Steel, gunpowder, and spellcasters

Chapter 427 The Banquet (Part 2)

Upon hearing Winters' question, Major Mel did not answer. Instead, Major Nevets, who was standing nearby, spoke up, saying optimistically:
"On the contrary, I think Colonel Sanel should have proceeded cautiously. He has the advantage in manpower and logistics, and as long as he doesn't suffer a major setback, victory will eventually belong to the Grand Council. The colonel could have marched more efficiently, but he chose to advance at the conventional pace, not giving the rebels any chance. This is not a bad thing, but a good thing."

Winters listened attentively to Major Nevets's analysis with an encouraging look, then turned to Ike: "Lieutenant Axel, what do you think?"

It took Ike, who was focused on dealing with the beef tendon, a while to realize who the "Lieutenant Axel" Winters was talking about was.

He swallowed the beef tendon that wasn't fully chewed, picked up a napkin and gently wiped his lips, then asked with a smile, "I'm your prisoner, do you want to hear a prisoner's opinion?"

Winters nodded seriously.

Ike put down his napkin, rested his chin on his hand, and slowly said, "The Legion's victory report didn't disclose the troop strength of either side, so I can't comment on their strategy. But I suspect—since the rebel commander chose to consolidate his defenses, he must have known that he would face a full-scale siege; Colonel Sanel must have also known that he would face a brutal siege. Yet they still decided to continue, which means they must have been prepared."

Ike shook his head and smiled wryly: "They are all high-ranking officers. They can consider anything I can think of, so I am not qualified to comment on their decisions. Moreover, among everyone here, I have the lowest rank and the least experience. Captain Montagne, please don't make me look foolish."

Major Mel, sitting to Ike's left, listened to Ike's words and casually asked while cutting meat, "Lieutenant, where did you learn about the battle situation in Mirror Lake County?"

“Of course it’s the ‘Communications’,” Ike said matter-of-factly. “That piece of oil paper that they give me every morning is my only source of information from the outside world. Without it, I don’t know how I would live.”

Ike smiled and asked Winters, "Captain Montagne, is there really a person named 'Engineering Officer Elek'? Or is it someone's pseudonym? Is it yours?"

“Of course not me,” Winters retorted righteously. “How could I be so harsh?”

Sitting to Winters' left, Anna, who had been playing the role of a decorative figure, coughed lightly, covering her mouth.

“Mr. Erik should pray that Colonel Sanel doesn’t see the ‘Communication,’ otherwise Colonel Sanel will definitely come looking for him and challenge him to a duel!” Erik stared at the ceiling, trying to memorize the comments about Colonel Sanel in the ‘Communication’:

"'Intending to win quickly but lacking the courage to take a gamble, unwilling to fail yet risking taking the initiative, indecisive and timid, their ability to boast about capturing an undefended village as a glorious victory is questionable.' Who wrote this evaluation? It's really... so malicious!"

After saying that, Ike couldn't help but laugh out loud while looking out the window.

Major Nevets and Major Mel, standing nearby, could hardly hide their smiles and, without prior agreement, picked up napkins and pretended to have something on their lips.

Winters watched everything. He cleaned up the last of the food on his plate—even the soup was eaten with bread—dipped in it, then drank the water in his empty glass, and finally wiped his mouth haphazardly with a napkin.

After finishing all this in a whirlwind, he patted his chest and let out a long, comfortable breath, just like a rough old soldier who had enjoyed a hearty meal the night before a battle.

Then, he stared at Major Mel and Major Nevets and asked with interest, "I suppose you two will take your leave once the competition in Mirrorlake County is decided?"

Major Mel put down his cutlery and replied calmly, "That's why, Captain Montagne, I'm telling you, 'There's no better time than now to return to the Republic.'"

Even if Ike and Major Nevets were slow to realize, the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere from before was gone.

The air in the restaurant almost seemed to solidify, and the uneasy candlelight made the shadows of the people tremble.

Both men put down their cutlery and quietly watched Captain Montagne and Major Mel go back and forth. Only Anna continued to leisurely savor the dinner she had prepared herself.

“Yes.” Winters calmly repeated the other party’s words: “Tell me that the Republic will not offer a better price than it has now.”

“My stance remains unchanged.” Major Mel said with a smile and politeness, “You are a Venetian, so you certainly understand the importance of ‘timing’ better than I do. When the flames of war are raging, a good horse can be exchanged for a large bag of gold; but if people no longer need to ride horses into battle, even the best horse will only end up on the dinner table, becoming inferior meat that only the lowest of men would taste.”

Winters didn't laugh. He leaned back in his chair, feigning confusion, and asked, "But my comrades and I only have one county, and it's the most desolate and poorest county in the newly reclaimed lands. We also have the fewest troops. Vaughan County and White Mountain County can easily mobilize far more troops than us. Why us?"

Major Nevets looked down, his eyes fixed intently on the bread basket in the center of the table.

Ike raised an eyebrow slightly, glancing curiously at Major Mel.

Major Mel remained calm and composed, listing the advantages of Iron Peak County: "Although Iron Peak County is desolate and remote, it is the most expansive and promising place in the newly reclaimed land; although Iron Peak County has the smallest population among the newly reclaimed counties, its people are brave, skilled in battle, and tenacious."

Although Colonel Mel spoke eloquently, Ike became increasingly confused as he listened.

"As for your statement that Iron Peak County has the fewest troops?" Major Mel paused, a smile of amazement mixed with admiration appearing on his face. "First, you thwarted the encirclement and suppression by two counties, then you crushed the Teldun Khan's court. Aren't these two battles enough to demonstrate your command skills? Even in recent days, there have been the surprise attack on Red Serpent and the annihilation of the Shovel Harbor Potal bandit gang—the Republic needs a commander as capable and skilled as you. As for manpower, that's not a problem. With loyalty to the Grand Council, you can have as many troops as you want."

Winters remained noncommittal, turning to look at Ike and teasingly saying, "Lieutenant Axel, did you hear that? Mayor Potal's men have been identified as 'bandits,' you know."

Ike took a small sip of his drink and calmly replied, "I am whatever the Republic needs me to be."

Winters nodded in acknowledgment, then looked at Major Mel, staring directly into his eyes, and asked in a serious, chilling tone, "So, why us?"

Major Mel blinked, seemingly just as confused as Ike: "What do you mean 'why us'?"

Upon hearing this, Winters leaned back in his chair. He propped himself up on the table and moved closer to Major Mel, scrutinizing him: "Why did you choose to come to Iron Peak County to bribe me, instead of bribing the garrison officers in other counties?"

Major Mel keenly sensed the other man's subtext, and he narrowed his eyes as he asked, "Then... why do you think that only we came to Iron Peak County, and no other envoys went to the other counties?"

Anna gently put down her cutlery, pushed back her chair, and stood up: "Gentlemen, please allow me to take my leave for now."

Then she smiled slightly, curtsied slightly, and gracefully walked out of the restaurant.

Winters spoke only after Anna left. He didn't answer the major's question directly, but instead dipped his finger in the water from the kettle and traced the outline of the newly cleared land on the table.

“I do have a guess,” Winters glanced at Ike, then continued drawing. “Want to hear it?”

Ike nodded slightly: "I'm all ears."

As they spoke, Winters had already completed the map of the newly reclaimed land and then neatly drew the boundaries of each county in a few strokes.

He first pointed to Maplestone City, Worne County, and Leiqun County: "When a large army goes on an expedition, the most dangerous situation is when the rear is not secure. Within the newly reclaimed land province, only Worne County, Leiqun County, and Jinghu County directly border the jurisdiction of Maplestone City. Apart from these three counties, there are no other routes that can accommodate a large army."

Ike's voice was deep: "So..."

“So as long as we keep Vaughan and Redfield counties stable,” Winters said bluntly, “the other three counties won’t cause much of a stir.”

Ike nodded in agreement.

Winters picked up his knife and drew a circle over Vaughan County: "The original garrison commander of Vaughan County died in battle last year, and the officer corps of the Vaughan County garrison was almost emptied. The newly appointed garrison commander has a weak foundation and a small force, and needs to rely on the authority of the Legion Headquarters to maintain his position. I don't think he has the courage to attack Maplestone City."

Ike nodded in agreement again, and Major Nevets, who was standing next to him, listened intently, while Major Mel remained expressionless.

Immediately afterwards, Winters used
The knife marked three crosses on the counties of Leiqun, Bianjiang, and Baishan, and said casually, "These three counties are the opposite of Vorgne. The garrison commanders are all veterans, the troops are plentiful, and they have just undergone a winter of reorganization. Most importantly, although the garrison commanders of these three counties usually have some complaints about General Adams, they are even more disgusted with the Grand Council of Kingsburg—they will never accept a government that betrays Palatour."

“To betray that argument,” Major Nevets cleared his throat and said in a low voice, “is too harsh.”

Ike echoed, word by word: "I also do not think that attempts to build a truly unified alliance are wrong."

“What you think is one thing,” Winters said dismissively. “I’ll only say what they think—or at least what I think they think.”

Major Mel waved his hand, indicating to Winters, "Please continue."

Winters picked up his knife and drew two shallow circles on the "fork" of Leiqun County and Bianjiang County: "However, Leiqun County not only borders Maplestone City, but also the Northern Slope Province. And Bianjiang County, it also borders the Northern Slope Province."

Ike unconsciously frowned and squinted.

“If I’m not mistaken,” Winters glanced at Major Mel and said with certainty, “the Grand Council is currently making a fuss in the Northern Province, not seeking to occupy Bianjiang County and Leiqun County, but only to tie down the garrison troops of the two counties, so that they have no energy to advance north.”

Ike and Major Nevets both looked at Major Mel, who was still wearing that polite mask.

“So the only real threat to Maplestone City,” Winters said, holding the knife above White Mountain County before releasing it easily. “Only White Mountain County.”

The falling knife should have bounced off the tabletop—leaving at most a small dent—but for some unnatural reason, it pierced the tabletop in the blink of an eye, all the way down to the handle.

Ike's eyebrows unconsciously rose.

“So,” Major Mel cleared his throat and asked with a smile, “what are you trying to say?”

Winters crossed his arms and replied with a smile, "So Iron Peak County becomes important, and so I am important."

The candles on the dining table all flickered.

“If I side with the Grand Council, Colonel Gaisa will not dare to make a move,” Winters said slowly. “If I side with the three counties of White Mountain, Leiqun, and Bianjiang, then the situation will be reversed.”

Major Mel spread his hands slightly: "That's why we're willing to offer you a very high price."

Winters stood up, looked down at Major Mel and Major Nevets, and said coldly, “No, I don’t think you’re really making a bid. For you, even if I don’t side with either side, you can achieve your goals—and that’s what you’re thinking when you stay in Ghevordan. So once the battle of Mirror Lake County is decided, you will leave without hesitation.”

“No, no, no.” Major Mel also stood up, responding politely, “The Grand Council sincerely wishes to accept you back into the embrace of the Republic.” Major Mel paused for a moment, a crack finally appearing in his flawless mask. He said sharply, with a hint of threat, “However, you are right about one thing: this is your last chance. Our mercy and patience have their limits. Once the battle of Mirror Lake County is decided, your door of opportunity will be closed forever!”

Winters scrutinized Colonel Mel's every subtle expression and asked with a smile, "I'm curious, why are you so sure—you can win?"

Major Mel was initially puzzled, then his pupils dilated and his eyes widened. Ike was the second to notice something amiss, and Major Nevets was the last.

Winters slammed his fist on the table and roared, "Military police!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Charles and Heinrich led a squad of heavily armed military police into the restaurant.

“Arrest them all.” Winters’ voice was as cold as ice.

Charles and Heinrich immediately stepped forward and bound Major Mel, Major Newitz, and Lieutenant Axel tightly, taking them into custody.

“I am an envoy! An envoy!” Major Mel struggled desperately, angrily questioning, “Montagne! You first treated me with salt and bread! And now you’re going to treat me like a prisoner?”

"Behave yourself!" Charles kicked Major Mel in the back of the knee, forcing the latter to his knees.

“I protect envoys.” Winters walked up to Major Mel and patted the major’s handsome face. “But I don’t protect spies.”

Ike looked at the two majors in confusion: Major Nevets lowered his head, and Major Mel fell silent.

“I never informed you of Maplestone City’s troop deployment, nor did I provide you with any communications. According to the agreement, you wouldn’t proactively contact anyone other than your designated receiver. But it seems you’re fully aware of all the major and minor events happening outside during this time.” Winters asked coldly, “Then, who told you?”

Major Mel snorted coldly and didn't say a word.

Winters asked in a friendly tone, "Is it them?"

Charles, understanding the implication, carried Major Mel to the window and suddenly pushed it open.

Outside the window, in the backyard of the officers' quarters, more than twenty men and women, looking disheveled and ashen-faced, tightly bound, stared directly at Major Mel.

Judging from their physiques and clothing, these twenty-odd people should all belong to a pampered class. However, at this moment, their eyes are filled with fear, regret, and despair; their former arrogant demeanor is nowhere to be seen.

Winters walked out of the restaurant and approached the plantation owners, merchants, and forge owners who had been providing information and intelligence to Major Mel and Major Nevets.

“I gave you chances, I gave you three chances.” Winters’ fingers clenched and unclenched unconsciously. He asked calmly, “Do you think I’m afraid to kill? Or do you think I don’t want to kill?”

The arrested men and women begged for mercy, but because their mouths were gagged, they could only make whimpering noises. Some sobbed uncontrollably, while others were so frightened that they lost control of their bladders.

Winters took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to turn Anna's carefully tended little garden into a bloodbath, and coldly ordered, "Take them away."

Then he looked at the silent Major Mel, the terrified Major Nevets, and the bewildered Ike: "Take them with you too."

……

After a while.

"Did I hurt you?" Winters asked Ike apologetically. "I'm sorry I didn't discuss it with you beforehand."

“If you had discussed this with me beforehand, I guarantee I would have messed it up.” Ike carefully flexed his wrists while helping Winters fasten his belt. “But your little henchman is really ruthless… I still don’t quite understand why you put on this show.”

“He’s not a lackey, he’s the younger brother of a good friend of mine… I wonder how he is now.” Winters raised his hand high so that Ike could help him fasten the sword belt to his belt: “If Major Mel and Major Nevets see that you and I are very close, then you’ll really be a ‘traitor’.”

"Isn't that exactly what you wanted?" Ike joked, "It leaves me no way back, so I can only follow you as a rebel."

Winters shook his belt to make sure it and his sword were securely fastened. He turned to Ike sincerely and said, "No, I will not use such underhanded methods on you. If you become my comrade, I hope it is of your own free will."

"What if I become your enemy?" Ike asked with a smile.

“If that’s your choice,” Winters took a deep breath and said calmly, “I’ll accept it.”

Ike laughed and punched Winters in the chest: "I won't wish you 'victory,' I just hope you come back safe and sound."

Charles led over the black horse that Winters was used to riding. Winters took the reins, mounted the horse, and said, "Definitely."

Having said that, he nodded, lightly nudged his horse's flank, and headed towards the gate of the small block where the officers' quarters were located.

As he left the gate, he looked back and saw Anna's figure in the second-floor window of his cozy little house.

Winters couldn't bear to say goodbye. He gazed at Anna, silently telling his lover, "Wait for me to come back."

He didn't know if Anna had seen what he was saying before he turned and rode away.

Anna stood by the window for a long time. After a long while, watching Winters's figure disappear into the night, she whispered with tears in her eyes:
"it is good."

……

The sound of horses' hooves, like hailstones, echoed through the streets of Ghevordan, drawing residents to their windows to watch.

Winters led a small squad of guards straight out of the city and onto the main road.

Beside him, a real army was marching rapidly through the night.

A forest of spears moved slowly across the fields on either side of the road; horse-drawn carriages pulled cannons and baggage trains through the middle of the road.

Upon discovering that it was Blood Wolf riding by, the soldiers cheered and paid their respects.

Besides Major Seber, there were several other "fellow villagers" at the crossroads who came to see him off: old tobacco merchant Priskin, municipal councilor and blacksmith Sauscha, a representative of the plantation owners who had moved to Zhevodan... and Kaman.

"You really don't need me to protect you?" Kaman asked, somewhat embarrassed and worried. "The enemy you're facing this time is an army that also has mages."

“Don’t worry about my safety, I have a huge army protecting me,” Winters said seriously. “I’m more worried about Anna. Please protect her for me.”

“Don’t worry.” Kaman raised his chin. “I will protect Miss Navarre as I would my own family.”

"Thank you. With you here, I can rest assured." Winters thanked him sincerely. He looked at Kaman, who still had a worried expression, and couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry about me. I have someone to protect me."

"Speak," he said, pointing ahead.

Kaman looked in the direction Winters pointed: on an unremarkable gray warhorse, Lieutenant Colonel Moritz van Nassou, dressed in ordinary cavalry attire and looking listless, yawned.

Kaman couldn't help but laugh, and he nodded: "That's settled then."

Winters wanted to say a few more words, but Major Seber was already on the verge of losing control. He yelled from afar, "Damn it! When will this end?! Colonel Bode, Colonel Gaisa, and Colonel Skul are getting impatient! You're making three colonels wait for a captain like you?!"

Winters nodded to Kaman: "See you another day, Father Kaman."

"May the Lord bless you." Kaman gestured: "Montagne, unbeliever."

Winters spurred his horse and quickly rode up to Major Seber's side.

"Why are you so late?" Major Seber pulled on the reins, his tone impatient. "Captain Mason and Captain Cellini have already set off."

“Okay.” Winters nodded.

Major Seiber suddenly narrowed his eyes, his nostrils twitching slightly as he sniffed the air: "What's that smell?"

Winters answered loudly, with a hint of defiance: "Beef stew!"

“Excellent!” Seber was not angry at all; instead, he nodded. “Perfect as a last meal before dying in battle! It’s a pity no one served stirrup wine, otherwise it would have been perfect!”

"When you get back, please try Anna's cooking."

"It's a word."

“It’s a deal.” Winters looked back at Ghevodan, but all he could see was the vast darkness of night. Without further hesitation, he waved his hand: “Let’s go!”

Steel and steel armies march to unknown distances.

[102,492/100000]
[The enemy is in Jinghu County!]
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(End of this chapter)