Chapter 1390: Chapter 99: Reforging the Nation (26)_3

“However, I want to tell you, to tell all of you.”

“We are Paratu’s last defenders!” Gaspar finished his final statement: “When we fall, Paratu will fall as well!”

Inside the great council hall, not a sound could be heard, only the faint beating of Gaspar Berrent’s heart in his chest.

The free people were reluctant to acknowledge the words of the Blue Rose officer, yet they didn’t know how to refute him. Some even faintly agreed with the silver-haired major’s words.

“You overestimate yourselves and underestimate the Paratu people.” Colonel Skul’s voice came from the judge’s seat: “Paratu existed in the past, it exists now, and it will exist in the future. As long as the Paratu people are here, Paratu will not perish.”

The free people were somewhat stunned, and Gaspar Berrent furrowed his eyebrows.

Colonel Skul slowly stood up, facing everyone inside the great council hall:

“This is why we need these three trials, we need all the free people of the Newly Reclaimed Land to serve as judges for these three trials.”

“Grof Magnus and his lackeys treat anyone who opposes them as pigs and sheep, while he willingly plays the butcher, never considering the source of his power;

“Alpad Duyome and his subordinates claim to seize power from the people to protect them, but in reality, they have become tyrants and usurpers;

“The military of The Federated Provinces loudly proclaim ‘to save the Alliance’, yet everything they do tramples the Alliance.”

“The Red Rose, the Blue Rose, the United Provincials, all of them must bear responsibility for the civil war in Paratu. The path they chose is destined for destruction.” Colonel Skul’s calm voice was filled with strength: “If we wish to avoid a tragic fate, we must tread a path different from theirs.”

The atmosphere in the great council hall was suffocating.

Even though many free people had guessed the purpose of the “New Legion” calling them, they never imagined the conclusion would be so heavy.

Colonel Skul paused for a moment, giving the free people a breath, then continued: “Fellow citizens, you have observed all the trials. Now, the moment that determines your fate and the fate of the Newly Reclaimed Land, and the fate of Paratu has arrived.”

Under the dome, the people involuntarily perked up.

“Will we repeat history, or will we take a path different from theirs? This choice is yours.” Skur Meklen requested to the assembly of free people word by word: “Follow your conscience, and make the final judgment!”

With that, he picked up the broken gavel and struck it heavily on the base: “Bring the first two groups of defendants to the court.”

Immediately, three teams of military police escorted Sanel Caroy, Nagy Modachi, and Alder Felter to the court.

Compared to Gaspar in the defendant’s seat, the three officers of the Red Rose appeared rather disheveled — for their mouths had all been sealed. Clearly, the conversation had ended, and Colonel Skul did not intend to let them speak again.

Colonel Skul loudly called out the first name: “Sanel Caroy!”

On the defendant’s stand, Sanel Caroy glared with blood-red eyes.

Colonel Skul’s accusations were resounding:

“For your responsibility in the injury of one hundred sixty-seven individuals in the Maple Fort massacre, thousands in the Battle of Wailing Valley, and countless others in the wars you incited, I charge you with [inflicting bodily harm without reconciliation].

“For the death of eighty-nine members of the New Reclamation Legion in the Maple Fort massacre, thousands of Paratu people in the Battle of Wailing Valley, and countless others in the wars you incited, I charge you with [murder].

“For your collusion with the Provincial Army, I charge you with [inciting another country to oppose the motherland, delivering compatriots to the enemy].”

“Citizens, make your judgment!” Colonel Skul’s voice was icy: “Sanel Caroy, is he guilty?”

“Aye!!!”

“Aye!!!”

“Aye!!!”

With three unanimously loud shouts, the free people gave their answer.

“Sanel Caroy.” Colonel Skul struck the gavel and announced: “According to the special tribunal of the free people, your verdict is guilty!”

But Colonel Skul did not announce a specific punishment, simply gesturing with his hand, and the military police seized the still-resistant Sanel Caroy on both sides, taking him away.

Before the free people in the tiered seats had recovered, Colonel Skul already called out the second defendant’s name: “Nagy Modachi!”

Colonel Skul continued the accusations:

“For your responsibility in the Battle of Wailing Valley… I charge you with [inflicting bodily harm without reconciliation].

“For your responsibility in the Battle of Wailing Valley… I charge you with [murder].

“For your collaboration with the Provincial Army… I charge you with [inciting another country to oppose the motherland, delivering compatriots to the enemy].”

Undoubtedly, there were three unanimous shouts again.

“Nagy Modachi.” Colonel Skul struck the gavel again: “According to the special tribunal of the free people, your verdict is guilty!”

Also without a announced punishment, Major Nagy Modachi was escorted away by the military police, leaving the great council hall with a contemptuous smirk still on his face.