Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

Chapter 738 738 51 Beacon Fire

?Chapter 738: Chapter 51 Beacon Fire Chapter 738: Chapter 51 Beacon Fire The next day, upon learning of Colonel Bod’s decision, Mason was very pleased.

Because of a hangover, his head throbbed with emptiness.

He spoke candidly, “Great! This is wonderful! Now we’re no longer ‘a handful of foreigners commanding a large crowd of Paratu People’.”

Senior Mason had been truly hoping that the colonel would join them.

As the new government for Iron Peak County under the Paratu local government, composed entirely of Venetians and United Provincials, their composition was indeed awkward.

It was only because they currently controlled a small territory, had a small population, and the fearsome reputation of the Blood Wolf still deterred those eager to make a move, that the new government hadn’t been viciously targeted over this point of weakness.

But with Bod Gates joining, the concentration of Paratu People in the decision-making layer would jump from [0] to [14.3%], which could be described as “a small step for the colonel, a giant leap for the new government.”

However… the military presence was still one hundred percent.

Beyond the above reasons, the senior also had a bit of self-interest.

With Bard absent, Winters not interfering, and others not seeing, all the big and small matters inside and outside Revodan currently fell squarely on Mason’s shoulders, causing his hairline to recede at a visibly alarming rate.

Having another hand to help with the daily affairs was something the senior longed for.

But Mason had never actively invited Colonel Bod.

Who was Bod Gates?

In terms of status, he was the chief captain of the Sixth Legion, only a half-step away from the position of legion commander; and one day in the future, it would naturally follow that he would hold a general’s baton.

As for background, he came from a famous Paratu family; the [Bod] family history was as long and prestigious as that of the [Alpad] family, both tracing back to the time of the ancient seven tribes of Paratu.

To recruit him to join the “rebels”? The possibility was next to none.

Mason didn’t know what means his junior had used to persuade the colonel, and although he was pleased, he always felt a bit uneasy.

…

Colonel Bod’s participation in the council required no ceremony, nor did it necessitate an introduction—Winters and the others had once been his subordinates. Adding an extra chair beside the table was all it took to complete the formalities.

Winters started off, “The council’s total vote count had always been even. With the colonel joining, we will no longer have to worry about tie votes!”

Senior Mason clapped weakly.

Colonel Moritz was not present—Winters had not yet found the opportunity to inform the colonel of the existence of Mr. A and Mr. B, so there were only Winters, Mason, and Colonel Bod in the meeting room.

“Wait a minute, I haven’t agreed to rebel with you yet,” Colonel Bod leaned back in his chair and mocked, “Don’t count me in so hastily.”

“How can it be called a rebellion?” Winters asked puzzledly, “We are all appointed officers of the Republic of Palatu.”

Colonel Bod snorted lightly without engaging with Winters.

“Winters came to me excitedly this morning to tell me you had joined us,” Mason joked, “Was that a false report of military intelligence?”

Colonel Bod raised his eyebrows, “Joined you? What are you, bandits? Do we need to take an oath too?”

“If you want to take an oath… there’s absolutely no problem. I can lend you a holy relic.” Winters offered enthusiastically, “How about the Saint Ados Emblem? It’s said to contain a genuine fragment of the true holy emblem.”

“Stop beating around the bush, I wasn’t that drunk last night. I can stay in Iron Peak County—I don’t want to go to Alpad; and I don’t care to serve those foolish MPs sent from Kingsfort,” Colonel Bod abruptly changed his tone, his eyes becoming serious, “But there are two things I must ask clearly.”

“Please ask,” Winters replied, sitting upright and fixing his clothes, “I will not lie to you about any question that I can answer.”

Colonel Bod stared intently at Winters, trying to find any clues in his gaze and expression, “What exactly is your relationship with the Herders?”

“A hostile one,” Winters spread his palms open.

“I’m not talking about the Terdon Tribe.” Colonel Bod’s body leaned forward involuntarily, “I’m asking about the Red River Tribe! The one that battled us fiercely, took me prisoner, and then let me go!”

“Two years ago I inadvertently saved the younger brother of Yasin of the White Lion, it’s as simple as that.”

“Yasin owed you a favor, so he let me go too?”

“Don’t always try to make me a scapegoat,” Winters propped his chin and said with a light laugh, “In Palatu, in Bianli, on the Styx, I have fulfilled my responsibilities. If you’re unsatisfied, you should vent your anger on Yanosh, Alpad, and Sekler. Why go after us few centurions?”

“Don’t evade the issue! I’m not venting about losing a battle on you; you know what I mean,” Colonel Bod pressed.

“Then let me answer you squarely,” Winters dropped his smile and looked directly at Colonel Bod, “The White Lion let me go, perhaps as a favor. Because back then, I was all alone, with nothing. But releasing you was clearly to assist me. The purposes are threefold.

“First, if I can stand firm, he can trade with the outside world through me; second, Iron Peak County rebelling against the New Reclamation Legion, no matter who wins or loses, is depleting Paratu’s strength; third, Iron Peak County borders the Terdon Tribe’s territory, and since I have a long-standing grudge with the fire-warmers, he can use me to contain them.

One stone killing three birds, why not do it? And what the White Lion has paid so far is merely one of his slaves. Since he sent you back to me, should I say ‘no’ and send you back again?”

Colonel Bod’s complexion turned red, then pale, and finally ashen. His cheeks tensed, and he said nothing.