Chapter 1461: Chapter 29: Negotiation (Final) (Part 4)
And over there, the acting Speaker continued to twist the knife into Kai Morland’s heart, “Honorable delegates, please allow me to nominate Bard as the Speaker of the National Assembly for the Newly Reclaimed Land…”
Bard’s nomination was unsurprisingly passed with unanimous acclamation, and the acting Speaker handed over the duties on the spot.
Sitting in the Speaker’s seat, Bard’s face showed no trace of self-satisfaction. He scanned the hall, tapped the gavel, and seamlessly transitioned into his work mode.
“Honorable delegates,” Bard’s voice echoed throughout the hall, “next, we will proceed to vote on the first item on the official agenda, the proposal to establish the Newly Reclaimed Outlands Province.”
—————–
Just as the National Assembly of the Newly Reclaimed Land passed the resolution to establish the Newly Reclaimed Outlands, Brigadier General Gessa Adonis finally received accurate intelligence, confirming that there were less than five battalions of United Provinces soldiers inside Kingsfort.
Realizing what a precious opportunity he had missed, Gessa Adonis, in a fury, issued the order to strike.
Before dawn, the vanguard of a battalion from the White Mountain County Infantry Regiment packed their bags and set off once more on their journey.
Their song echoed along the road:
“Our march leads us far away;
“Comrades, look ahead.
“The military flag flies high in the wind,
“Officers all lead from the front.
“Comrades, set out! Set out! Set out!
“Dear ones,
“Please wait for my return.
“Hear the bugle call us,
“Farewell, set out…”
—————–
[Kingsfort]
As the war machine of the Newly Reclaimed Land roared its way toward Kingsfort, a thousand miles away, the southern front of the Allied Army was preparing for war day and night.
The unemployed poor within the city and farmers outside were mobilized, either for food or for gold, to work in ditch digging and earth tamping.
Under the city walls, the place that was once a mule and horse market had turned into a huge construction site.
Outside the city walls, within visible range, trees and houses were either toppled or burned.
As the sun was just rising, Jansen Cornelius was at the Kingsfort dock bidding farewell to his subordinates.
“Your battlefield may not be filled with the roar of guns and cannons, but it is no less dangerous with its swords and sabers everywhere—our hopes rest on your fierce fight in Guidao City,” Jansen Cornelius said with a smile, speaking lightly to the officer in front of him, “Remember, ask for whatever you can, as much as you can.
“Money, munitions, food—whatever the military department can provide, feel free to request it. I’ll arrange for someone to help you with fundraising, to bolster you in parliament, but most importantly, it all depends on you…”
The officer nodded repeatedly, “Minister,” he said with a pained expression, “Take care of yourself.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Cornelius’s smile didn’t falter, “Ever since I stepped onto Paratu land, I only have two outcomes—either victory or death. No matter which it is, I have no regrets.”
At that moment, the song of United Provinces soldiers marching out of the city could be heard:
“Forget not their great deeds,
“For they shattered our shackles!
“Remember how they fearlessly dug trenches,
“For our fortune, blood, and religion!
“Hear! The drums from beyond the mountain mocking us!
“Listen! The Empire’s bugle calling!
“Behold! How our people charge forth!
“Capturing Blackwood Fort in one blow!
“Guidao City stands ever firm!
“Blocking countless imperial adversaries!
“Forests, rivers, and streets!
“We shall defend our land well!”
Behind the cracks in their windows, the awakened citizens of Kingsfort exchanged looks with their families, especially when they heard “We shall defend our land well.”
But the soldiers kept singing:
“Fearless, raging, blood-stained swords and blades!
“Gleaming cold, clashing fiercely, sparking wildly!
“The earth shakes, the skies change, the heavens and seas roar!
“Lightning, fire, and thunder, turning it all upside down!
“Explosions, firearms, and cannons!
“Every day you can hear it all!
“The Empire holed up in the castle!
“Drowning in their own blood and urine!”
Cornelius looked at Kingsfort, softly humming along:
“Guidao City! Standing ever tall!
“Blocking countless imperial adversaries!
“Forests, rivers, and streets!
“We shall defend our land well!”
—————–
[North Shore of Ashen Stream River]
[Retia Town]
As the Rainbow River Military Government’s forces had already withdrawn from various border towns, the raising of the white flag in Retia Town was unsurprising when faced with the United Provinces Army’s letter urging surrender.
Singing the songs of victory, the forces of the United Provincials openly marched into the city of the Paratu People:
“‘Beggar Army’ flag is advancing,
“Long live! United Provinces Republic!
“‘Beggar Army’ has risen again,
“Long live! United Provinces Republic!
“See, our flag waves in the wind!
“Hear, a new era is about to set sail!
“Beat the drum! Beat the drum! Let the war drum roar again!
“Long live! Long live! Long live United Provinces Republic!
“We will reclaim the glory of old!
“‘Beggar Army’ flag is advancing,
“Long live! United Provinces Republic!
“Our fists and heads are indomitable,
“Long live! United Provinces Republic!
“The once beggar army is reborn from the ashes,
“The pains and darkness of the old era vanish like smoke,”
Their singing grew louder and louder:
“Beat the drum! Beat the drum! Let the war drum roar again!
“Long live! Long live! Long live United Provinces Republic!
“The people of the Mountain Front Territory will once again become immensely strong!”
—————–
[North Shore of Ashen Stream River]
[Shuangqiao Main Camp]
The accompanying adjutants were surprised to find that Alpad Duyome, who never watched plays or listened to songs, stopped today to listen to a children’s song.