Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

[Fayeka Residence]

"Alas, it's not just your son. All the young men bought out by Major Sunder are now held in the hands of the Blood Wolf."

When saying [Blood Wolf], Fayeka deliberately changed to another accent, but still couldn't help but shiver. Clearly, the overnight upheaval in Artemis left an indelible mental scar on him.

"But no matter who pleads, no matter how much blood is shed, that one does not relent in the slightest." Fayeka lightly pointed upwards: "Currently, half of Artemis City is working for him. You say, is he really short of those few arms that dig soil?"

Old Majiya listened intently.

Fayeka pretentiously asked back: "Or is he in need of several excellent hostages?" Find thе sоurсе оf this сhаptеr аt М|V|L-ЕМРYR.

Old Majiya remained silent, recalling once again the parting words of the officer named "Lannis."

"Mr. Majiya. I can bet with you, the weight of your saddlebags when you leave here will be the same upon your return from Artemis. Because no matter how much gold and silver you offer, it will not sway His Excellency's will. But I know you are not easily persuaded, so I will not stop you. Besides, I think your trip to Artemis is not a bad thing."

The young officer laughed with high spirits: "Because no one has yet to meet His Excellency and not be conquered by him."

Old Majiya braced his knees, lowered his head, closed his eyes, and recalled everything he had seen and heard along the way.

The almost fanatic confidence shown by the young officer regarding the "Blood Wolf" was still vividly imprinted in Old Majiya's mind, filling him with an inexplicable fear.

"Alright." Old Majiya suddenly opened his eyes and got up to dress without any hesitation: "I'll go back now."

"No! Why are you in such a hurry?" Fayeka quickly grabbed his old friend and hurriedly explained: "Even if it's destined to be fruitless, you should still pay a visit to the Civil Guard Officer."

Old Majiya frowned.

"But not 'that' Civil Guard Officer." Fayeka kept him guessing, deliberately dragging his words as he said with satisfaction: "But another Civil Guard Officer, the true Civil Guard Officer—His Excellency Bard. Don't worry, I have means to introduce you to him."

Old Majiya pondered for a moment and asked: "How many Civil Guard Officers are there?"

"Uh... quite a few." Fayeka appeared quite embarrassed: "I don't really understand the rebels' inner circle."

"Is this one different?"

"Ha, this is what you don't understand." Fayeka pushed his old friend back to the seat, poured himself half a cup of wine, and downed it in one gulp.

With the help of the alcohol, Fayeka mysteriously explained to his old friend: "These little rascals of the rebels are very different from those 'officials' we served under His Majesty. Though those leaders had sharp tongues and harsh whips, we knew very well what rotten cores lay inside them."

Old Majiya didn't quite understand what his friend was getting at, but he listened carefully.

"The little rascals of the rebels, on the surface, are friendly and even more official-looking than the official army. But don't be fooled by them; these kids have harder hearts and darker hands than anyone you've seen." Fayeka instinctively lowered his voice: "Do you know how many people they used to capture Artemis?"

Without waiting for a response, Fayeka raised five fingers, glaring and answered himself: "Five hundred! Just five hundred people. When that man's battle flag was raised, the rebel infantry charged like mad. Major Sunder didn't even get to fart, and he was pressed down! Even his heirloom blade was taken."

Old Majiya gradually understood his friend's thoughts, his expression growing more serious.

"Old friend, I'm telling this only to you. I reckon if the official army wants to wipe out this bunch of rebels..." Fayeka slapped his thigh: "Hard! Very hard! It'll take a lot of blood and effort! Even if, eventually, the official army can win, it'll definitely take a lot of time."

Fayeka, bleary-eyed from drink, pointed at Old Majiya, then at himself: "We, with the rebels—we have to find a way to get along! It's not something you can hide from by covering your head! If the official army even thinks of recruiting them, the days will only get longer!"

Old Majiya didn't speak, but his tightly pressed lips showed he agreed with his friend's view.

"So." Fayeka, helplessly, poured himself another glass of wine, rapping on the table: "You have to meet the rebels, you can't hide from them, it's unavoidable!"

Old Majiya stared at his hands, suddenly exhaled a long breath, and with it went something indescribable.

"This Excellency Bard." Old Majiya asked gravely: "What kind of person is he?"

"Oh, he's a great man." Fayeka perked up, eagerly introducing: "Unlike the other rebel leaders—he's both devout and learned, very kind, and easy to talk to. It's said he studied in a Monastery. Rest assured, he may not be able to plead for you, but he'll be willing to hear your grievances. You should meet him; otherwise, your trip to Artemis would be in vain."

Old Majiya asked again: "When can you arrange for me to visit His Excellency Bard?"

"Anytime. Rest assured, His Excellency Bard works in the old garrison office, and meets petitioners all day."

"Take me there now."

"Why the rush?" Fayeka was taken aback.