Chapter 1381: Chapter 97: Reforging the Nation (24)

“Why were you captured at Maple Fort? And why were you captured as the Commander of Maple Fort?”

Colonel Skool’s words made many of the freedmen in the grand council hall suddenly realize—the United Provinces officer in front of them was the “Red Rose Shield” who had steadfastly defended Maple Fort!

Since Maple Fort wasn’t conquered until July 2nd—just six days ago—many freedmen from outer counties arrived right before the Red Rose banner fell from the high walls of Maple Fort.

Therefore, even the freedmen from outer counties knew somewhat about the heroic deeds of the “Red Rose Shield.”

However, at this moment, the people under the grand council hall dome struggled to connect the haggard, skeletal, almost zombie-like Provincial officer on trial with the resilient and tenacious “Red Rose Shield” who had resisted the “Blood Wolf” for nearly a month.

In fact, the terrible impression Alder Felter left the jurors had even slightly diminished Winters’ evaluation among the freedmen.

“The Blood Wolf was blocked by this kind of person for a month?” someone quietly murmured, “Doesn’t seem that impressive.”

Many freedmen from the Newly Reclaimed Land were even more shocked by the overlapping images of the “Provincial officer” and the “Red Rose Shield.”

It should be noted that the “Red Rose Shield” was currently the most famous commander of the Grand Council Army in the Newly Reclaimed Land.

Because the planning, strategic maneuvers, and the details of the battle in Wailing Valley were unknown to outsiders.

Therefore, the public lacking information and military knowledge could only judge heroes by their success or failure.

Given others’ inferior performance—Colonel Sanel Caroy, who bragged about victory before the battle, was defeated in one day;

Major Sunder Capero, from a prominent family, was boasting to the Vernge County gentry in the day that everything was under control but was captured by the “Blood Wolf” at night, with even his inherited military sword becoming their trophy.

This made the Red Rose officers who defended Maple Fort the only commanders of the Grand Council Army in the eyes of the public from the Newly Reclaimed Land who performed impressively—after all, others failed, he was still there.

Thus, to compete with the “Rebel” published “Communique,” some gentry from Maplestone City who supported the Grand Council would seize any opportunity to praise the remnants of the Grand Council Army outside the city for steadfastly defending Maple Fort and standing firm against the Blood Wolf’s fierce assault.

They kindly omitted why the Grand Council Army ended up only with remnants defending Maple Fort.

According to them, it was because of the Maple Fort defenders that the “Rebels” could not immediately advance out of the Newly Reclaimed Land to counter Kingsfort.

And the powerful siege exercise of the Iron Peak County Military inadvertently “sponsored” this perception.

The story passed from hand to hand, gradually increasing in detail.

Somewhere along the line, someone gave the unknown Grand Council Army commander defending Maple Fort the elegant title of “Red Rose Shield.”

Due to the authoritative nature of “Communique,” it naturally incited audience opposition. Compared to the news of the “Justice of the Newly Reclaimed Land Allied Forces defeating the pseudo-Grand Council Army,” Paratu people preferred to hear a tragic story of a lone town defended.

As the story spread, more and more widely, the name “Red Rose Shield” became a banner for the Grand Council Army.

But at this moment, looking at the pale and lifeless Provincial officer on the trial seat, any freedmen who had heard of the “Red Rose Shield” were deeply disappointed.

Especially since it was a Provincial officer!

The gap between expectations and reality gave rise to a strong sense of disillusionment in people’s hearts—this was exactly the reaction Skur Meklen wanted to see.

If not for tearing away the last piece of fig leaf from Kingsfort, the United Provinces officer brought to the trial today should have been the other artillery lieutenant colonel, not just an infantry major.

Facing the silent Alder Felter, Colonel Skool asked again, nailing the last pin for the supporters of Kingsfort still holding illusions:

“Why? A United Provinces officer would come to the Newly Reclaimed Land and play ‘Red Rose Shield’?”

Upon hearing the colonel’s question, Major Felter felt confused. What was “Red Rose Shield”? The major was completely unaware.

He turned his head for a glance behind him, unsure if the colonel was speaking to him.

Yet he remained silent, responding to the colonel’s question with silence.

Colonel Skool furrowed his brow and picked up the gavel.

Just then, Colonel Nagy spoke up to defend Major Felter.

“Colonel Skur Meklen, can you tell me.” Colonel Nagy asked loudly without changing his expression, “Why can’t a United Provinces officer appear in the Newly Reclaimed Land?”

The question stirred up a thousand waves among the freedmen, Colonel Nagy’s words caused a great sensation.

People were first astonished, astonished that a dignified commander-in-chief could ask such a stupid question;

Then enraged, enraged that Nagy Modachi, as a Paratu person, dared to ask such a question tantamount to treason;

Ultimately confused because even though no one wanted to see military personnel from other countries—even allies—step foot in Paratu, there were indeed not many people present who could articulate—why couldn’t a United Provinces officer appear in Paratu?

Colonel Skool, however, was neither astonished nor enraged nor confused.

Having drawn Colonel Nagy into the “confrontation,” Colonel Skool immediately withdrew his aggressive attitude toward the younger United Provinces officer and returned to his previous calm and restraint.