Steel, gunpowder, and spellcasters

Chapter 509 Rebuilding the Nation (Twenty-Five)
The third person to be tried—a silver-haired, ponytail-wearing officer—strolled leisurely into the main council hall, calmly observing the strangers seated on the tiered platform around him. His expression was less like that of a prisoner of war and more like that of a gladiator stepping into an arena.

Meanwhile, the free men of the newly reclaimed lands were also eyeing the strangers on the dock.

Tall, handsome, composed, quiet, with a tired but dignified appearance, worn but clean clothes, and a thin but imposing figure—this was the first impression that the silver-haired officer left on most free men.

Just as beautiful women often receive unconditional tolerance in social settings, silver-haired officers have also silently won the favor of many free individuals.

“The person on trial.” Colonel Skul broke the silence. Compared to the coldness and severity he had shown in the previous two trials, this time, the colonel’s attitude was much gentler: “Are you the former Lieutenant Colonel Gaspar Berent of the Republic of Palatour’s Army?”

Upon hearing such a formal inquiry, the silver-haired officer first raised an eyebrow in confusion, but quickly relaxed, a smile spreading across his lips: "Now you're a 'colonel,' Your Honor. And I thought we'd known each other for over a decade, senior."

"Answer the court's questions." Colonel Skull's face showed not even the slightest hint of a smile.

"Alright alright."

The silver-haired officer shrugged helplessly, placed his right hand on his chest, and bowed to the free men around him, as if a belated VIP was apologizing to long-awaiting guests: "'Former Army Lieutenant Colonel Gaspar Berent,' it is indeed me."

This action earned him some goodwill among the free people of the newly reclaimed land.

After all, compared to the previous three "disgraceful" defendants, the silver-haired officer had already won at the starting line simply because of his elegant demeanor, which made the free man feel sympathy and reluctant to shout out that classic slogan.

However, the silver-haired officer suddenly changed his tone and said something surprising.

He lowered his hand, stood proudly in the courtroom, and declared loudly: "But I am not a lackey of that 'Republic' of Zhuwangbao, I am a soldier of the Hongchuan Military Conference! My loyalty belongs to Marshal of the Republic—Arpad Duyom!"

Upon hearing the silver-haired officer's self-declaration, the free men of the newly reclaimed land were jolted awake from their reverie, yet also utterly astonished.

The realization came because people finally understood who the silver-haired officer on the dock was—the Blue Rose General who occupied Bazenauer and ignited the civil war in the newly reclaimed lands.

The surprise stemmed from the fact that people did not understand why Colonel Blue Rose was also brought to trial—wasn't Niyokawa and the "New Legion" in cahoots?
……

[Seating area in Tiefeng County]
Nandor was completely bewildered: "What's going on? They've already interrogated Red Rose, so they're interrogating Blue Rose too?"

“You’ve got it backwards.” Richard of Blackwater Town had a profound expression on his face. “It’s because we need to try ‘Rainbow River’ that we must first try ‘Kings’ Castle’.”

“Dude,” Nandor clicked his tongue and said with a wry smile, “I understand every single word you say, but when you put them together, I just can’t understand it.”

“Just you wait and see.” Richard glanced at Nandor, then at old Dussac, who also looked puzzled. “The first two trials were just ‘private courts,’ this third trial is the real ‘just punishment.’”

……

[In court]
“Gaspar Berent, now that your identity has been verified, I will inform you of the basic information of this court and your rights.”

Colonel Skull's expression was stern: "This is the Special Court of Free Men, established under the powers granted by the Charter of the Union. I am the prosecutor and the chief judge. And all the free men present are jurors, who will jointly determine your guilt or innocence. Gaspar Berent, do you know why you have been brought to the Special Court of Free Men?"

“Your Honor, if you are asking why I am here in the literal sense, I can answer you.” Gaspar glanced at an ugly fellow in the first row on his right: “After winning a hard-fought siege, I was attacked by a force I thought was friendly, captured, and then brought here.”

In the seating area of ​​White Mountain County, Colonel Gaisa crossed his arms and snorted coldly.

Gaspar smiled and nodded to Colonel Gaisa, but his gaze pierced the Colonel's eyes, reminding him that he would never forget the "helping hand" someone had extended.

Withdrawing his gaze, Gaspar paused briefly before continuing unhurriedly, "As for what you really want to ask, 'Why was I brought to your court?' I'm sorry, I have no idea. I'm afraid the other free men in the hall are just as confused as I am."

Having said that, Gaspar bowed slightly and addressed the judge's bench: "So, please tell me!"

"Because of suspected involvement in the division of the country, suspected subversion of the republican system, and suspected organization, planning and execution of armed riots." Colonel Skull would pause for a long time after each crime he stated, and then slowly announced to the soldiers in the dock: "Gaspar Berent, you are accused of treason."

Upon hearing this, the liberties on the jury were speechless and fell silent.

Gaspar himself, on the other hand, merely frowned slightly.

“Gaspar Berent,” Colonel Skull asked sternly, “do you plead guilty?”

“I have committed many sins in my life: alcoholism, debauchery, lying, arrogance… I will not deny them, may God bless me.” Gaspar made a gesture of respect with feigned nonchalance, then his smile vanished, and he retorted sharply: “Only the charge of 'treason' is one I cannot agree with!”

Addressing the newly established free men of the land, Gaspar Behrendt gave a resolute answer: "I—do not plead guilty!"

Colonel Skulel remained noncommittal and continued to inform him of his rights: "Gaspar Berent, during this trial, you have the right to request recusal, to request witnesses to appear in court, to refuse to answer irrelevant questions, to defend yourself or appoint a defense attorney, to participate in the trial proceedings, to review the trial transcript, and to make a final statement. Do you understand?"

“Of course, crystal clear.” Gaspar Berent replied with a wry smile, “What a fair, just, and open court!”

Colonel Skull ignored Gaspar's sarcasm and asked, "Do you want to request the recusal of any interested party?"

Gaspar looked around and spread his hands: "The jurors sitting in the hall are either my close classmates or complete strangers—so no, I'm not requesting recusal."

"Do you need someone else to represent you?" Colonel Skull asked again.

“In this hall, the lawyer I trust most is you, senior. But you are already sitting on the judge's bench.” Gaspar shook his head regretfully: “No, I choose to defend myself.” “Now, let’s read the indictment.” After a brief preparation, Colonel Skull put on his monocle and opened the indictment: “Gaspar Berent, on May 12th of this year, you commanded four battalions of infantry and two companies of cavalry—a total of approximately 2,300 men—to depart from the area controlled by the Hongchuan Military Conference, crossed the Jinliu River, and attacked and occupied Bazenaul, the capital of Jinghu County in the Xinkendi Province. Is there any error in this statement?”

Gaspar politely corrected him: "Please allow me to defend my reputation—when I set out, my troops consisted of six infantry battalions and two hussar companies. Some of the barges were intercepted en route, leaving only 2,300 men on shore. If I had six battalions, the esteemed Senior Geza would never have been able to bring me here."

"As for your use of the word 'attack,' I cannot agree with that either."

"Because Bazenaul actively abandoned darkness and embraced light. This can be confirmed by Bazenaul's mayor and my subordinate, Major Karkin."

"Abandon darkness for light?" Colonel Skull asked with disdain. "You mean, under the premise that Karkin Frenz offers high-ranking positions and generous rewards, they betray and coerce the entire population to 'abandon darkness for light'?"

“Being persuaded is still being proactive, of course.” Gaspar feigned surprise as he looked around at the free men, then asked matter-of-factly, “Otherwise, wouldn’t every man be a rapist?”

A low chuckle came from the seats around the judge's bench.

Colonel Skul frowned in displeasure, but he didn't fall into the trap set by his junior and argue with him about the definition of "rape." Instead, he went straight to the point: "Since you have admitted that you commanded the troops that occupied Bazenauer, then answer me: what was your purpose in leading the troops to occupy Bazenauer?"

"What is the purpose? Which purpose do you want to ask about?" Gaspar deliberately looked around at the free men and teased, "Military purpose or political purpose? Primary purpose or secondary purpose? Short-term purpose or long-term purpose? Fundamental purpose or superficial purpose?"

Colonel Skull's face remained expressionless, like a portrait: "This court has ample time; you may explain everything."

"As expected of you, still so witty." Gaspar first offered a polite compliment, then sat up straight and answered seriously, "The military council's goal in taking Bazenaur is simple: the defenses in the lower reaches of the Jinliu River are difficult to break through, so the military council hopes to open a gap in the upper reaches to launch a new offensive. Bazenaur is the breakthrough point and bridgehead chosen by the military council."

After pausing briefly to allow the audience some time to process the information, Gaspar Berent spoke again.

He frankly revealed Hongchuan's sinister considerations: "There is another reason for choosing Bazenauer: the military council believes that General Kevin Adams' death is a golden opportunity. After the New Reclamation Expeditionary Force moved to Maplestone City, the external defense of the New Reclamation Province was greatly weakened, and the internal situation was extremely tense. If some external force is applied to break the balance, it is very likely to ignite a civil war in the New Reclamation. At that time, the military council will have the opportunity to bring the New Reclamation Legion under its command."

Gaspar nodded slightly: "That is the purpose of the military council's order for me to lead my troops to the newly reclaimed land."

The Great Council Chamber was silent. The free people of the newly reclaimed land needed some time to process General Blue Rose's overly honest answer.

"When you made the decision to ignite civil war in the newly reclaimed lands," Colonel Skull removed his monocle, paused for a moment, and asked, "did you consider the consequences?"

“I have considered it,” Gaspar answered bluntly. “If you can defeat the New Reclamation Expeditionary Force, that would be the best outcome, meaning the entire New Reclamation Province would become the enemy of the Kings’ Fortress.”

"If you cannot defeat the newly established land expeditionary force, at least you will weaken and restrain the forces of Zhuwangbao."

"At the same time, as local garrison troops, your power in various counties is deeply rooted and difficult to eradicate in a short period of time. Even if the New Reclamation Expeditionary Army wins the New Reclamation Civil War, it will only gain an unstable New Reclamation and will be difficult to extract war resources from it."

Colonel Blue Rose spoke eloquently in the dock, but the New Reclamation Freeman in the jury felt very uncomfortable listening to him.

Because of the former's tone, they felt like a piece of meat on a chopping board, being examined and pointed at by the butcher and diners.

However, they couldn't help but admire the former's courage to speak the truth—after hearing too many pretentious platitudes, it was the sharp, hurtful truths that made people feel more favorably toward them.

“What I mean is, have you considered,” Colonel Skull sighed, “what does dragging the New Reclamation Province into civil war mean for the New Reclamation Legion, its members, and the people of New Reclamation?”

Gaspar paused for a moment, then shook his head with a smile: "Don't be so hypocritical, senior. If we think about so much, we won't be able to fight. You know that better than I do."

Colonel Skul did not refute, nor did he wield the moral high ground to attack his opponent as he had in the previous two trials. He simply put his monocle back on and continued to ask, "Who gave you the order to 'occupy Bazenauer'? Arpad Duyom?"

“It wasn’t an individual, but the decision-making committee,” Gaspar added. “In fact, Marshal Arpad did not support the plan to send troops to the newly reclaimed lands. But as a collective decision of the committee, he could not overturn it.”

Colonel Skull carefully chose his words and asked, "So, the highest military authority of the Hongchuan Military Conference is the 'Decision-Making Committee,' not Alpad Duyom who holds absolute power."

“That’s one way to put it.” Gaspar looked around at the free men and explained calmly, “We are soldiers, we obey orders, and we respect authority, but that doesn’t mean that the regime we’ve established will be like the military, where one person commands everything.”

Colonel Skull declined to comment, but continued to ask: "The highest 'military' authority of the Hongchuan Military Conference is the Decision-Making Committee. Is the 'highest authority' also the Decision-Making Committee?"

Gaspar did not respond as fluently as before; a shallow furrow appeared between his brows. "I am not quite sure what you mean, Your Honor."

“My question is very straightforward.” Colonel Skull patiently repeated: “Is the supreme authority of the regime established by the Military Council—commonly known as the Third Republic of Palatine—also the ‘Military Council Decision-Making Committee’?”

The colonel's monocle reflected the light from the skylight, making it impossible to see his eyes.

Gaspar subconsciously smoothed his ponytail and asked slowly, "Excuse me, what is the 'supreme authority'?"

The atmosphere began to subtly shift, and even the most oblivious free agent vaguely sensed that Colonel Blue Rose, who had been chatting and laughing earlier, was avoiding the questions, and the initiative in this conversation was changing hands.

“If you are unwilling to answer, I can ask you another way.” Colonel Skull put down the file, crossed his arms on the judge’s bench, stared intently at Gaspar Berent, and asked the question word by word, making sure every syllable was clear to everyone: “How does your so-called ‘regime we have established’ enact laws, collect taxes, appoint officials, command armies, declare war, and decide on peace?”

“Tell me, Gaspar Berent.” Colonel Skull slowly rose to his feet, looking down at his interrogator with an air of menace, and asked, “Who rules this so-called ‘regime we’ve established’?”

[Victory is certain!]
[The meeting scene is almost over! Finally, I can hear the cannons roaring again, waaaaaah Q_Q, cannons, my cannons!]
[Some readers have suggested further subdividing "Rebuilding the Nation" into different sections, as the current serial number is already too long, reaching 25. I think this suggestion is very reasonable, so I'd like to solicit everyone's opinions.]
[Should we break down the "Rebuilding the Nation" section into smaller parts? For example, could we divide the part before Girard's encounter with Maverick and Siegfried in the tavern into one section, Girard's time in the tavern into another, and then divide the part about the Free Men's Conference into yet another section?]
[Thank you to all the readers for your collections, reading, subscriptions, recommendations, monthly tickets, donations, and comments. Thank you everyone!]