Chapter 1385: Chapter 97: Rebuilding the Nation (24)_5

This time, the Grand Assembly Hall fell into complete silence.

“Let me introduce the witnesses to you.” Colonel Skul stood up, pointed to the shorter line of witnesses, and directly called out their names and titles: “Lieutenant Renier Bauer, Sub-Lieutenant John Felter, Sub-Lieutenant Axel Orange, Sub-Lieutenant Jan Cohen…”

The freemen were initially confused, then began to understand, shock followed, and finally anger overwhelmed everything.

“That’s right, they are all officers of the Provincial Army.” Colonel Skul stripped away the last veil in the hearts of all freemen: “They secretly infiltrated the Newly Reclaimed Land, collaborated with those harboring malicious intent, armed the thugs and bandits in each county, waiting for the opportunity to create chaos.”

Colonel Skul then pointed to the longer line of prisoners: “That line of witnesses are their collaborators. It seems some of the gentlemen present have recognized their identities.”

“And these spies and informants were dispatched to the Newly Reclaimed Land last late summer and early autumn!” Colonel Skul turned to Alder Felter and Nagy Modachi, and harshly said: “Long before the Battle of Wailing Valley! Long before the Maple Fort massacre! Long before the Guidao City coup on April 1st!”

With every word Colonel Skul said, he slapped the table hard, hitting the heart of every listener:

“Even before the New Reclamation Expeditionary Army entered the Newly Reclaimed Land! Before the Terdon Tribe Herders raided! Before your every lie!

“Even before we became enemies! You were already plotting to attack us! The dagger was already plunged into the Newly Reclaimed Land!

“Whether it was the Grand Council at Kingsfort, or the distant government of the Federated Provinces, you never thought of solving problems through peaceful means!

“Force was never your backup plan, it was your first choice!

“From the start, you intended to conquer the Newly Reclaimed Land by force! You arrived with swords and guns, even if it meant rivers of blood, you had no remorse or pity.”

Colonel Skul slammed the table in a fury: “The evidence is irrefutable! What else do you have to say?!”

After a brief silence, Nagy laughed: “The victor becomes king, the loser becomes outlaw, we just lost.”

Nagy Modachi laughed heartily, gazing around at the freemen: “The victor becomes king, the loser becomes outlaw! We just lost!”

“You and Sanel are indeed birds of a feather.” Colonel Skul retorted: “I can’t imagine what it would be like if you had won.”

“Hang him! Hang the Provincial Guy!” The familiar cries rang out again in the Grand Assembly Hall, as the freemen of the Newly Reclaimed Land, recovering from disbelief and shock, were even angrier than before: “Hang them!”

“Silence!” Colonel Skul raised the gavel high and smashed it onto the base.

With a crack, the gavel’s handle broke, splinters shot out, and the head flew somewhere.

The cries in the Grand Assembly Hall disappeared abruptly, like the broken gavel.

“Take them away.” Colonel Skul waved his hand wearily, he wiped his monocle, took a deep breath, and gave a command unexpected to all the freemen present: “Bring the next group of defendants.”

…

In the Iron Peak County Sector, Nandor was already dry-mouthed: “Huh? There’s another trial? Who else is on trial?”

Richard of Blackwater Town frowned deeply, looking suspiciously at the old Dusack.

“I don’t know who is being tried either.” Gerard shook his head at Richard, then murmured to himself: “But I fear this will be the most difficult.”

…

Major Alder Felter and Colonel Nagy Modachi were escorted down by the military police.

The third group of defendants was brought up.

Only one person, wearing an officer’s uniform, forty years old, handsome, with silver hair styled into a beautiful ponytail.