Chapter 66: Furnace Flames Roaring (3)_2
Admiral Dandolo scrutinized the Army General: "So, you also agree that thoroughly resolving the issue isn't a matter of principle, but a technical problem."
General Zio crossed his arms, lowered his eyes, and remained silent.
Admiral Dandolo also no longer leaned forward and returned to his pre-discussion posture, signaling the end of their confrontation.
Piccini and Captain Tess exchanged a silent communication, ultimately with Piccini speaking first: "In any case, the United Provincials have crossed the red line, and we're quite curious to know how our esteemed army colleagues plan to respond?"
This time, it was Major General Layton and Major General De Bal who exchanged glances.
With the support, Major General Layton cleared his throat and said proudly: "Our army has a young man who, by a twist of fate, is now serving in Paratu. But after all, he's one of us Venetians, and he learned a lot during the Tanilia conquest, so he's done quite well in Paratu and now commands a considerable force.
The United Provincials' transgressions must be punished, but Vineta should support a proxy in Paratu to engage in war with the United Provincials, rather than deploying our own troops, to keep the conflict within manageable bounds. And this young Venetian in Paratu is the best proxy and leverage."
As Major General Layton boasted confidently, Piccini's expression grew increasingly strange at the other end of the conference table.
"Pardon my interruption." Wetter Pisani cut off the army major general's words to probe: "The 'Venetian serving in Paratu' you mentioned, is he… Winters Montagne, the adopted son of General Serviati?"
"Oh?" Major General Layton was taken aback: "You know?"
Piccini chuckled, raising an eyebrow: "Who in Sea Blue hasn't heard of 'Blood of the Wolf' by now?"
Major General Layton waved his hand: "Even better, saves me from introducing him. You just need to know he's young but highly capable and absolutely loyal and reliable."
"Please hold on a moment." Piccini rubbed his forehead: "We've heard of Blood of the Wolf's remarkable achievements and legendary experiences, and if there's a chance, I'd also like to witness this fellow countryman's demeanor. But you say he's part of your army?"
"Of course." Layton's nostrils practically pointed skyward: "During the Tanilia War, Winters Montagne served right under my nose."
"That's hard to say." A delighted smile appeared on Piccini's face as he gestured toward Colonel Volbon, who desperately attempted to blend into the background: "General Serviati's envoy is sitting right there. You might as well ask him if General Serviati can command the 'Blood of the Wolf'."
"What father can't command his son?" Layton sneered.
Colonel Volbon's expression turned increasingly awkward, his face flushed as he stammered: "Lieutenant General Serviati specially instructed me to inform everyone that Captain Winters Montagne is not an officer under his command. He cannot order Captain Montagne to act against his interests, nor will he take actions contrary to the Republic's interests for Captain Montagne. Please be reassured..."
Major General Layton abruptly stood up, glaring at Colonel Volbon.
Poor Volbon, despite being a colonel, could only lower his head, pretending to be a piece of furniture.
The light words of young Wetter floated over: "It seems the 'absolutely loyal and reliable' description needs reconsideration."
"Goddamn it! What are you insinuating?" Layton slammed the table: "In the end, it's because you lot have swallowed too much of the military budget?! Otherwise, why would we need to compromise like this? There are homeless people all over the streets, they're ready-made recruits, and at this time, they should be brought into the army, not forced to desperation.
Give us two more corps, and we can solve Vineta's public security issues immediately! Expand to four corps, and the United Provincials won't dare act rashly! Expand to eight corps, and without needing you to intervene, we can resolve the United Provincials once and for all on your behalf.
But you're like snakes! Your bellies are about to burst, yet you still cry 'not enough'! Greedily sucking on the Republic's finances, without caring about the impact on the army. What right do you have to sneer at us?"
"Knowing the unemployed are an unstable factor, you still arm and train them on home soil, handing them knives. Isn't that laughable?" Wetter Pisani retorted without backing down.
"Once in the army, they'll naturally fall in line."
"Resentment doesn't dissipate so easily; how do you know they won't turn against us?"
Seeing the situation was about to spiral out of control again, Major General De Bal stepped in to salvage: "Alright, let's stop arguing over irrelevant topics. The reason we invited our Navy colleagues today is to first reach a consensus on our future path between the army and navy, not for the army and navy to begin fighting amongst themselves."
Wetter Pisani and Layton both respected Major General De Bal enough to stop speaking, but neither would look at the other.
Major General De Bal took a deep breath and looked toward Admiral Dandolo: "Even if General Serviati's adopted son has his own interests in mind, he wouldn't refuse our support. In any case, a proxy war without directly engaging better aligns with Vineta's interests. Compared to the other factions in Paratu's domain, Captain Winters Montagne is inherently closer to us, making him still the best candidate for a proxy."