Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters-Chapter 1013 - 59: Vortex (Part 1)

“I heard that all graduates from Paratu from the year before last were sent overseas?” The middle-aged man scrutinized Winters as if he intended to dissect him: “When did you come back?”

“I returned to Paratu last May.” Winters responded smoothly.

The middle-aged man noted the slightest changes in Winters’ expression, his intuition and experience told him that the young man in front of him was not lying—and indeed, Winters was not.

“You moved quite swiftly.” The middle-aged man muttered, then tilted his head back to drain the strong liquor from his glass, grabbing the bottle to pour himself another as he asked: “It was tough, wasn’t it?”

“A bit.”

“Surely more than ‘a bit’. But being alive to come back means good luck, and enduring some hardship isn’t all bad.” The middle-aged man poured himself half a glass and was about to pour for Winters as well.

Seeing the liquor in Winters’ glass remained untouched, the middle-aged man joked: “Drink up, it’s not poisoned. Everything in the Este family’s mansion stinks of money, but the cleanest thing is actually the alcohol.”

Winters took a sip, the overly pungent aroma almost made him cough.

“Don’t drink?” The middle-aged man poured a bit more for Winters.

“Not often.”

“Hmph, it’s only a matter of time.” The middle-aged man snorted, his tone shifting from interrogative to inquisitive: “Why come to Kingsfort?”

Winters answered promptly: “To purchase military equipment.”

“Who sent you?”

“Sorry, sir. I cannot disclose that.”

“All the cards are already on the table, what’s the use of covering them with your hand?” The middle-aged man laughed dryly, feigning annoyance, scolded: “Monta Republic is right next to the Paratu military government’s territory, who else could you be? Don’t tell me you’re pretending to be an envoy from Kingsfort.”

The other party obviously knew some information, but just as obviously didn’t know everything.

So Winters smiled subtly, neither admitting nor denying.

“You came alone?” The middle-aged man asked again.

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Realizing that the other party might not have investigated him beforehand, Winters decided to probe: “Sorry, I cannot reveal that either. How did you figure out who I am?”

“With you standing there like a wooden pole, all awkward, any clear-eyed person could see what you’re about. Wearing a uniform for too many years, then putting on formal attire, you don’t even know where to place your hands—that’s you.”

“Is it that obvious?” Winters touched his nose sheepishly.

“Otherwise, why are you here?” The middle-aged man countered, sizing up Winters: “And even if your demeanor is disguised well, the moment you open your mouth, you will eventually give yourself away. Accents can’t be hidden, especially for young lads fresh out of graduation like you. So, I’m curious, are all the guys under Alpad so muddle-headed to send you here? Or are you just an advance party?”

“I am also…” Winters chose his words carefully: “not of my own free will.”

“Who can be absolutely free?” The middle-aged man chuckled dryly, and with a tilt of his head, he poured the liquor down his throat. After a long exhale, he casually asked: “Who helped you set up your contact in Kingsfort?”

Before Winters could answer, the middle-aged man interrupted sarcastically: “I know, you can’t say, right?”

Confirming that the other party wasn’t intending to make things difficult for him, Winters nodded apologetically: “Actually, I don’t know much at the moment.”

The middle-aged man drank by himself, paying no attention to Winters.

Winters stood silently for a while, and when the atmosphere began to turn somewhat awkward, he cautiously asked: “So, what now? Sir.”

“What now?” The middle-aged man glanced at Winters.

“Is this it?” Winters asked, gathering his courage to continue.

“What else do you want?” The middle-aged man raised his eyebrows in response: “Do you want me to arrest you and subject you to harsh interrogation?”

Winters understood, and he quickly raised his hand in salute: “I’m deeply grateful for your leniency, sir.”

“Monta isn’t at war with Paratu, you’re outside my jurisdiction. Just keep to the rules and don’t cause trouble.” The middle-aged man waved his hand, signaling Winters to leave.

Separated by a wall, the hall was bustling with noise, while the corridor was desolate. Winters took a few steps away then doubled back.

Facing the middle-aged man’s displeased gaze, Winters explained with a forced smile: “I’m more comfortable in places with fewer people, you wouldn’t mind having one more person to drink with you, would you?”