24 Volumes Beacon Fires Link the Camps Chapter 17 Disintegration

Regarding Komer's grandiose declaration, the merchants displayed polite respect on their faces, but mere bluster was not enough to make the traders of Odessa humble themselves. The implication in Komer's words made it clear that Odessa would still serve as Homer's main source of tax revenue. It was likely that the commercial taxes in Odessa would continue to increase rather than decrease, which was not surprising. After the Great War and Philip's escape, Homer definitely required considerable financial resources. It would be difficult for Odessa to escape its fate of exploitation. The merchants of Odessa had long been aware of this reality and had mentally prepared for it. Now, their thoughts were focused on another matter—how to expand the commercial prosperity of Odessa.