Chapter 1409: Prologue: The Worst Ending (Part 3)

“Let the entire United Provinces Republic know us, force the Army Headquarters to support us, and make the Western Front Army continue the war in South Paratoo after clearing North Paratoo.”

Fritz also regained his spirit, nodding in agreement.

“So.” Cornelius leaned forward towards the former cadet and asked, “That young officer — the one bearing infamy, the passionate young officer, does he intend to bury himself in the annals of history or once again shine for his country?”

Fritz pondered for a moment, gathered his words, and answered seriously:

“In fact, General, I do not entirely agree with your ‘internal war integration of the nation’ concept. At least so far, you haven’t convinced me. I still believe, if we abandoned the path of civil war from the beginning, there was a way to integrate the nation without bloodshed.

“Today’s unavoidable civil war is not just the result but also the cause. Today’s unavoidable civil war is caused by someone who decided from the start to unify the alliance through civil war, constantly pushing towards it.”

Upon hearing this, Cornelius snorted disdainfully and turned his back, waving his hand to signal the other could leave.

But Fritz had not finished speaking.

Cornelius heard the resonant vow from the former cadet:

“However, I agree with your definition of ‘the worst outcome.’

“Before today, my actions aimed to free the Mountain Front Territory from endless preparations for war, which is the source of suffering for countless poor there. Compared to the pain itself, the most despairing thing is seeing no end.

“Therefore, I only prayed for change, willing to serve as a tool, even if it meant being shattered, disgraced, or eternally damned — this has never shaken my direction, and before today, all my actions were for this.

“But from now on, I will equally regard preventing the alliance from heading towards the worst outcome as my direction. I will defend Marshal Ned Smith and the legacy of all the heroes sacrificed in sovereign wars — until my last breath.”

Fritz from Nise’s eyes shone brightly, his words were as firm as steel: “So I will go, to Paratu, to the Southern Army, as long as I can move in that direction — I will go anywhere, be it hell or heaven.”

Cornelius scrutinized the former cadet for a long time before suddenly laughing heartily: “It’s a pity that I didn’t discover you earlier! The old Marshal praised my insight in recognizing talent, but in reality, I’m blind, ashamed… However, you’re not the first one I’ve overlooked, ha, not long ago, I realized I missed an even greater one…”

Fritz was momentarily stunned, realizing for the first time that the usually stern, irritable, and succinct Jansen Cornelius also had a chatty side.

“Ah, never mind, in any case…” Cornelius stood up and solemnly extended a hand to his comrade and student: “Welcome to join.”

Fritz immediately stood up as well, shaking the hand of his comrade and mentor: “The ‘greater one’ you mentioned… could it be?”

“Who else could it be?” Cornelius smiled: “It’s him.”

Fritz’s heart was stirred, and he cautiously arranged his words: “Sir, in fact, I have two more questions I want to ask…”

“Just call me teacher.” Cornelius waved his hand casually: “Although I was no longer teaching when you enrolled, you’re still my student. Any questions, feel free to ask.”

Fritz bowed, then frowned and asked: “Firstly, I don’t understand why you said Winters Montagne is the greatest enemy of the Southern Army?”

“Why?” Cornelius chuckled, then gradually stopped smiling, as if realizing something very serious.

He pondered for a moment and said solemnly: “Because he is.”