Chapter 1451: Chapter 26: Negotiation (3)_2

Colonel Gessa glared at Winters, “Is there any easy war in this world?”

Winters was not here to debate with Colonel Gessa, so he didn’t say anything further.

“As for the buffer zone, you can manage your ‘pets’ however you like,” Colonel Gessa raised his glass, turned his gaze to the window, and continued, “But there’s one thing—don’t expect the Republic to officially recognize them, at least not now. Everything else is up to you.”

Hearing this, Winters already understood the price Colonel Gessa was asking for.

Gessa Adonis and his Mont Blanc County faction were willing to support Winters Montagne becoming the commander of the newly organized army, provided that the Iron Peak County faction supported Colonel Gessa’s financial plans, his plan to attack Kingsfort, and abandoned the effort to gain legal status for the Newly Reclaimed Outlands.

Honestly, from Winters’ perspective, this deal was not only not a loss but could hardly be considered “fair.”

Because to stop Lieutenant Colonel Magash from rising to power and the resurgence of the Blue Blood Faction, Colonel Gessa had made a significant sacrifice.

As the officer most qualified to compete for the position of the top figure in the New Republic military, Colonel Gessa chose to withdraw from the competition and also brought down Lieutenant Colonel Magash.

In contrast, the economic compensation he sought was merely a trifle.

However, since the negotiation was still ongoing, Winters wanted to strive for more.

After all, negotiations are all about talking more to make the right judgment.

“You said ‘not now,'” Winters asked directly, “Are you implying ‘possibly in the future’?”

“We’ll see in the future,” Gessa replied ambiguously while sipping his beer.

Winters chuckled, “But there’s an old saying among the Sea Blue People—’Nothing lasts longer than a temporary tax.’ If it doesn’t work now, it will be even less likely in the future.”

“Kid, I’m considering your reputation,” Colonel Gessa said furiously, “Do you realize, if you formally accept those Hurders, how the old Paratu People would attack you? You’d transform overnight from a hero fighting the Hurd Barbarians into a fool inviting wolves into your house, an ambitious scoundrel!

“Our enemies, whether internal or external, would make a big deal out of it!

“The war isn’t even over yet! Can’t you wait a bit?”

Seeing Colonel Gessa’s firm attitude, Winters decided to temporarily set aside the matter of the Newly Reclaimed Outlands to avoid counterproductive results.

He changed direction and tentatively asked, “Have you considered not appointing a highest military leader? We could continue to make decisions collectively as a committee. In that case, many problems wouldn’t be problems anymore.”

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Colonel Gessa was genuinely angry this time, “The army is not a chaotic guild alliance! The army is a place that decides the life and death of thousands! There can only be one leader in the army! Do I have to teach you that?!”

“The reason we’re trapped in Maplestone City, holding each other back and unable to move, is because we’re without that ‘leader!'”

Colonel Gessa’s voice grew louder and more agitated: “If Colonel Bod were still here, we would have surged into Kingsfort a long time ago! Would we need to be arguing here?”

“But Bod Gates is no longer here, and there’s no one left to command the masses!” Colonel Gessa’s eyes filled with that distinct ferocity and stubbornness unique to the Paratu People, “In that case, let’s speak with strength! Speaking with strength is also a kind of fairness! Speaking with strength! The fairest!”

“But that kind of fairness,” Winters’ voice was cold and calm, “might not lead to the result Colonel Bod wanted to see.”

“What can be done about that?” Gessa’s expression was weary and melancholy, “If blame is to be placed, it can only be placed on Bod, that old ghost, for dying too soon.”

…

[Suburbs of Maplestone City]

[Magash Residence]

[Noon]

Although Magash Colvin was allotted an officer’s apartment in the officers’ residential area of Maplestone City, he only stayed there for a few days before moving to another manor under his name located outside the city.

Unlike the sparsely visited Gessa Mansion, Lieutenant Colonel Magash’s home was bustling with guests.

The visitors’ carriages filled half of the courtyard, making it seem as if a ball were being held at the Magash Mansion to those unaware.

The small waiting rooms on either side of the entrance hall were filled with well-dressed guests, all eagerly awaiting the host’s invitation.

One can’t help but say that, compared to the literally “horrifying” Gessa Adonis, Magash Colvin was much more popular among the upper citizens of Maplestone City.

If they were to wait in line based on the order of arrival, Winters might not see Lieutenant Colonel Magash before nightfall.

Fortunately, he was no ordinary guest—the honor of the “Blood of the Wolf” was upon him, which prompted Lieutenant Colonel Magash to come greet him personally, giving the Blood Wolf due respect and allowing the guests in the waiting hall to witness it closely.

“I finally understand why you wanted to move out of the officers’ dormitory,” Winters observed closely the portraits lining the corridor as he was led into the inner chamber, “With so many guests, you indeed need a larger space.”

“Staying in the city, the constant coming and going might disturb others.” Lieutenant Colonel Magash, walking ahead, opened a door at the end of the corridor, his face wearing the usual amiable smile, “Come, this way.”

Inside was a very quiet study and reception room, with a desk positioned by the window and the remaining space occupied by a fireplace and a pair of couches in front of it.

Above the fireplace hung a portrait of a warrior in full armor, bearing some resemblance in appearance to Lieutenant Colonel Magash, but judging by the style of the armor, it should be a character from the Imperial Era.