Steel, gunpowder, and spellcasters

Chapter 478 Blazing Flames (Part 3)

As General Zio uttered threatening words, the already tense atmosphere of the conversation suddenly became even more volatile.

“Be careful, Your Excellency,” Captain Thie “kindly” reminded him. “Don’t forget who you’re talking to.”

"Who are you talking to?" Major General Layton's eyes flashed with a fierce light, casting a dark cloud over the three men before him. "You ask us who we're talking to?"

He pressed one hand on the table, and the four legs of the conference table immediately let out a painful scream as they could not bear the weight.

“We’re talking to [Dandolo]! We’re talking to [Pisani]! We’re talking to [Tiepolo]! We’re talking to the richest, most famous, and most powerful family in the Aquamarine.” Rear Admiral Layton pointed at Captain Thie’s nose: “That’s why it’s you—and not some other Tom, Dick, or Harry in the Navy—sitting here!”

Vitor Pisani retorted, "Does he even know who he's talking to, yet he's still so rude? It seems the military academies of the United Provinces don't teach manners?"

Seeing that the meeting was about to end in discord again, Major General Jacob de Bar had to smooth things over: "Why bother arguing over words—we're not Flora, are we?"

Vitor Pisani gave a light snort, but did not retaliate with further sarcasm.

The air in the Army's classified archives is hot and stuffy, making it uncomfortable, due to the large amount of moisture-proof and insect-repellent filler material under the floor.

Major General de Barr got up from his chair, turned on the ventilation duct in the corner of the room, and "casually" pushed Major General Layton back into his seat.

"There are no outsiders here, no army or navy personnel, only a few Hailan people worrying about the fate of their motherland." Major General De Barr effortlessly steered the conversation back to the main topic, stating solemnly:
"The reason I invited you all here is to inform you that the False Emperor is vigorously expanding his fleet, purchasing large sums of military supplies, and undertaking large-scale renovations of roads and bridges in the southern border of the Empire. We have concrete evidence that the False Emperor has never truly abandoned his ambitions for the Alliance's territory. If we shed too much blood in the civil war, the next war for sovereignty will befall our generation."

After hearing what de Barthes had to say, the three naval officers fell into an unusual silence.

Suddenly, Vitor Pisani burst out laughing: "Isn't this common knowledge?"

Little Pisani asked the three army generals incredulously, "You went through all that trouble to bring us here just to say this?"

Major General Layton looked a little embarrassed: "We are presenting you with irrefutable evidence."

Little Pisani retorted without hesitation: "I don't need your evidence; I already know the False Emperor's wolfish ambitions towards the Inland Sea!"

Following precedent, the conversation was about to escalate into an argument, but General Zio's words stopped the process.

“We know what you’re doing in Tanilia.” The army general raised his deep, pool-like eyes and said slowly, “You’ve recruited a large number of unemployed people under the guise of sailors, but you’ve had Lieutenant General Serbiati train them for you.”

Colonel Vauban, who was sitting at the edge of the conference table, became even more uneasy, but he dared not interrupt the general's speech.

Admiral Zio's voice was not loud, but every word was crystal clear: "Within the Army, some now mock the Third Corps as 'the Navy's Army.' Within your Navy, some also ridicule the Archipelago Fleet as 'the Army's Navy.' But in fact, you are using the Third Corps to arm an army that truly belongs to the Navy. You are doing this even at the cost of trampling on the principle of separation of land and sea responsibilities—you are preparing for a dangerous gamble."

This time, both Captain Pisani and Captain Thie kept quiet.

Both men looked at Admiral Dandolo in the middle. Firstly, it was not something two captains could easily interrupt in a conversation between admirals; secondly, they were not clear about the situation in the Taniri Islands.

“If you are truly as concerned about the fate of the Union as you claim,” Admiral Dandolo said noncommittally to Admiral Zio’s words, “then you should show these files to the Union people, not to us.”

“No need,” General Zio replied coldly. “The United Provinces are spending just as much money as we are in the north.”

Admiral Dandolo met the Army General's gaze: "If that's the case, the United Provinces still chose to send troops. That proves that they have concluded that the Empire is temporarily unable to march south. The Southern Army has been disbanded, and the subsequent brutal purge has left the Southern nobles in a state of panic."

General Cho frowned deeply: "Pulling out the sore may cause short-term pain, but in the long run it will only make the body stronger. Besides, you should know the situation of the Southern Army better than we do. After thirty years, it's almost been sieveted by the United Provinces. It's less of an army and more of the biggest smuggler in the southern part of the empire. What difference does it make whether such an army is disbanded or not?"

"But the Southern Army has indeed been abolished." Admiral Dandolo's gaze sharpened. "Let alone the Southern Army not being a sword, even if it were just a stone, as long as it hangs over the Alliance's head, it would be enough to deter everyone from making any rash moves. And now, it's gone. You can say this is a conspiracy by the false emperor, but it is also an opportunity. An opportunity to completely solve the problem."

"The United Provinces are experts in Fabian tactics and fortified defenses. There's no way to completely solve this problem until a new Southern Army is formed," General Cio declared emphatically. "This isn't an opportunity! It's a trap!"

Admiral Dandolo scrutinized the Army Admiral: "So you also agree that resolving the problem completely is not a matter of principle, but a matter of technique."

General Zio crossed his arms, lowered his eyes, and said no more.

Admiral Dandolo stopped leaning forward and resumed his sitting posture as before the conversation, signifying the end of their exchange.

Pisani Jr. and Captain Thie exchanged a few words in silence before Pisani Jr. finally spoke first: "In any case, the United Provinces have crossed the line. We'd like to know how our esteemed Army colleagues intend to respond?"

This time it was Major General Layton's turn to exchange glances with Major General de Bar.

Having secured support, Major General Layton cleared his throat and said with great pride, "We have a young man in our army who, by some twist of fate, is now serving in Palatine. But he is, after all, one of our Venetians, and he learned a great deal during the conquest of Taniria, so he is doing well in Palatine and now commands a considerable army."

The United Provinces' transgressions must be punished, but Venetta should cultivate a proxy in Palatine to wage war against the United Provinces, rather than sending troops himself. This is the only way to keep the war under control. And this young Venetta in Palatine is the perfect proxy and tool.

Major General Layton boasted smugly, but the more he listened, the stranger his expression became.

“Excuse my bluntness,” Vitor Pisani interrupted the major general, tentatively asking, “Is this ‘Veneta man serving in Palatour’ you referring to… Winters Montagne, General Serbiati’s adopted son?”

"Oh?" Major General Layton paused, then asked, "You know?"

Little Pisani chuckled, raising an eyebrow as he retorted, "In Hailan these days, who doesn't know 'Wolf's Blood'?"

Major General Layton waved his hand: "That's even better, it saves me the trouble of introducing him to you. All you need to know is that although he is young, he is very capable and absolutely loyal and reliable."

“Please wait a moment.” Little Pisani rubbed his forehead. “We have certainly heard of Wolf Blood’s illustrious achievements and legendary experiences, and if given the chance, I would like to see this compatriot in person. But you’re saying he’s one of your army men?”

“Of course.” Layton’s nostrils practically flared to the sky. “Winters Montagne served right under my nose during the Tanilian War.” “That’s hard to say.” Little Pisani’s face lit up with a pleased smile. He pointed at Colonel Vobán, who was trying his best to remain hidden. “General Serbiati’s envoy is sitting right there. Why don’t you ask him yourself if General Serbiati can command [Wolf’s Blood]?”

"And a son that I can't control?" Layton sneered.

Colonel Vauban's expression grew increasingly awkward. His face flushed, and he stammered, "Lieutenant General Serbiati specifically instructed me to inform you all that Captain Winters Montagne is not an officer under his command. He cannot order Captain Montagne to do anything against his interests, nor will he take any action against the interests of the Republic for Captain Montagne's sake. Please... rest assured."

Major General Layton jumped to his feet and glared fiercely at Colonel Vobban.

Poor Colonel Woban could only lower his head and pretend he was a piece of furniture.

Little Wettor's words floated over: "It seems we need to reconsider the assessment of 'absolute loyalty and reliability'."

"Damn it! What are you being sarcastic about?" Layton slammed his fist on the table. "In the end, isn't it because you guys have swallowed up too much military spending?! Otherwise, why would we have to compromise like this? There are homeless people all over the streets. They are ready-made recruits. At this time, we should absorb them into the army instead of forcing them to take risks."

Give us two more legions, and the security problem in Venetia will be solved immediately! Give us four more legions, and the United Provinces will definitely not dare to act rashly! Give us eight more legions, and you won't even need to get involved; we'll solve the United Provinces' problem for you once and for all.

But you're like snakes! Your bellies are about to burst, yet you still shout, "Not enough!" Greedily sucking the Republic's coffers, without caring about the impact on the army. What right do you have to mock me?

“Knowing that the unemployed are a destabilizing factor, why would you arm and train them on your own soil, essentially handing them a knife?” Vitor Pisani retorted, not to be outdone: “Isn’t that ridiculous?”

"Once they're in the army, they'll naturally be obedient."

“Resentment doesn’t just dissipate so easily. How do you know they won’t turn against you?”

Seeing that the situation was about to spiral out of control again, Major General de Bart stepped in to save the day: "Alright, let's stop arguing about irrelevant topics. The reason we invited our naval colleagues here today is to reach a consensus between the Army and the Navy on the future course of action, not to start a fight between them."

Both Vitor Pisani and Layton showed respect to Major General de Bal, and neither spoke to the other, but neither looked at the other.

Rear Admiral De Bar took a deep breath and looked at Admiral Dandolo: "Even if General Serbiati's adopted son has his own interests to consider, he will not refuse our assistance. In any case, a proxy war that doesn't require getting your hands wet is more in Veneta's interest. Compared to other forces within Paratú, Captain Winters Montagne is naturally closer to us, so he is still the best candidate for proxy."

"No need to get your hands wet?" Captain Thier retorted. "The first lesson every naval officer learns on deck is that 'it's impossible to stay dry on a ship, let alone with your hands.'"

“But it’s better to get your hands wet than to get your whole body wet.” De Barth responded humbly, “Isn’t that right?”

Both Vitor Pisani and Lorenzo Thié have their eyes on the admiral.

Martino Dandolo is 64 years old this year.

When he first stepped onto the deck, the Republic of Veneta did not yet exist. The Aquamans were fighting fiercely with the Nathrians, mercenaries were the mainstay of the army, and the tedious city-state wars seemed to have no end in sight.

If someone were to declare at that time that "the city-states that are currently fighting each other will be unified into a new country in the future," they would certainly be ridiculed.

Unlike generals on land, few naval commanders live to Martino Dandolo's age.

Unexpected crosswinds, unrecorded reefs, waves taller than masts… there are countless things at sea that can easily capsize a ship. Harsh living conditions, poor diet, and scurvy also greatly shorten the lifespan of captains and sailors.

More importantly, the army generals who lost their army and humiliated their country still had a chance to survive; while the naval commander who lost his fleet, even if he managed to escape the fate of going down with his ship, would eventually have his head taken by a beheading sword in Parliament Square.

The sea is like an altar, swallowing generation after generation of the Blue Sea people.

Half of the captains do not live past forty; if they do pass the age of fifty, most captains will never go to sea again.

Only those who live to sixty are qualified to compete for the position of fleet commander.

When Martino Dandolo was sixty-two years old, he was promoted to commander of the Inland Sea Fleet—Veneta’s most powerful position in the Navy.

Now, he spoke.

"I have seen tsunamis that engulf cities, and fires that consume them," said Admiral Dandolo. "I have seen the Florentine banners fly beneath Aquamarine, and I have witnessed our St. Mark's flag being raised on the walls of Florence. I have achieved victory, and I have suffered crushing defeat. Some of the challenges that seem like cataclysmic events to you, once overcome, will appear as mere ripples in history. Each time, the city of Aquamarine has found the strength to emerge victorious."

In the archives, some nodded, some disagreed, some were expressionless, and some pretended to be furniture, but without exception, everyone listened quietly.

Admiral Dandolo calmly stated, "And in all my years, I've learned one thing—sometimes, you can't get the problem completely solved without getting yourself soaked."

General Zio frowned.

Admiral Dandolo's muscular physique seemed to grow taller imperceptibly: "The Navy's stance has remained unchanged for centuries; our interests align with those of the Blue Sea. We support violent, swift wars, giving our all when they begin, so that merchant fleets can once again safely navigate the inland seas when they end. We cannot support protracted, attritionary wars, as that is detrimental to business. And your proxy scheme will drag us into a protracted war."

"Not good for business?" Major General Layton scoffed. "You've made a fortune seizing merchant ships from the United Provinces on the inland seas these past two years."

Captain Thier replied dismissively, "Compared to the losses, that little bit of income is nothing."

“Business isn’t everything for Veneta,” Admiral Zio said, staring intently at the admiral.

“No,” Admiral Dandolo replied firmly, “trade is everything to Aquamarine!”

Admiral Dandolo stood up, and Vitor Pisani and Lorenzo Thié quickly followed suit.

"The inland seas must be restored to security as soon as possible, and the problem of the blue sea needs to be solved once and for all." Admiral Dandolo addressed his army colleagues, uttering these final words with a heavy weight: "If the army can't do it, then the navy will!"

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy year ahead.
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