110: 104 Humble Mr.
Frost 110: 104 Humble Mr.
Frost Under the watch of Paris City’s VIPs, each preoccupied with their own thoughts, Anning entered the city that morning.
The people of Paris spontaneously gathered and lined the streets to “escort” Anning to the National Assembly.
Amid the cheers of the crowd, all the mbers of the National Assembly stood united on the steps outside the Parliant Hall—forrly the Equestrian Arena—to applaud him.
Faced with this scene, Anning was finally forced to realize sothing: he could no longer remain neutral in the future because he had beco the wall itself.
Thus, Anning was even more determined to stay away from Paris.
This was mainly because, in his previous life, Anning was hardly skilled even in office politics.
He was quite aware of his own limitations.
In war and such, he could still rely on his “cheat codes,” right?
The recent battle had shown him that his “cheat codes” were dependable, as he “put his enemies to sha and stripped them of their clothes.”
But political struggles in the Assembly were not like the clear-cut combat on the battlefield; he could be unwittingly drawn into sches at any mont.
Actually, this very suppression of the revolt had been a trap set by Lafayette, but Anning had been lucky and resilient enough to erge victorious.
Paris was dangerous, after all.
It was better to return to the Conte Region.
Having built a formidable reputation there, the locals would probably not dare to rebel as long as he was present.
Training troops in Conte, accumulating strength, and watching for changes in the political climate would undoubtedly be safer than staying in Paris.
In tis of crisis, he could still co forward to “save” the Republic.
Anyone who had seen “The Fifth Republic” knows that crucial monts call for a heroic entrance.
While Anning was lost in thought, the current rotating Chairman of the Parliant, the virtuous Petition, stepped forward and opened his arms: “The whole of Paris has been waiting for your return, Mr.
Frost, the pacifier of Conte!
Your exceptional art of war has won over all of Paris!”
With those words, all the Parliant representatives applauded together.
Anning saw that Robespierre and his other friends were clapping most enthusiastically.
He dismounted, stepped forward, and was just about to speak when several children ran up holding flowers: “Mr.
Frost, these are for you!”
Anning took the flowers and handed them to Senior Sergeant Kent, his adjutant for this return trip.
This Senior Sergeant had also been a mber of Anning’s original Artillery unit, promoted to a non-commissioned officer before the expedition, and had bayoneted an officer and two enemy soldiers in battle.
For this, he had been comnded and promoted to Senior Sergeant.
Just by looking at his face, you could tell Kent was a fierce man.
Anning had specially chosen him as adjutant so that the gentlen of Paris could get a taste of the battlefield’s atmosphere.
After handing the flowers to Kent, Anning cleared his throat and addressed the representatives: “Gentlen, I must clarify sothing.
Everyone in Paris is talking about how I vanquished twenty thousand n, but this is not true.
“The rebel army at Conte totaled only about eight thousand troops.
I defeated them twice—three thousand the first ti, and between six to seven thousand the second ti.
“And I managed this because my troops were well-rounded; I had Artillery and Cavalry, whereas the rebels at Conte were only infantry…”
It was then that Anning overheard murmurs from the watching crowd: “Oh my goodness, how modest he is!”
Anning was left speechless.
He was just telling the truth to prevent others from making a fuss about his military achievents and causing him trouble in the future.
By setting the record straight from the get-go, he’d have no cause for concern later.
Anning: “In short, I’m not as incredible as the rumors suggest…”
Suddenly Robespierre shouted: “You only had one thousand five hundred n, we all know that.
Defeating three thousand alone is remarkable, let alone your subsequent victory over seven thousand!”
Anning: “This…”
Lafayette stepped forward and said to Anning, “Mr.
Frost, a resounding victory is a resounding victory.
Do not belittle the glory of victory with excessive modesty; this glory is not only yours but also that of the entire National Assembly.”
Anning was taken aback, watching Lafayette claim, “It’s not only yours, but also the National Assembly’s,” swiftly co-opting Anning’s personal triumph for the entire National Assembly.
It seed that Anning had already beco a thorn in the side of this War of Independence hero.
If Anning stayed in Paris, he would certainly be sched against by Lafayette again.
At this mont, Petition also said, “Humility is a virtue, but we all know that you achieved a military miracle that was hard to imagine.
You are a great military strategist!”
Good heavens, I ambushed once, and now I’m a great military strategist?
While saying this, Petition turned his head to glance at all the mbers of the National Assembly and declared loudly, “I propose, from now on, Mr.
Frost shall serve as the Commander-in-Chief of the Paris garrison!”
Anning noticed Lafayette’s eyebrows twitch.
Lafayette was the Commander of the National Guard, and the National Guard of Paris was tasked with defending the entire city.
Theoretically, he was the Commander of the Paris garrison.
Now, this was an independent appointnt of a garrison Commander, which was quite a snub to Lafayette.
The deputies began to applaud, and as the proposal seed on the verge of becoming a reality, Anning spoke up, “I’m terribly sorry, but there are still so signs of rebellion in the Conte Region that have not been eradicated.
I will need to return to Conte after a short stay in Paris.
As for the Commander of the garrison, I think you should find soone more capable.”
Petition looked shocked, “You’re going back?”
“Yes, there are still nurous rebels in the Conte Region that haven’t been completely defeated, and the people are also looking forward to restoring the status of Papal territory.
Therefore, I must stay in Conte long-term, guarding this newly acquired land for the National Assembly.”
Petition stared at Anning’s face, as if trying to decipher what he was up to.
Lafayette had the sa expression.
Anning’s move was likely more surprising than they had anticipated.
Anning felt sowhat smug: They could carry on with their political struggles, but they won’t be using as a pawn.
I have money, guns, and a fortress-like monastery in Conte; I’m quite content.
After the initial shock, Mirabeau stepped forward, “Is this appropriate?
You fought such a splendid campaign, it would be right to reward you accordingly.”
Anning smiled, “Of course, I too desire so rewards.
As you know, I’m rely a Captain.
For a Captain to command the entire National Guard of the Conte Region doesn’t seem quite proper.”
Lafayette: “Of course, Robespierre has already proposed to promote you to Brigadier General.
But since you hadn’t returned to report for duty, a direct promotion would be against procedure, so I opposed the proposal.”
Anning: “Just Brigadier General?
I am to be the military commander of the Conte Region.
It would be more appropriate if I were promoted to Vice Admiral.”
Lafayette’s glance at Anning was clear and easy to interpret, the subtext too obvious: You’re already rocketing up from Captain to Brigadier General, be content.
But Anning did not back down, “I am the chief official of the Conte Region.”
Lafayette: “Fine, as long as the National Assembly votes in favor, there will be no issue.”
Petition: “Wait a mont, it’s not so good to discuss serious matters under the sun like this.
Let’s go inside and continue.”
Anning nodded, “Alright, additionally, I have brought the mastermind behind the Conte rebellion, who are now waiting for the Parliant’s trial.”
“Oh, the mastermind?” Mirabeau seed to have just rembered this detail, “Indeed, a trial is in order.”
Clearly, no one had previously been paying attention to the trial of the rebel masterminds.
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