Chapter 338 Fire

Jiangbei Province, Rum County, Kaolingbao.

The old house of the Arpad family has a history of more than half a century, and it is a real "old house".

It’s not that the ancestors of the Arpad family were short of money, but because when the ground was broken for the old house, the Palatuan people were still living in the shadow of the Hed tribes, and barbarians came to thresh the valley almost every autumn.

Therefore, in order to take into account both defense and warmth, the doors and windows of the old house of the Arpad family were few and small. Core areas such as storage rooms, weapons depots, and stables are all wrapped in thick walls. After stepping into the door, you have to pass through a long corridor full of arrow holes and bullet holes before you can actually enter the room.

The entire complex is more like a small fortress than a place of residence.

For designers, sturdiness and safety are the most important needs, and comfort and beauty are obviously not priorities.

Because of this, as soon as the terrorist threat from the wasteland was lifted, the members of the Arpad family couldn't wait to move out of this damp and cold building.

The old house of the Arpad family has been idle since then, leaving only a few old and frail servants to take care of the house.

Until [Arpad Duyaom] returned to Jiangbei Province.

…

On the bloody night in the Castle of Kings, when the members of the Red Rose Faction jointly signed the order to arrest Army Major General Arpad Duyomu, they must not have expected that the situation would completely get out of control.

Even though some members felt uneasy and frightened beforehand, they signed their names and stamped tremblingly in the end.

Unfortunately, nothing is certain in this world, except death... and taxes.

As time enters the autumn, both the [Plato Provisional Military Government] and the [Plato Second Republic] have to accept the cruel reality: our side may be able to win, but the price of victory will definitely be high. Far exceeded expectations.

The dream of quick victory has been completely shattered. Facts have proved that expecting the other side to surrender without a fight or collapse at the first touch is tantamount to nonsense.

The demagogues who once clamored, "As long as we do what we do, the other side will do what we do" have now become mute.

As for the optimists who thought the civil war would soon be decided, they also realized that the war had just begun.

Calls to “end the civil war” began to emerge and grew louder. The voice comes not only from within Plato, but even from its allies.

The Chief State Secretary of the Republic of Vane publicly sent a letter to the "Platuan Republic" and the "Platuan Republic", calling for "a negotiated solution to the war."

The massive plundering by the Hurd tribes this autumn just provided an opportunity for both sides in the civil war.

After thirty years, the iron hooves of the Hed barbarians once again stepped into the land of Plato. Even Red Rose and Blue Rose, who were killing each other a moment ago, couldn't help but feel a strong hatred for each other.

There is no need to go into details about what happened after that - Red and Blue Rose each repelled the marauding battle groups of the Hurd tribes, and they tacitly agreed not to hinder each other. After that, the two armies rested across the river and made no major moves.

As autumn turns to winter, things seem to be taking a turn for the better.

The King's Castle publicly sent a letter to the [National Assembly of the Republic of Van] and [Major General Arpad Dujaum], taking the lead in stating that it was willing to accept the mediation of the Chief State Secretary of the Republic of Van, and agreed to "negotiate the essence of ending the Republic of Plato" "the state of division in the world" and "no more let a drop of Platt blood be shed needlessly".

This extremely beautifully worded open letter is signed by [President of the Grand Council of the Republic of Plato, Grove Magnus].

At the same time, Arpad Duyaum left the army, left the front line, left the center of power of the military government, and returned to his hometown, Gaoling Fort in Rum County.

He did not stay in the apartment prepared for him by the city officials, nor did he move into a spacious and comfortable new mansion. Instead, he returned to the place where he had spent his childhood and boyhood - the old house of the Arpad family.

…

The days are short in winter, and the old house of the Arpad family has poor lighting, so before five o'clock, the old house is already shrouded in darkness.

The servant quietly walked into the study, put down the candlestick, and retreated with silent steps.

Arpad stared at the corner of the study in trance, completely unaware of the servants' entry and exit, until another old servant pushed open the wooden door of the study with a square plate.

"I brought your dinner to you." The old servant stopped at the door.

Arpad nodded slightly, and then the old servant entered the study.

Dinner was simple, just bread and soup.

When the old servant at home saw the young master - now the master - coming home, he happily kept the dining room spotless.

However, Arpad Duyomu has been a professional soldier for more than thirty years, and has lived in the military camp longer than in his old house. He has long forgotten all about the so-called aristocracy. So so far, the restaurant has not been used.

When the old servant was placing the tableware, Arpad suddenly asked: "Have you seen that standing cabinet?"

"I saw it, sir."

"There is a hidden compartment behind the cabinet. It should have been left by the stonemason. You have to push the cabinet open to see it. No one else knows about it except Klein and me."

Of course the old servant knew who Klein was, but he didn't know how to respond. Because Kleinheisler—Arpad Duyomu’s closest brother—had died on the Bloody Night in the Castle of Kings.

"Sir." The old servant changed the topic and lowered his head to report: "Captain Bode wants to see you."

Arpad, who was immersed in memories, returned to reality and gave the old servant a cold look.

The old servant hurriedly explained: "I have informed Captain Bode that you will not see guests. But he still insisted on seeing you, and he brought something - your thing."

After saying that, the old servant took out an object from his arms and presented it respectfully.

It was a square hip flask, a very delicate flask. It's a pity that it can no longer be used because it has half a lead bullet embedded in it.

…

An old servant with gray hair sat by the door of the reception room, looking at the ground like a puppet.

Apart from the old servant, there was only Winters in the reception room of Noda and a row of armchairs against the wall.

Winters observed the mural on the wall with interest. The murals have no theme, just some decorative patterns. And the painting is very poor, probably by an amateur painter.

Instinctively, Winters was far more interested in the fortress-like house than in the murals.

On the way from the second door to the reception room, he noticed a patio in the center of the house.

In order to keep warm in winter, houses in Plato rarely have patio structures. Winters could think of only one reasonable explanation: collecting rainwater.

Why do ordinary houses need to collect rainwater? Dealing with the siege?

Considering the location of the house, Winters speculated that the ancestral house of the Arpad family should be a transitional building between a castle and a residence, and it would not have been built too early.

Although there are many sentries and guards, the defensive capabilities are still not strong in Winters' opinion.

Kaolingbao is not the capital of Rum County, nor the administrative center of Jiangbei Province. It is just a small town under the jurisdiction of Rum County.

Arpad returned to Kaolingbao with only a few followers, but the military government could not let this leader return to his hometown alone.

The small town was almost packed to the brim with the guards and military and political dignitaries who followed Arpad to Gaolingbao.

Fortunately, Winters' entry into High Ridge Castle was smooth and he was not subject to any interrogation.

He doesn't need to pretend, because he is a genuine commissioned officer. His uniform, his "United Province accent", and every part of his body are the best proof of identity.

He only brought one Dusak escort - Vashika, who was also a genuine Dusak.

Winters also wrote himself a pass, forged his signature according to the commendation order issued to him by Arpad, and finally spent half an hour getting a seal.

For Winters, the biggest risk when traveling in areas under military rule is being recognized by a senior or classmate.

The so-called "academic" officers are actually a very small group. When two graduates meet, they can expose all lies with just a few casual conversations.

Therefore, Winters took Vashika and deliberately avoided towns where there might be garrisons, and traveled all the way to Kaoling Castle on a starry night journey.

The door to the reception room opened, and another old servant with gray hair walked slowly to Winter and whispered: "Please follow me."

At the end of a dim corridor, the old servant opened the door for Winters, and Arpad Dujame was sitting behind the desk.

Compared with the energetic, energetic, brave and capable cavalry general who seemed to have endless energy in Winters' memory, it is easier for people to notice the fact that Alpad Dujame is already halfway into his twilight years at this moment. .

While Winters was looking at Arpad, Arpad was also looking at Winters.

"Are you married?" Arpad frowned and asked for no reason. His voice wasn't as loud as before, but it was still full of energy.

The old servant wisely exited the study and closed the door.

Winters hypothesized many conversations, and none of them began with "You're getting married."

The relationship between Arpad and Winters is far from close or familiar. The former is a high-ranking major general, and the latter is just an insignificant centurion.

So Arpad's question puzzled Winters, and he didn't know how to answer it.

Arpad gestured for Winters to take a seat: "Bod Gates has a daughter."

Winters was not polite - he was no longer Alpad's subordinate - and sat calmly in front of Alpad: "I just borrowed Colonel Bode's surname."

Arpad did not continue the topic and asked instead: "Do you have any news about Bod Gates?"

"Yes, he is still alive." Winters considered his words: "Currently...Colonel Bode should be in Maplestone City."

Arpad frowned slightly, then sighed as if relieved and stopped frowning.

Winters remembered that Colonel Bode's original position was the chief captain of the Sixth Army. In other words, Colonel Bode was Arpad's second-in-command. The relationship between the two of them is probably closer than Winters originally thought.

Arpad did not continue asking about Colonel Bode's current situation. He glanced at Winters and said, "The new reclamation officer sent me a letter of reprimand. Adams said you became a bandit."

Arpad sneered: "He even held me accountable for this and asked me to send someone to deal with you."

Winters originally thought he would be angry, but he actually didn't have any emotion: "Oh? How did you reply to him?"

"How to reply to him? I told him - I'm glad to know that Winters Montagne is still alive." Arpad said contemptuously: "Adams is a double-edged fool, you don't have to be afraid of him."

Winters vaguely felt that if Arpad was like a blazing flame before, then the current Major General of the Cavalry was like boiling lava rolling in a volcano.

He didn't answer because he didn't think he was close enough to Arpad to judge the character.

However... perhaps it was precisely because Arpad had no direct interest in him that Arpad was extremely honest with him.

Everything I wanted to say has been said, and everything I wanted to ask has been asked. Arpad took out his pipe, pressed the tobacco leaves little by little, and asked directly: "Tell me, what do you want?"

Winters didn't want to fight in the fog, so a simple and direct conversation suited his wishes: "One of my subordinates was arrested by your military police and is now being held in Xiaolu City."

"What crime?" Arpad frowned slightly.

"deserter."

"Any more?"

"The other subordinates I brought from Wolf Town."

"Wolf Town?" Arpad frowned slightly.

"A very remote, remote town." Winters said calmly: "I am the resident officer there."

Arpad looked at Winters deeply: "No problem, you can take them all away."

Winters nodded and said, "Thank you."

"that's it?"

"that's it."

Arpad shook his head with a half-smile, picked up a pen and paper and wrote a pass. Then he slowly heated the lacquer, took off the ring and sealed the pass with lacquer.

"This pass allows you to travel north of the Jinliu River without hindrance." Arpad handed the folded pass to Winters: "You stay here for one night first, and I will send someone to help you find your old troops tomorrow. .”

Winters took the communication certificate and put it away carefully - this one was genuine. He nodded again to express his thanks: "I have a place to live."

Arpad took a drag on his pipe, as if to say, "Whatever."

Winters stood up to leave.

"Do you really have nothing else to ask for?" Looking at the young man's back, Arpad finally couldn't help but remind him: "This kind of opportunity will never happen again."

Winters touched the place where the pass was stored through his clothes: "This is enough."

Arpad picked up the wine bottle that was almost pierced by lead bullets and looked at every scratch and chip on the wine bottle: "It's just a little short."

"Yes." Winters suddenly wanted to laugh for some reason: "Without it, I should be dead."

Arpad raised his hand, and the wine bottle arced in the air, and Winters caught it easily.

Arpad seemed to be smiling like before for the first time since Winters walked into the study: "Although it is no longer useful, I will leave it as a souvenir for you."

"Thanks."

Winters walked to the door, and before he could reach out and touch the handle, the old servant guarding outside had already opened the door as if he had foreseen it.

As soon as his boots stepped out of the study, Arpad's voice suddenly sounded behind him: "Wait..."

Winters stopped and Arpad stood up and walked towards Winters: "We meet again... I don't know when it will be or what the circumstances will be. I'll see you off."

Even the puppet-like old servant couldn't hide his shock when he saw "Master" escorting a young captain out of the drawing room.

The conversation became lighthearted as they sent Winters out.

Arpad asked casually: "Have you seen Grove Magnus's open letter?"

"The one calling for negotiations?"

"yes."

"I just saw it a few days ago."

"what do you think?"

"It's so well written that it's being talked about in taverns and hotels everywhere."

"What's good? Gorgeous words, nonsense! Grover Magnus is a despicable, sinister man who likes to play with power. Everyone can say beautiful things, but I don't even believe the punctuation of what he says."

Winters wanted to find out, but doing so seemed like he was spying on Arpad's information, so he didn't answer.

After talking about it, Arpad suddenly asked Winters: "Do you have a legal wife?"

Winters replied without changing his face: "Yes."

"Captain Montagne."

"General."

"If you are legally married to Colonel Bode's daughter, then you are half a Platuan." Arpad sighed softly: "Do you understand what I mean?"

"Understood, but I'm married."

"Then you will always be a Veneta."

Winters replied solemnly: "I thought I was a citizen of the Union."

"I used to think so, and each of us thought so." Arpad, the fiery general, actually showed a trace of sentimentality: "But the reality is much crueler. The republics are incompatible with each other. After all, the great alliance will eventually It was just a sweet dream of Marshal Ned."

Winters was noncommittal, but his look said it all.

Either out of regret, out of appreciation, out of guilt, or out of envy, Arpad said to Winters word by word: "You are a Veneta person, which means you will never be able to do anything." Put down roots in Plato. Sooner or later you will have to return to Veneta, and you can make this decision now or wait until you have to. But the sooner you make this decision, the better it will be for you."

"Thank you for your suggestion."

The conversation ended here and the two of them walked out of the room.

When passing by the long corridor filled with arrow holes and bullet holes, Arpad, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly asked: "Did you kill Sekler?"

For others, Winters never directly answered the question.

But he gave Arpad a flat answer: "Yes."

"Was his death painful?"

"It's not painful."

"I'll take you here." Arpad stopped.

It was dark in the night, and Winters couldn't see Arpad's expression clearly. He only heard a calm "thank you."

Winters raised his hand in salute and walked towards the door.

Suddenly, he remembered something: "Sorry, I have one more request."

"explain."

"I also have a subordinate who was also brought out from Wolf Town. But his identity is somewhat special. I would like to ask you for a guarantee to allow me to take him away as well."

"Special?" Arpad frowned: "What's so special?"

Winters smiled: "He... is a cook."

[Updated Chapter 1... I'm going to break all the millstones of the production team today! ]

[A book friend reminded me that the leave application note leaked personal information, so I deleted it]

[The result was not updated after the preview...shameful]