Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

Chapter 942: Chapter 30: Hunting (Part 1)_2

Henry looked up at the dome upon hearing this.

He had a strange feeling that, although he could only see darkness, he was certain that thousands of Castilians were waiting on the other side of the thick stone slab.

Henry closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Duke Little Lothair watched his nephew, ten years his junior, and involuntarily held his breath.

“Let’s go. To expect others to fight for me…” The future Emperor opened his eyes and picked up his lance, “Will never conquer the Castilians.”

…

…

Empire Year 560, early February [Present]

Wilderness

When Winters set out from Iron Peak County, he only brought a small troop of fewer than forty men.

His original plan was to visit the White Lion and withdraw some gold to address the financial bankruptcy of Iron Peak County.

However, changes always happen faster than plans, and Vashka brought news from Pierre, Berlion, and others.

Thus, Winters entrusted his subordinates to Little Lion and only entered Jiangbei Province, under military administration, with Vashka.

By the time Winters left Jiangbei Province, his command had grown into a huge caravan of over two hundred people.

Recovering old comrade was certainly good, but Vashka’s flattery about “people always gathering around the Centurion” was misplaced.

After brief discussion, Winters decided to split the forces:

The main troop would take the injured with movement difficulties— including warriors wounded in the process of suppressing bandits and older soldiers disabled in last year’s battle on the Great Wilderness—and return to Iron Peak County by the original route;

The small troop, according to the original plan, would head to the Red River Tribe, accompanied by Little Lion.

Winters personally led the small troop, but found it difficult to appoint someone to command the main force.

“Why are you looking at me?” Colonel Moritz said matter-of-factly, “I’m not cut out to lead troops… Besides, I’ve always wanted to taste mare’s milk.”

“You’re trying to get rid of me again.” Anna feigned anger, “I knew it.”

After much consideration, only one suitable candidate remained—Pierre Mitchell. Undoubtedly, Pierre was an excellent choice, capable and distinguished enough for the task.

But the problem was: Pierre was unwilling.

“I want to go with you to the Red River Tribe.” Pierre requested firmly.

Seeing Pierre’s somewhat pale cheeks, Winters couldn’t bear to let Pierre endure the hardship of travelling: “You’ve just recovered from a severe illness, better return to Iron Peak County and fully recuperate.”

“I won’t be a burden, I can already ride a horse.” Pierre said, standing straight, then suddenly changing the topic, “And I’ve already thought of who can replace me to lead the returning troop.”

“Who?” Winters was curious.

“My father,” Pierre stated seriously.

After brief consideration, Winters shook his head, “I don’t doubt Mr. Mitchell’s capabilities and influence. But he won’t be at ease leaving you behind.”

“I will persuade him,” Pierre replied firmly.

Thus, a conversation between father and son unfolded.

In a face-to-face equal conversation, with no one else involved, Pierre finally expressed his real thoughts to his father.

“Dad, I know deep down you still view Winters Montagne’s troops as rebels, bandits; I know you think Kingsfort will eventually obliterate Winters Montagne; I also know Monta Monta has no money, no provisions, no troops, Iron Peak County’s strength compared to Paratu is like a puppy to a lion…”

Facing his father’s surprised gaze, Pierre listed many reasons why “Montagne’s bandit troops are doomed.” If only this part was heard, it seemed like Winters Montagne’s demise was imminent, and Pierre Mitchell had no doubt about it.

But in the end, Mr. Mitchell gave Mr. Mitchell Senior an irrefutable conclusion: “But we have no way back now.”

Pierre looked into his father’s eyes, repeating word for word, “We have no way back now.”

“Do you still remember the story of Dusack from our old home in North River— the one you told me when I was a child. Over a hundred years ago, the Dusacks who shattered their shackles roamed stealthily in small boats on the upper North River, robbing the Emperor’s official ships. Eventually, the Emperor, furious, sent troops to exterminate them.”

“What happened to those Dusacks then? Those who defeated the Emperor were ennobled as Ataman! And those who failed against the Emperor? They were wiped out!”

“If Montagne brother can hold Iron Peak County, we might have a chance to surrender; if Montagne brother can conquer Newly Reclaimed Land, we might have a chance to be welcomed back; but if Montagne brother loses, fails, we won’t even have a chance to submit. What awaits us is only reckoning! All of our heads will be chopped off in exchange for military honors.”

“So, dad, whether you like it or not, whatever you think.” Pierre grimly nailed the final nail, “We have no way back now.”

After hearing his son’s words, Gerard Mitchell remained silent for a long time. When he spoke again, he seemed a decade older.

Even so, Mr. Mitchell said hoarsely, “Even so, you should first return to Wolf Town with me. Your mother must be waiting for us to return home after we’ve been away for so long.”

“It can’t be.” Pierre said firmly, “I can’t go back now!”

“Just come back home with me to recuperate, and we can discuss other matters later.”

“You don’t understand! Dad!” Pierre’s cheeks, flushed with excitement, “I can’t go back! Too much has happened in Iron Peak County during my absence! I didn’t achieve any merits! I missed too much! When I left Iron Peak County, I was Montagne brother’s deputy. If I go back now, I am nothing! I can’t go back, at least not now.”