance was somewhat weak. The original plan was to use this opportunity to make a fortune, to provide for the difficult days ahead, but it was ruined by his impulsive gesture.

It angered Puber to think about the issue, but since the idea had originated from Komer and he and Ilot had simply followed along, it wasn't right to press too hard. Nevertheless, it was truly hard to accept watching a fortune slip through their fingers.

Puber took a couple of deep breaths and fell silent, while Komer felt that the incident somewhat betrayed the initial intentions of the trio.

Ilot was always rough in temperament and not too concerned about money. Puber was different; he had always been calculating and had the sharpest economic mind among their group of three 'lone wolves'. Naturally, he found it difficult to accept such a loss, and his reaction was understandable.

"Puber, I was a bit abrupt on this matter. It's in the past now, so let's not dwell on it anymore, alright?"

Seeing Komer's tone soften considerably, Puber finally snorted through his nose, indicating that he had forgiven the other.