Chapter 1140: Chapter 7 Price
On the sa day, two small-scale battles took place in the Wilderness and Iron Peak County, and both concluded by day’s end.
In the Great Wilderness, black-clad light cavalry transported herds of cattle, horses, and wagons laden with spoils, beginning their journey ho.
In Shovel Port, notices for public reassurance covered the streets, while the Iron Peak County Infantry Regint thodically cleaned the battlefield, buried the dead, identified prisoners, and secured supplies. The town’s residents, hesitant and uneasy, stepped out of their hos, secretly curious about the “Rebels” singing triumphant songs.
Though separated by distance, the sa cheerful laughter resonated within both victorious forces.
However, Winters did not join his n in celebrating. After handing over the cavalry unit to Colonel Seber, Winters rode day and night to return to Revodan.
Two important guests awaited him there.
…
“Even if Adams, that old geezer, has lost the people’s trust, he is still the acknowledged commander of the New Reclamation Legion. Without the Federated Provinces backing them, how could Grof Magnus dare lay a hand on him?”
Speaking of the Maplestone City incident, Colonel Bod still felt indignant. He slamd his fist on the table, the empty sleeve at his side swaying back and forth.
“Hypocritical United Provincials! Despicable United Provincials! Greedy United Provincials! Their mouths preach unity and cooperation, yet their hands wield iron muzzles! Those ambitious jackals dream day and night of turning Paratu into the next Varn, the next Monta!” The colonel glared at Winters and asked bitterly, “You still don’t know, do you? Grof Magnus—or should I say those Vipers behind him in the Federated Provinces—has long been secretly planting their nails in Paratu! Even in the New Reclaid Land, in Iron Peak County, and right here in Shovel Port, northwest of where we are seated, they have spies working for them!”
Having spoken too much in one breath, Colonel Bod began to cough violently.
He waved away his servant, refusing assistance, and propped himself up against the table with both hands. Once his breathing steadied, he looked up at Winters: “Their plan to annex Paratu has been long in the making. The blood spilled in Maplestone City is only the beginning. If the New Reclaid Land falls entirely, your little utopia will not survive either.”
Colonel Bod sighed and said, “Mont Blanc County can send troops to help you uproot Shovel Port’s spies.”
“It is deeply appreciated that Mont Blanc County’s forces are willing to assist,” Winters poured warm water for Colonel Bod. “However, the Shovel Port gang surrendered just yesterday.”
…
“Although the Terdun tribes suffered heavy losses in last winter’s raids, they are far from annihilated or completely destroyed. At the very least, the tribes that didn’t participate in the winter raids still retain considerable strength.”
Major yer—the envoy representing Kingsfort and Maplestone City—slowly explained the situation.
Four people were present: Major yer and Major Nevitz, envoys from Kingsfort; Winters Montagne, Captain and “Provost Officer” of Iron Peak County; and Captain Montagne’s “personal priest.”
The major didn’t understand why the other party insisted on having a priest join the negotiations, but he didn’t care.
Leaning slightly back against the chair, his posture conveyed an aloof arrogance despite the courteous smile on his face:
“Reliable intel indicates that a Barbarian warlord nad Crimson Lian is rising in the Great Wilderness. This warlord has openly rallied the scattered Terdun tribes under the banner of avenging the Barbarian Chief ‘The Firestarter.’ If nothing unexpected occurs, there will be another major raid this autumn—a raid targeting Iron Peak County.”
Major yer asked in a tone filled with pity: “Will Iron Peak County be able to survive once again at that ti?”
After pausing briefly, he added, “You need our help.”
“Thanks for your concern,” Winters replied with calm indifference. “But as for the Barbarian warlord ‘Crimson Lian’ you ntioned, his corpse is currently outside the city—and his head? I left it in the Wilderness.”
…
“Captain Montagne.” Major yer sat upright, showing a hint of respect. “You must understand: whether it’s Alpad’s Rebels in the North River or the restless New Reclaid Land Insurgents, their paths inevitably lead to ruin. Not because Kingsfort’s Grand Assembly is this nation’s only legitimate governnt, but because the Assembly controls the largest population, the most extensive territory, and the wealthiest cities of the Republic—that is why victory is inevitable.”
“Wars will eventually end, and the most important thing is…” yer paused and stared directly at Winters, “…to be the victor, not the defeated.”
Major yer eloquently and persuasively continued:
“Right now, the Republic is in desperate need of talent—officers like you, who have received full academy training, who have vast experience, who have outstanding military achievents. Alpad’s rebellion destroyed the Republic’s old military structure, but it also ans nurous positions once monopolized by the Blue Blood Faction are now open. For capable officers, isn’t this a dream opportunity?”
“War is the best ladder for promotion, and the road ahead is a clear one. If you ever wish to return to the Republic’s fold, now is the best chance—we will never offer conditions better than these.”
“Think of your n, consider their futures. Don’t you want to clear their Rebel status and reintegrate them into the Republic’s ranks? Or would you rather see them eventually hang for treason?”
Reviews
All reviews (0)