Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

The burning of Manyun Bridge was a painful cut to them, and when they learned that the Garrison Officer, Winters Montagne, would compensate for Manyun Bridge on the spot, the townspeople of Manyun Valley were overjoyed to the point of madness.

The church bell tower rang twelve times to celebrate.

However, Winters also cautioned the mayor of Manyun Valley: although the money was compensated to the townspeople, the bridge could not be rebuilt; if it was rebuilt, he would send someone to burn it again; next time, there would be no compensation.

The mayor of Manyun Valley swore with curses that he would absolutely not use the money to repair the bridge.

"I know it's inconvenient for everyone, just bear with it for a bit, and use this money to build some ferries first," Winters patted the mayor's shoulder, "When conditions allow, I will personally come and build a bridge for you, free of charge."

The mayor of Manyun ancient town was flattered and nodded repeatedly.

Having resolved the issue of Manyun Valley, Winters ordered his subordinates to pack up, as he wanted to rush back to Revodan overnight—he actually felt a bit "homesick."

Xial came running with an odd expression, reporting, "Someone wants to see you?"

"Speak." Winters sighed, "Which one wants to sue? Which one wants to petition?"

...

Winters became the nominal master of Manyun Valley, and the nominal obligations also fell on his shoulders.

With the exit of the old garrison and the Revodan circuit court, Winters had no choice but to personally adjudicate three civil lawsuits for Manyun Valley.

The more reputable gentlemen in town even petitioned him together, requesting a speedy restoration of the Revodan circuit court operations.

Although trivial governmental affairs tired Winters, his mood was incredibly uplifted.

In this battle, he had won.

He had won the right for the new Iron Peak County regime to survive; as for other problems, they could all be solved slowly.

Such as... the petty lawsuits and the endless petitions.

...

Xial laughed heartily, showing his teeth, "It isn't someone from Manyun Valley who wants to see you... it's someone from across the river..."

On the west bank of the Anya River, Colonel Gaisa finally met face to face with his adversary.

Gaisa only brought two people and arrived at the western bank by boat.

"The rebel leader" also only brought two people.

Gaisa scrutinized his opposite carefully—the man in front of him was very young, his body bursting with vibrant vitality;

Rather than saying he was handsome, it was more accurate to say he had a charm that was different from handsomeness;

Although he was in civilian clothes, he was evidently military at first glance;

On the left side of the saddle hung a saber;

On the right side was a walking stick, its handle fashioned in the likeness of a galloping horse.

"Are you Winters Montagne?" Colonel Gaisa raised his eyebrows slightly, asking with a smile.

"I am," the young man in front of him replied with a gentle smile, countering, "And you are Gaisa Adonis?"

"Indeed," Gaisa replied, straightening his back with pride.

The young man in front of him burst into uncontrollable laughter, trying to hold it back, but to no avail.

Gaisa touched his bald head and said with a hint of grievance, "Don't judge by how I look now, I used to be quite handsome too!"

"Sorry... I'm sorry," the young man apologized repeatedly.

The somber air was diluted by laughter, and the atmosphere of the conversation seemed more like two alumni encountering each other on the road and chatting casually.

"You wanted to see me?" the young man asked, "What for?"

"Nothing much. Just my own curiosity, I couldn't help wanting to meet the junior who gave me the runaround," Gaisa chuckled, "Ah, the younger generation surpassing the old, it's really something."

The young man nodded slightly, not picking up the conversation.

"Actually, I was also worried what if you are a malevolent star that'd simply kill me? But I guess I've lived long enough, not meeting face to face, even if I could live another thirty years, I wouldn't be content."

"For now, it has ended, and enough blood has been spilled," the young man spoke calmly, "There's no need for bloodshed today."

"But have you thought about what you'll do later on?"

"I have."

"What will you do?"

"I'm not telling you."

Colonel Gaisa laughed heartily, "From your tone, it sounds like things have already been decided over at Revodan, huh?"

The young man nodded slightly.

Gaisa sighed, then asked with some curiosity, "Your cavalry, it's commanded by Andreya Chelini, right?"

The young man nodded again.

"Then who's commanding the forces of Revodan?"

The young man smiled, offering no answer.

"Richard Mason, Gerard's Bard," Gaisa chewed over the two names, shaking his head with a bitter smile, "The younger generation is indeed formidable... formidable!"

The young man continued to smile.

"Alright, I'm satisfied and I'll be going. Allow me a personal question," Gaisa said, pointing to the young man's walking stick, "What's with that? Injury to the leg?"

Winters was stumped by a question for the first time in this conversation.

He now could walk normally without the need for the walking stick, yet he still carried it with him, as if the good luck was still by his side.

"Thank you for the concern," Winters nodded slightly, "Just a minor injury."

"From a horse?"

"Yes."

"I've sustained a similar injury," Colonel Gaisa sighed, "It's bearable in the summer, but quite painful in winter. If it aches and tingles, soaking it in hot water can relieve a lot of the discomfort."

Winters didn't speak; he slowly raised his hand in salute.

Gaisa returned the salute, smiling as he said, "If one day we stop fighting, come to Falconflower Fort and I'll treat you to a hot bath, it's quite comfortable."

Winters nodded with a smile.

Gaisa waved his hands nonchalantly, "Off I go!"

The boat was pushed from the shore, drifting slowly towards the other bank.

Winters watched this adversary, whom he had just met yet seemed like an old friend, until the figure on the boat grew too small to make out the face, then rode away.

The riverbank returned to tranquility, the Anya River continued to flow quietly.

...

Two days later, at Falconflower Fort.

"What? The military horse farm at South Hill Town was raided?" Gaisa Adonis slammed the table and stood up, the scar on his left cheek nearly turning purple as he yelled skywards, overwhelmed with rage, "Dare to steal my horses?! Montagne lad! I'll never stand on the same ground as you!"