Chapter 1456: Chapter 27: Negotiation (Part 4)_3
“What loyal officers of the other side are you talking about? Aren’t they just prisoners?” Gessa laughed mockingly, “We have plenty of prisoners on hand, but who can you offer to exchange with us?”
“Kingsfort has many suitable candidates,” Boyle smiled, glancing around at the three officers, “such as the former Iron Peak County garrison officer, Major Ronald, and his subordinates.”
Then, Boyle turned his gaze to Winters Montagne, who had frowned as soon as Boyle mentioned “loyal officers of the other side.”
“And for example,” Boyle’s smile deepened, “some Paratu junior officers of Vineta origin.”
Gessa and Skur exchanged another look, this time taking longer than before.
“You might think that once Kingsfort is breached, there’s no need to exchange in order to rescue the prisoners,” Boyle spoke timely, “so I must remind you all, considering this possibility, while we speak, the prisoners who were originally held in Kingsfort have already boarded the ship heading to the Mountain Front Territory.”
Colonel Skur remained noncommittal, “The major matters are done, let’s talk about the minor ones.”
“The minor matter is simple, yet very important,” Boyle stated solemnly, “Colonel Bod Gates’ family hopes to retrieve the Colonel’s remains, so Colonel Bod can rest eternally in the family cemetery.”
The rebel officers silently conversed again, this time quickly arriving at a clear answer.
“Colonel Bod has already been buried in Maplestone City Cathedral, and for the time being, it’s inconvenient to relocate the coffin,” Gessa replied with equal solemnity, “Please assure the Colonel’s family that the monks at Maplestone City Monastery pray for the Colonel’s soul daily. If the Colonel must be returned to the family cemetery… please wait until the dust has settled.”
“The next of kin have considered this situation,” Boyle nodded and spoke again, “If it’s temporarily inconvenient to relocate the coffin, they wish to come to Maplestone City to personally pay respects to Colonel Bod.”
This time, not only Gessa Adonis and Winters Montagne, but even Magash Colvin, who had maintained his composure, frowned deeply.
“I must admit, even when I assumed the worst of you,” Gessa spat in disgust, “I never imagined you would stoop this low.”
“Please clarify,” Boyle feigned ignorance.
“You actually consider Colonel Bod’s next of kin as bargaining chips for negotiation?” Gessa raged, “What’s next? Will you arrest our relatives from Kingsfort and make them hostages?”
“How dare you insult us like this, Colonel Gessa Adonis!” Boyle’s expression changed, resembling a provoked porcupine, his hair seemingly standing on end, he shouted angrily, “If I wasn’t bound here, I would duel with you now!”
Gessa squinted his eyes.
“On this matter, I will not lie to you,” Boyle bowed slightly towards the other rebel officers, “Grof Magnus indeed had plans to capture your friends and family as hostages, but it was General Jansen Cornelius who stopped ‘The Viper.'”
Skur watched the Major’s performance expressionlessly.
Boyle’s expression grew solemn, speaking earnestly: “General Cornelius fully entrusts me, with the honor of a soldier, to assure you all that your friends and family in Kingsfort and within the real control area of the Grand Council will not be threatened. You can bring your friends and family to the Newly Reclaimed Land at any time, and the Southern Front troops will fully cooperate.”
Boyle took a deep breath, revealing a bit of genuine emotion: “Even if now our armies confront each other on the battlefield, we are still heirs of the old marshal’s legacy. We indeed have made many morally controversial decisions, but we will not be dishonorable enough to use relatives to blackmail the enemy. If someone does that, I’ll be the first to draw my sword against them—even if that person is Jansen Cornelius. Matters on the battlefield, resolved on the battlefield, that’s all there is to say!”
Gessa coldly laughed, patting the table.
A one-eyed junior officer led two military policemen into the room, and a sack was placed over Boyle’s head again.
In the darkness, Boyle walked a short distance and returned to his cell.
Only this time, the shackles on his hands and feet were removed.
Lanco Boyle stretched his limbs, knowing that even if the rebels knew he was performing, he had earned a bit of respect in their hearts.
This was a good beginning.