Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters-Chapter 1019 - 61: Vortex (Three)_2
Chapter 1019 -61: Vortex (Three)_2
Paulo Wooper had nothing to say, he covertly glanced over the audience, and apart from a few elder blacksmiths, there were only Colonel Berny and the colonel’s adjutant—his gaze hardly lingered on Winters.
Seeing that there were no outsiders present, the solemn Mayor of Steel Fortress spoke in a subdued and defensive tone, “The order signed directly by the Upper Council can’t just be revoked. I’ve already sent people to Forge Castle to argue against Schmid… gentlemen, the most pressing issue now is the election. Only if I remain as the Mayor of Steel Fortress will I have the authority to continue negotiating with the Grand Council to protect the interests of Steel Fortress.”
“So, gentlemen,” Paulo Wooper looked hopefully at the elder blacksmiths, “can I count on your support?”
The elder blacksmiths looked towards Schmid simultaneously.
With a stern face, Schmid gave an ambiguous response, “Each of the Forge Masters will ultimately support the candidate they think is most suitable.”
“The forges continue to grow dim,” remarked the one-eyed elder blacksmith mournfully and sarcastically: “Who knows if our forges will still be ours in the future?”
Paulo Wooper’s disappointment was almost too evident to conceal; he licked his lips and quietly consoled the elder blacksmiths, “There will always be a way to solve problems for everyone…”
Having spoken these words, Paulo Wooper also felt the atmosphere was too negative, and continuing the conversation would be pointless. Thus, he found an excuse and planned to withdraw from the small circle of old blacksmiths.
It just so happened that Colonel Berny also needed to discuss winter training matters with Mayor Wooper, so he left together with Paulo Wooper.
Winters quietly memorized the faces and information of the elder blacksmiths, politely nodded to the elders, and gracefully exited as well.
Since Colonel Berny clearly had official matters to discuss with Mayor Wooper, it wasn’t appropriate for Winters to follow. He originally planned to look for Father Kaman and Anna, but unexpectedly noticed Carlo Aide signaling to him.
“You know Colonel Berny?” Elder Aide asked with slight surprise.
Winters replied, “I only learned about this name today.”
“How did that…”
“It’s a long story.” Winters succinctly explained, “Colonel Berny mistook me for an envoy from the Paratu military government. And who is he?”
“Colonel Berny?”
“Yes.”
“The highest military leader in Solingen State, a war hero, previously served in overseas colonies. It is said with his qualifications and achievements, he should have received a general’s baton long ago, but somehow he is still a colonel. He commands two infantry regiments of the Eighth Legion, stationed just outside of Steel Fortress.” An old partner from Navarre Commerce added, “The Montan Army has intricate relations with The Federated Provinces, so we generally avoid approaching Montan officers.”
Winters recalled the colonel’s undisguised hostility towards The Federated Provinces and Vineta: “I can probably guess why Berny is still not General Berny.”
“Why?”
“He despises Venetians.”
Elder Aide’s expression remained calm: “A common attitude.”
“He also despises people from The Federated Provinces.”
Elder Aide glanced at the hall’s guests: “Almost all Montans you see here are like this.”
“His hatred is very overt.”
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“I see.” Elder Aide clapped his hands: “No wonder His Colonelship hasn’t become a general.”
Winters wanted to smile but couldn’t, he sighed, “You called me over, are you introducing me to a seller?”
“No, not introducing.” Carlo Aide explained unhurriedly, “White Eagle said he would bring the seller to you, he hopes you can make the deal, but the specific terms still need to be discussed directly with the seller.”
“Brought before me? What kind of ‘bringing’?”
Elder Aide summoned a servant from the Este family, gave him a few brief instructions, then turned to Winters, “Please follow him, Your Excellency.”
“Just me?”
Carlo Aide’s face, marked by deep lines, revealed a hint of a smile: “The lady is not suitable to appear in such settings.”
“Please call Father Kaman here for me.”
…
The Este family servant led Winters and Father Kaman away from the hall, through a fragrantly-scented corridor, to a small drawing-room on the north side of the mansion.
The servant asked Winters and Father Kaman to wait in the small drawing-room and then backed out of the room.
“[Old Language] The Flora people always amaze me with their waste,” Winters sniffed the air, “[Old Language] Incense in the corridor too? Don’t spices cost money?”
Winter reveals problems with inadequate ventilation, especially in crowded places where odors become unavoidable. To address this, the Este mansion placed incense burners in various parts of the hall, continuously releasing a special faint scent into the air.
What surprised Winters was that White Eagle also used incense in less frequented areas such as the corridor and the small drawing-room.
“[Old Language] Weren’t you having a pleasant chat with them?” Father Kaman asked irritably, “[Old Language] What did you call me for?”
“[Old Language] Actually, I didn’t say a word,” Winters said seriously, “[Old Language] The most crucial part of a play is the final act, so as of now I am still the baron, and you are still my personal priest.”
Father Kaman didn’t respond.
“[Old Language] So…” Winters kicked Father Kaman lightly, “[Old Language] Get up, stand behind me. How can you sit while I’m sitting?”
Father Kaman was furious, but ultimately stood behind Winters.
“[Old Language] Don’t be angry, it’s just a disguise,” Winters picked up an apple from the small table, offering it to Father Kaman, “[Old Language] Here, this is for you.”
