Chapter 1453: Chapter 26: Negotiation (Part 4)
“But…”
Sure enough, there’s a “but”.
“No matter where we strike, we must be able to win,” Colonel Skur said with a worried look, “I just hope the reorganization of the entire army won’t be delayed any longer.”
“[Don’t think about selling the bearskin before you’ve killed the bear]. Restoring the combat capability of the troops as quickly as possible is the most pressing task.”
“Especially the artillery and cavalry units, they need to be integrated as soon as possible. The sooner they train together, the quicker they can become combat-ready.”
“As it stands now, dispersing the limited cavalry and artillery among the forces of various counties is a very disgraceful waste.”
Winters continued to ask, “Regarding the ‘Newly Reclaimed Outlands,’ may I ask what is your view?”
Colonel Skur did not answer directly but instead changed the topic, “Your wolf cubs have already proven how critical a fast-moving, aggressive light cavalry unit can be when deployed at the right time and place.”
Winters blushed, “That was their unauthorized decision, Colonel.”
“Say what you will,” Colonel Skur clearly hadn’t forgotten, and likely never would, but he still articulated his point with precision, “but results are results, and they cannot be erased.
“Although the effectiveness of these irregular cavalry in major battles is questionable, war is not only about major battles.
“If we can recruit a reliable force of Hurders auxiliary cavalry, it would be a great asset to our military.”
“As for the effects beyond the military,” Colonel Skur sighed, “I don’t want to discuss them, nor do I know them.”
…
[Maplestone City Officer Residential Area]
[Montaigne Mansion]
[Night]
“Do you understand now?” Kai Morland said sincerely, “Everyone has their desires, but only I am here to offer you the leverage to break the deadlock.”
“Enough, Mr. Kai,” Winters, having been running around all day, had no desire to talk politics at home, “just tell me directly what you want.”
“You are indeed exceptionally wise,” Kai Morland was thick-skinned and not the least bit bashful, openly stating, “I want the Speaker position of the National Assembly.”
“Including me, you only have three votes.”
Karl Morland said humbly, “So I still need your help to find one more vote.”
Winters remained unmoved, staring straight into his eyes, “And if I can’t find it?”
Under the piercing gaze of the Blood Wolf, Kai Morland ultimately couldn’t hold out, “Then… I will find it on my own.”
Winters didn’t bother to inquire where Kai Morland would find another vote, but candidly asked, “And what can you offer me?”
Kai Morland puffed out his chest, “I can persuade the gentlemen of Maplestone City to cooperate with Colonel Gessa’s fundraising plans.”
Winters chuckled, “Their cooperation—or lack thereof—won’t hinder Colonel Gessa’s ‘fundraising.’
“But if the citizens don’t want to cooperate, they will find ways not to,” Kai Morland insisted, “Believe me, His Excellency Montaigne, in their long ‘cooperation’ with the New Reclamation Legion, the citizens have long since learned the art of ‘survival.’
Kai Morland joked, “In fact, if you truly understood the deep intricacies, you would find that not only is governance an art, but so is being governed.”
Winters leaned his chin on his hand, “So you mean you have ways to make Colonel Gessa unsatisfied?”
“No, no, no, quite the contrary,” Kai Morland shook his head vigorously, “What I can offer you is a figure that will make Colonel Gessa extremely satisfied, satisfied to the point where he cannot refuse any of your requests.”
With a tone full of allure, Kai Morland reiterated, “Any request.”
Winters let out a light laugh.
“So,” Kai Morland tried to appear calm, “what is your answer?”
Winters leaned forward, close to Kai Morland’s nose, and in the same alluring tone, uttered the simple words:
“We’ll see tomorrow.”
…
[Next day]
Kai Morland arrived early in the morning at the officer quarters, heading straight for the residence of Winters Montagne.
But he was destined not to hear the answer he wanted to hear.
Because all upper-echelon officers of the newly reorganized military had received news:
“Kingsfort has sent a negotiation envoy.”