Chapter 1388: Chapter 99: Reforging the Nation (26)

Gaspar Bellen quietly observed the expressions of the “freemen,” while Colonel Skool was scrutinizing Gaspar as well.

Outsiders could easily be misled, but Colonel Skool knew very well: Gaspar Bellen, this military-renowned handsome man, was not as uninhibited and free-spirited as he appeared to most people at first glance.

On the contrary, Gaspar Bellen was a meticulous and thoughtful person, excelling in logical deduction rather than intuitive judgment.

Because they had known each other for many years.

At the same time, Gaspar Bellen also concluded that he should answer his senior’s question head-on.

Because when Colonel Skool spoke, the freemen of the Newly Reclaimed Land all cast their eyes on him, meaning people expected to hear his answer.

But those glances were cold, mixed with a faint resentment, signifying that people already knew the answer.

For an answer the audience already knew but still wanted to hear, staying silent or evading the issue was not a good choice.

The former was tantamount to confrontation, the latter to lying.

Just like the fundamental purpose of Colonel Skur Meklen’s public trial was never to send Gaspar Bellen to the gallows.

The reason for Gaspar Bellen’s willingness to answer was also not to seek survival at any cost.

“Regarding your question, my answer can only represent my personal opinion.”

Gaspar took a deep breath, raised his voice, and fearlessly gave an answer more honest than the audience’s boldest expectations:

“In Rainbow Creek, the orders issued by the Decision Committee are the law; the gold and silver collected by the Decision Committee are taxes; the Decision Committee appoints officials; the Decision Committee commands the army; whether to continue the war or to make peace is entirely decided by the Decision Committee…”

The jury was silent, and even the freemen who loathed the military committee had to admit that the Blue Rose officer on the judgment seat was a “tough guy.”

But compared to anger and resentment, the silver-haired officer’s sincerity, bordering on arrogance, made them feel uncomfortable, unlike in the previous two trials.

“In Rainbow Creek, the state power is not held by an individual, but by a closed, professional, orderly military group.”

Gaspar Bellen stopped, and not until he gathered the audience’s attention again did he reveal the dagger hidden under his cloak in retaliation: “In other words, no matter from which angle you view it, it is the same as ‘you’!”

With these words, it was now Colonel Skool’s turn to enjoy being in the spotlight.

Without exception, all the freemen in the grand assembly hall turned their gaze towards the judge’s seat.

Colonel Skool remained unmoved, calmly responding, “Define ‘you’.”

“Does ‘you’ really need me to define it?” Gaspar said with a loud laugh, “Of course, it’s the New Reclamation Legion, the de facto rulers of the Newly Reclaimed Lands!”

“In the year 532, the Grand Council signed the ‘Told Agreement’ to form the New Reclamation Legion. Hence, all the rights and powers of the New Reclamation Legion in the Newly Reclaimed Lands Province are granted by the Grand Council.” Colonel Skool spoke methodically, citing references, and then asked, “Gaspar Bellen, who granted you power to secede in Jiangbei Province?”

“Your Honor, you are asking questions you already know the answer to.”

“I want to hear your answer.”

“Every Paratu who still has justice in their heart will tell you—it’s not us who betrayed the homeland, but Grof Magnus and his accomplices who betrayed us soldiers who live and die for the country.”

Gaspar surveyed the freemen of the New Reclamation, accusing passionately:

“The massacre at Kingsfort, the slaughtering of the Grand Council, selling the Kingdom of Galloping Horses and their souls to The Federated Provinces, Grof Magnus and his henchmen are the true traitors! They’ve not only betrayed us but also the Kingdom of Galloping Horses, and their souls will forever suffer in Hell!”

The grand assembly hall was momentarily subdued by the silver-haired officer’s presence; only his voice echoed between the columns and dome.

But a cold, pointed question shattered the glass curtain.

“Gaspar Bellen,” Colonel Skool spoke, “you still haven’t answered, who granted you power to secede in Jiangbei Province?”

Gaspar frowned; Colonel Skool’s attack did not align with his expectations, and he didn’t answer directly: “Grof Magnus’s treason already disqualifies him and his puppet council from governing the country.”

“Gaspar Bellen,” Colonel Skool persisted, “who granted you power to secede in Jiangbei Province?”

“Fighting against traitors never requires anyone’s permission,” Gaspar retorted fiercely, “Colonel Skur Meklen, may I ask, who granted you power to secede in the Newly Reclaimed Lands Province?”

This questioning invigorated the audience seated in tiers.

Gaspar spread his arms as if to embrace the gusts coming from all directions.

With the public opinion of the entire New Reclamation freemen behind him, he questioned Skool, seated high on the judge’s bench:

“In this holy court, in front of the people of the entire New Reclamation, stop using the ‘Told Agreement’ as a fig leaf! Your actions have long exceeded the scope of power granted by the ‘Told Agreement,’ haven’t they?!”