Chapter 1360: Chapter 85: Rebuilding the Nation (13)_2

He spread his hands, gave a slight hum, and said, “By a stroke of luck, I escaped from Kingsfort back to the Newly Reclaimed Land. They decided to make use of me — to participate in the New Republic through an agent, thus wielding their influence while being able to cut ties if the situation turns unfavorable. Two birds with one stone, why not?”

Winters’ response to Mr. Kai Morland’s words was unusually calm: “What you mentioned is a very common concept, and I understand and sympathize with anyone who holds such views.”

After a pause, Winters stared into Mr. Kai Morland’s eyes: “But you, why do you harbor such great resentment?”

Winters asked pointedly: “Aren’t you using them too?”

Kai Morland was stunned.

He leaned back, resting against the chair, and sighed: “Yes, I am using them too. Without the gentlemen of Maplestone City, I would have been thrown into jail by Colonel Gaisa as soon as I returned to the Newly Reclaimed Land; without them, I wouldn’t even have the qualification to sit here and talk with your Excellency. They used us, and I also see them as bargaining chips. So, this is a ‘deal with the devil, voluntary on both sides.'”

Then suddenly, Kai Morland leaned forward again, right in front of Winters: “But I’m still full of anger at them.”

Winters remained unmoved: “I’d love to hear more.”

“I must first confess to you.” Kai Morland made up his mind, opening his heart: “The reason I didn’t inform you beforehand about my enmity with Colonel Gaisa was that I initially intended to sow discord between you and him. Once there was friction between you and Colonel Gaisa, you’d be isolated in the ‘Four-Person Committee,’ and then I could extend a helping hand to turn you into my ally.”

“However, the ‘Four-Person Committee’ is far more united than I imagined; even when disagreements arise over ‘command rights,’ they can still present a united front. Your relationship with Colonel Gaisa is also far closer than I anticipated—he genuinely appreciates you, making my efforts look like a comical circus act.”

Kai Morland nodded apologetically: “I’m sorry for scheming against you behind your back in this matter.”

“I forgive you.” Winters said nonchalantly: “Let the matter be laid to rest.”

Kai Morland nodded again, with a cheeky remark: “I’ve heard that Venetians are all narrow-minded, yet your Excellency is unexpectedly magnanimous.”

“I’ve heard that Paratu people are all bold.” Winters responded with a smile: “To make such jokes right in front of me, you are indeed bold.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Excellency Montaigne.”

“It’s an honor to meet you too, Mr. Kai.”

“From now on, I assure you, every word I say will be true, with no deceit, and no intentional concealment. Once you hear my explanation, you’ll understand why I’m here seeking your help to save Paratu.” Kai Morland’s gaze became more determined: “You already know there’s bad blood between Colonel Gais Adonis and me, but do you know why Colonel Gaisa sees me as a thorn in his eye and flesh?”

“Someone told me why.” Winters propped up his chin: “But I’m more interested in hearing it from you.”

“Thank you.” Kai Morland took a deep breath: “It’s quite simple because I’m the only one daring enough to stop Colonel Gaisa from siphoning off funds from Mont Blanc County.”

Winters didn’t laugh: “I’ve heard that Colonel Gaisa likes money.”

“But it’s not just Colonel Gaisa who’s siphoning off funds.” Kai Morland said apologetically: “Even when I tenaciously hold on to the accounts of Mont Blanc County, it’s not because Colonel Gaisa takes the most, but because our families are very close, he’s the least likely to take my life, so the accounts of Mont Blanc County have the highest possibility of being completely scrutinized.”

Winters’ eyebrows slightly raised.

Kai Morland clenched his teeth and fists: “In fact, it’s not just Mont Blanc County; the entire Newly Reclaimed Lands Province is regarded as private property by the Parlatu Army. All the misfortunes and oppression occurring in the Newly Reclaimed Land stem from this!”

Upon hearing this, Winters extended his right hand and refilled Kai Morland’s wine glass.

“I want to ask you.” Kai Morland picked up his wine glass, drank it in one gulp, and then wiped his mouth forcefully: “Search through the Senas Alliance, have you ever seen a place like the Newly Reclaimed Land, with so many ‘semi-serfs’ who aren’t even tenant farmers?”

Winters pondered for a moment: “Perhaps the Federated Provinces, but…”

“But how big are the Federated Provinces, and how many people do they have?” Kai Morland interrupted, his cheeks slightly flushed with excitement: “How many people are in the Newly Reclaimed Land, and how vast is it!”

Winters nodded slightly.

“Your Excellency, you studied in the Federated Provinces, so you should understand. Compared to the sparsely populated Federated Provinces, the Newly Reclaimed Land is practically paradise. But this land, which could have been a paradise, has become a cauldron that tortures countless landless farmers.”

Kai Morland struck his own thigh heavily:

“The Newly Reclaimed Land doesn’t lack farmland; it’s the New Reclamation Legion that artificially created a shortage of arable land, turning the vast majority of lower-class farmers into their slaves in disguise.

And Mikesh Kelemin, Besse Jurgi, Gwadani Yurof, these people, these wealthy merchants, these estate owners, are the accomplices of the New Reclamation Legion.

They help the Legion extract profits from the populace, not just through land, but also through minerals, timber, fishery, in every aspect of life.