Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters-Chapter 936 - 28 An Offer You Can’t Refuse_2

Chapter 936: Chapter 28 An Offer You Can’t Refuse_2

Colonel Alec was so irritated that he burst into laughter: “We’ve provided the personnel, we’ve granted the passes; what now? Do we have to cough up the funds for your trip home?”

“It’s a loan.”

“No! Impossible!” Colonel Alec waved his hand dismissively.

“Then there’s no other way,” Winters shrugged. “We can only proceed as we are, selling off some cargo along the way to accumulate travel funds.”

He earnestly began to lay out the finances for Colonel Alec: “Due to war and banditry, various parts of Jiangbei Province are experiencing a mix of glut and shortage. Local goods cannot be transported out, and foreign goods can’t come in. Therefore, for a caravan like ours… one that faces no obstructions, there exists a delicate profit margin…”

Colonel Alec, having a background in artillery rather than commerce, felt dizzy and irritated after hearing all the business talk.

“Enough, I get it,” said Colonel Alec, hastily cutting off the conversation as the topic drifted further away: “The faster you leave Jiangbei, the safer you are; the longer you delay, the more likely unexpected situations will arise.”

Having said that, Colonel Alec turned to leave.

However, Winters grabbed hold of Alec’s wrist: “Hold on! Colonel, I have a proposition!”

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“What?” Colonel Alec responded impatiently.

“If your side is willing to provide some… salary, I can assist in dealing with all the bandit gangs along the provincial route…” Winters paused for a moment, the implication of that brief pause went without saying: “No need for cash, goods in exchange will do. Flour, horse feed, anything works.”

Colonel Alec laughed dryly a few times: “Such trivial matters under military government control don’t require the help of ‘allied forces’.”

The word “allied forces” was heavily emphasized by Colonel Alec, and after finishing his statement, he left without turning back.

Winters shook his head, unsurprised, and flipped open his ledger to continue working on his never-ending accounts.

Once the meeting between the military representatives and Captain Montaigne was confirmed to be over, Gerard and Sergei approached cautiously.

Gerard wanted to speak, but wasn’t sure what to call him. Old Sergei, on the other hand, didn’t mind at all and cheerfully called out, “Your Excellency!”

Seeing that Mr. Mitchell seemed preoccupied, Winters smiled and said, “Sounds awkward, just call me as you used to.”

“How could that be?” Old Sergei shook his head vigorously.

Gerard Mitchell hesitated for a long time but eventually used a conservative title: “Captain, sir.”

After the joy of their reunion faded, Gerard realized that many things had changed.

There was no doubt that Gerard Mitchell was a warrior, not even death could scare him.

However, in the rapidly shifting social climate, he felt as helpless and afraid as reeds swaying in the wind.

Not long ago, Gerard was the mayor appointed by the New Reclamation Legion, a loyal Dusack, a qualified husband, and father.

At this moment, however, he was in league with “Rebels,” and these so-called rebels were his beloved family and friends.

He couldn’t even figure out whether he was now a part of the “Rebels” or not.

Old Sergei wouldn’t be bothered by this, as he adhered to Dusack’s simple philosophy of enjoying life as it comes, without overthinking.

Gerard Mitchell was the exact opposite; the reason he had achieved everything he had was that he thought more than his peers.

But the more he thought, the more anxious Gerard became—Winters understood this completely and was sufficiently generous.

However, how to adapt to the current reality… or rather “to find one’s place,” was something Old Mitchell had to figure out for himself.

Winters did not dwell on the issue of titles, but instead directly asked: “Has Pierre’s fever subsided?”

“It has,” Gerard nodded gratefully. “He’s asleep now after taking the special brew you provided.”

“It’s actually a sedative with some analgesic effects, not really a special brew… But considering Pierre’s current condition, getting more sleep should be beneficial for his recovery,” Winters briefly explained, then asked, “When can we depart?”

Gerard’s smile faded as he answered seriously, “In at most two quarters of an hour. As soon as the carts are loaded, we can leave immediately.”

Winters casually stuffed the infuriating ledger back into his pack: “Send the Scouts out now, and set off as soon as loading is finished.”

Gerard and Old Sergei saluted instinctively in agreement.

Regaining their senses and remembering the original purpose of their approach, Old Sergei asked softly, “Your Excellency, the sun has passed its zenith, and we won’t cover many miles before dark. A few of the old fellows urged me to ask if we should rest here tonight. We’ve been sleeping in the wild for several days, and everyone’s a bit worn out.”

“Truly exhausted?”

Old Sergei patted his belly: “I’m getting on in years… but if you give the order, I definitely won’t have any objections.”

Winters considered for a moment, patiently explaining to his “old subordinates”: “We have been delayed too long; we must catch up on time. Camping continuously is indeed tough… How about this, buy as much fresh meat and poultry as possible before we leave, so Berlion can improve the meals for everyone.”

Old Sergei’s eyes lit up, he saluted joyously and turned to leave.

But Gerard had other concerns and asked with some anxiety, “May I ask… was there something Colonel Alec was unsatisfied with? He seemed to leave in a rather unhappy mood.”