Chapter 59: Reason and Human Nature
Seeing the serious confrontation between the two groups of people, the situation is about to erupt and is about to get out of control; Crotty took a big step forward in a hurry, clasped his hands into fists, bowed to Tux, and persuaded his former colleagues with great sincerity: "Tucks, and all the colleagues of the Holy Swordsman Order. Pen & Fun & Pavilion www.biquge.info Leonard, Bran, Tina, Howl, and me.
In fact, it was the five of us who assassinated Alonso. What kind of person is Alonso? How ridiculous this charge is. Presumably, everyone who works in the intelligence department should know it very well in their hearts. We are now just seeking the truth and clearing our hands of the charges that should not be borne on us at all. Could you please raise your hand and open the net? ”
Hearing this, Taxus turned to point the silver-white sword he held in his right hand at Crotty and retorted, "Crotty, since that's the case. Then you should turn yourself in. I think that after His Majesty the extremely wise Elven King finds out the truth, he will definitely not make things difficult for you. ”
Hearing this, Crotty analyzed what Cleos had done in recent years with great emotion, and continued to try to persuade Tux and his colleagues in the Holy Swordsman's Order: "Tax. That's what I want to tell you, too. Is the Elven King really what we imagined, a His Majesty who is dedicated to the well-being of all the people of the Farusion Continent, who is dedicated to his work, who acts above board, and who is selfless?
Look at the current situation in our country, Bagram, this purgatory-like scene. Isn't it the work of the officials appointed under the rule of the Elven King?
Moreover, regarding the kidnapping of the crown prince of the Lars Empire, wasn't it the order of the Elf King? deliberately provoked a war, leaving tens of millions of people on the continent of Faroucion in dire straits; Just to pay the so-called minimal price and annex the Lars Empire and the Duchy of Bagram, two human-dominated states. With all due respect, such an Elven King is really not worth the battle for which we will die for him. It's time for Tuckers, and all of you, to wake up. ”
When Tuckers heard this, he articulated his beliefs with great eloquence: "Crotty, you are wrong. Heaven and earth are unkind, and all things are used as dogs. It is because His Majesty the Elven King is extremely broad-minded and compassionate that he has made up his mind to rule the world. That's why Your Majesty can withstand the tremendous pressure that ordinary people can't bear. That's why Your Majesty can shoulder a sacred mission that ordinary people can't shoulder.
That's why Your Majesty can endure the great pain that ordinary people can't bear. That's why Your Majesty can give, a great sacrifice that ordinary people can't give. That's why Your Majesty can make the right decisions that ordinary people can't make. That's why Your Majesty can complete difficult tasks that ordinary people can't accomplish. That's why Your Majesty can change, the cruel fate that ordinary people can't change.
Everything His Majesty has done is to unify the continent of Farushion as soon as possible, at the lowest cost; put an end to all wars and bring about permanent peace and tranquility; To build a paradise-like world without race, class, nobility or inferiority, rich or poor; Let everyone be well fed, warmly clothed, and achieve the greatest happiness in life. This is the greatest morality in the world. Everything else in the world is nothing compared to it.
In order to develop commerce, science and technology, and to speed up the process of reunification, it is absolutely necessary and valuable to sacrifice the interests and even lives of a small number of people. Therefore, the appointment of a corrupt aristocrat like Gerrit is absolutely unavoidable. It's like going under the knife to cure a disease, as long as the end result is good; No matter how painful the process is, the patient must grit his teeth and endure it until the end.
Crotty. His Majesty the Elven King has not ordered you to be held accountable for any crimes. So now, I beg you to come back to the Holy Swordsmen's side. When Crotty heard this, he immediately spoke, unable to find any suitable reason in his mind to refute Tuckers.
When Leonard heard this, he also took a big step forward; looked at Tux's face with awe-inspiring dignity, made an impassioned loud statement, and reprimanded the other party: "Hmph." It's ridiculous! Is this the line that invaders like you have always been correct throughout the ages? It makes my ears calloused.
Including the demon gods who tried to destroy the world, throughout the history of this world; What poisonous vegetable ruler does not incite public opinion, wantonly wage war, and regard the lives of the people as if they were a mustard in the name of bringing peace and tranquility by force?
What corrupt aristocracy does not do things like dung in the name of developing commerce or researching academics, bullying and suppressing the people, arbitrarily exploiting the people, and treating the interests and dignity of the people as dung? Aren't it all poisonous rulers and corrupt aristocrats who benefit in the end? Become a king, seize power and become an emperor, have a lot of wealth, be rich enough to rival the country, enjoy all the glory and wealth in the world, achieve the best survival and development in the heavenly world of Datong, and obtain the greatest happiness in life.
In addition to being fooled and used by them, dying one handful after another, and struggling to survive in a cruel world like purgatory, what did they get in the end!? Is this a cure!? This is simply ripping out the hearts and lungs of the people with sharp knives for the dictators and nobles to eat!
What has Clios done over the past thousand years, what is the essential difference from the previous autocratic emperors!? How many of the corrupt bureaucrats he appointed did not get rich by means of stealing, exploiting, and exploiting the blood and sweat of the common people? Aggression and slavery by means of war will not bring peace! Prosperity cannot be achieved by means of exploitation! ”
Tuckers turned his silver-white sword to Leonard's face, and retorted in a stubborn voice, "No matter how you quibble. I still believe that everything that His Majesty the Elven King says is true. If we want to achieve peace and development in this world, we must sacrifice the interests of the few, and we should even let them die for the sake of the interests of the majority! ”
When Leonard heard this, he once again mocked his opponent: "Wipe out a small part of the majority, enslave the remaining majority, and deprive yourself of the ability to think independently." The elite, who were originally a minority, represented the majority, naturally became the majority.
This is the fundamental reason why the rule of Cleos led to corrupt aristocrats such as Glitter to commit all kinds of cruel and tyrannical acts. Because the essence of the two practices is completely identical, they are in collusion with each other, and they all follow the same robber logic that power is truth. ”
Seeing that his theory could not refute Leonard, Tuckers bluntly warned the other party: "It seems that it is difficult for you and me to unify their views. However, regardless of whether the ideas pursued by His Majesty the Elven King are bandit logic or not. We are all soldiers of the Holy Swordsman Regiment directly under His Majesty. Obedience to the orders of superiors is a duty that must be respected by soldiers. The three of you are wanted criminals in the Republic of Vosfitta, and we will arrest you even if there is a big reason for it. ”
Seeing that the current situation was still deadlocked, Crotty asked Tuckers on the spot: "Tuckers." The main task of your trip should be to arrest Gerrit and the others, and at the same time acquit Andy, the Mercenary Society is the only legitimate interim government in Bagram, right? ”
Tuckers asked rhetorically, "That's right." So what? ”
Crotty tried to analyze from Tuckers's point of view, and cross-examined the other party politely, favorably, and modestly: "If you insist on using force to capture the three of them; That would mean that we would have to fight against the Mercenary Guild and walk over the corpses of our mercenaries. As a result, Andy and the Mercenary Guild were destroyed by your own hands. Isn't it disobeying the orders of your boss, the Elven King? ”
When Tux heard this, he was very generous and convinced; And with words to find himself a step down, reasonably, to Crotty them: "Count yourself in winning." In this way, the current arrest of the three of them is indeed inconsistent with the objectives of our mission. The Holy Swordsmen will let them go for the time being. However, when I return to the Republic of Vosfitta, I will personally report this matter to His Majesty the Elven King, and then act in accordance with His Majesty's will. Hopefully, by that time, your mercenary association will be able to take matters into its own hands. ”
Supervised by several samurai of extermination, Helgo, who had been kneeling on the execution table all the time, heard that this was the result; Suddenly raised his head, his heart was extremely unconvinced, his face was extremely hideous, and he made a big noise: "What!!? - I protest! It's not fair!!! ――Why did you go against Your Majesty's will and let go of the wanted criminal who murdered Lord Feng Wuhou without authorization!! -- Instead, he detained us, the people of the Republic of Vosfitta!!? ――...”
Seeing this, one of the warriors in charge of Hergo twisted the baron's arm. "Ah!! The guy screamed in pain, and then he held back the resentment in his heart and stopped slowing down.
Gerrit, who was reminded by Helgo's noise, also raised his head abruptly; Unusually unwilling in his heart, he threatened Tux loudly: "Tux! - If you don't release the governor right away! When the Governor returns, he will definitely denounce in front of His Majesty your despicable and shameless traitorous acts of eating inside and out, hurting relatives, quick enemies, bending the law for personal gain, favoring the wanted criminals of the Mercenary Association, and deliberately entraping your own people! ”
When Tux heard this, he was furious; With a wave of his big hand, he ordered his subordinates: "Plug the mouths of these two guys, tie them up, and keep them down!" ――”
So, Glitter and Helgo kept struggling, and were gagged with rags by several samurai, and dragged down the execution table with a lot of flowers: "Hmm... Hmm..."...
Taxus put both of his swords back into their sheaths, turned around, looked at Crotty's face, and asked in a very serious manner: "Crotty." As a staff member who has worked with you for many years. I ask you again, would you like to come back and join us all in the struggle for the fulfillment of His Majesty's long-cherished wish of the Elven King? ”
Crotty did not hide his dislike for Cleos, and directly rejected Tuckers: "I refuse. Until Leonard, Tina, and Bran are cleared of their charges, there is no way for me to return to the Holy Swordsmen. Moreover, if His Majesty the Elven King can't correct his mistakes in time. There's no way I'm going to work for him anymore. ”
When Tux heard this, he replied in a resolute tone: "In that case." The next time we meet, we won't necessarily be friends, but we're likely to be enemies with swords against each other. Goodbye. After saying that, he turned around, greeted his subordinates, and left the place without looking back.
Crotty stared at Tux's fading back, and tears couldn't help but flash in his eyes: "Tux..." As a result, more than 15,000 officers and soldiers of the Republic of Vosfita in Bagram City surrendered to the Holy Swordsmen after seeing that Glitter and Hergo were captured. Thousands of rebels from outside the city were also put into the city and merged with the backbone of the Mercenary Society; It was warmly welcomed by the people of the city, and the situation in Bagram City was completely controlled.
After reuniting with Leonard, Bran, Tina, Hanks, and Howl, Crotty gathers his friends together; In a soundproofed conference room in the Resistance's underground stronghold, a round table sits around. I saw that she stood up first and broke the news straight to the point: "Don't hide it from everyone." I was previously one of the three holy generals of the Holy Swordsman Regiment, and I was also the righteous daughter of Krosso, the general of the Third Army of the Republic of Vosfitta. ”
When Bran heard this, he blurted out in surprise: "What!?" Tina's and Hanks' eyes widened in surprise. Leonard, who is usually very impulsive and likes to show himself, is not very surprised at this time.
Crotty's thorough analysis: "Judging by the current situation. When Tuckers returns home, he will definitely report the situation on Bagram's side to Cleos in detail. Cleos will definitely send troops to arrest us. So this is not a place for everyone to stay for a long time. We're here to only get into trouble with the Mercenary Guild and bring endless trouble to Bagram City. ”
Hearing this, Tina took over the conversation and asked, "So, where should we go next?" Did you go to your stepfather? ”
Crotty nodded in affirmation, and explained the way to solve the problem in a clear and well-reasoned way: "Yes. We must get out of here as soon as possible and go to General Krosso. Because, we have already established the fact that the intelligence services ordered by Clios deliberately kidnapped the crown prince of the Lars Empire and provoked a war between the Duchy of Bagram and the Lars Empire.
In the Republic of Vosfita, Cleos is not so popular. Many people, including our elves, are dissatisfied with his arbitrary and arbitrary way of governing the country. My stepfather, General Crosso, would not have been on Clios' side everywhere and obeyed the Elven King.
On the contrary, the Stepfather is an elder of our elven clan who is known for his reasonableness and love for talents, and has a high reputation. There are only three elders in our elven clan, except for Cleos, the stepfather, and the other one are all very respectable. So, all you have to do is arrive at the ancient capital located in the northwest of the continent of Faroucion. Mahaya, met with General Crosso.
With my father's status and fame in the Republic of Vosfitta, together with the conclusive evidence we have, we will surely be able to clear the charge and usher in a new beginning for all of you. ”
Leonard heard this and raised a question that still needs to be solved: "But how do we get to the ancient capital? What about Mahaya? ”
Crotty objectively and calmly dissected the two routes that he could choose: "This is, of course, the question I will discuss next. If we go directly west from Bagram, we will enter the territory of the Republic of Vosfitta, under the command of Field Marshal Memphis, and under the jurisdiction of the First Army. Memphis was also one of the masterminds of the kidnapping of the crown prince of the Lars Empire. The First Army also took direct part in the military campaign against the Lars Empire. Therefore, we must not expect to pass through the area under the jurisdiction of the First Army by chance.
As a result, there are only two roads left to choose from. Either arrive in Lars and head north across the borders of Nakonaru to take the shortest route to the ancient capital. Mahaya. Either you should go to Lars first, starting from the port of Shevis east of Lars, and take a boat to reach your destination by sea, which is obviously a long detour.
But if we're going to Lars, we'll have to go through the town of Sida first. Therefore, the help of Mr. Cliff of the Five Elements Chamber of Commerce was needed to make the trip. "Bagram is a small country with only fishing villages by the sea, no deep-water harbor for large sailing ships, and no navy.
Hearing this, Leonard stood up and made a concluding speech: "Then it is decided." As soon as the Holy Swordsmen departed, we set out to get in touch with Cliff first; After arriving in Sida Town, everyone sat down together to discuss which route to take. Do you have any objections? ”
Howl, Bran, Tina, and Crotty replied, "No problem." "Nope." "I have no objection either." "Do as you say." Only Hanks sat in his seat and said nothing, which was considered a tacit acquiescence.
Around the same time, the members of the Mercenary Association found the remains of a spell altar in one of the uninhabited abandoned buildings that appeared in the Holy Swordsman Order near the execution table. Twelve broken marble columns carved with multicolored patterns surround each other, and the pattern of a twelve-pointed star on the ground is around. The motif is a closed ditch with a depression in the ground about five centimeters deep and five centimeters wide, with each corner facing a stone pillar.
On the other side, the Holy Swordsmen under the command of Taks gathered more than 15,000 captives of the Republic of Vosfitta and Army Group Center in a huge open area outside Bagram. Then, the Twin Swordsmen ordered the elven mages to use spells to check all the captives one by one, and found that the group had all been addicted to Bliss Powder.
Tuckers then ordered each of the captives to dig a large hole in the ground day and night, without sleep, using the pieces of iron or helmets from their armor; Those who dig out pits that do not meet the standards are not allowed to smoke Bliss powder.
So, sweating and exhausted, the trembling captives dug out pits of standard depth and width in front of them. Tuckers gave another order: Jump into the pit for me! More than 15,000 soldiers of the Republic of Vosfita and Army Group Center woke up like a dream, completely panicked, and wanted to resist and flee one after another. However, the captives were exhausted and almost addicted, and there was no chance of resisting or escaping.
Subsequently, based on the latest legal provisions of Cleos, Taxus announced the execution of all the addicts of the Republic of Vosfita and Army Group Center on the spot. All captives who resisted and tried to flee were chopped to death by the Severed Warriors, or killed by the spells of the Elven mages.
Most of the remaining captives jumped into the pit very consciously and were obediently buried alive and disposed of. The Holy Swordsmen executed and buried most of their captives in the same way, leaving only Glitter and Hergo alone, escorting the corrupt aristocratic uncle and nephew out of Bagram.
After the Holy Swordsmen left Bagram. Leonard and his party politely declined Andy's retention, bid farewell to the Crimson Flame Mercenary Regiment and the McNugget Brothers and other comrades of the Mercenary Association, and set off for Cida Town.
Due to the health of Captain Angeline, and the current chaotic social order in Bagram, there is an urgent need for vigilante fighters; None of the members of the Crimson Flame Mercenary Group made a request to follow the Great Swordsman and their departure. The president also focused on the big picture, taking into account Tuckers' previous stern warnings; did not dare to insist on keeping the three suspects, including his own son, who were wanted by the Republic of Vosfitta.