Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

"Your Excellency Blood Wolf." Old Majiya instinctively corrected the timber merchant: "It's not as you said."

Mikhail suddenly perked up: "Brother... you... you've met Blood Wolf."

Old Majiya nodded slowly.

"What... what's he like?" Mikhail hurriedly asked: "Is he fair? Is he kind? Is he as cruel as they say?"

As he kept asking, the timber merchant started to sound tearful: "Does he... does he kidnap people..."

Old Majiya thought for a long time, unable to find a suitable word to describe Blood Wolf. Although it was only a brief meeting, the impression that young leader left on Old Majiya couldn't be captured by a single word or sentence, and Old Majiya was unsure how to convey this to Mikhail.

After pondering for a while, Old Majiya solemnly spoke: "I will go."

Mikhail howled for a while longer before realizing what Old Majiya had said. Instantly, all his tears and snot were held back: "What did you say?"

"I will attend the assembly of free men." Old Majiya paused: "I want to hear what His Excellency Montaigne has to say."

Mikhail stood there in a daze.

At that moment, another voice wailed miserably from the direction of the manor's gate: "Ah ah ah! Old brother Majiya! What should we do! Can't live anymore!..."

...

...

[Maplestone City]

[Officer's Residence]

Some are unwilling to go, while others are eager to come.

Upon receiving the notice, Gerard Mitchell and Ellen Mitchell, who were far away in Wolf Town, set off at once, arriving at Maplestone City even before many "free men" from nearby Vernge County.

At present, the Mitchell couple is visiting Pierre's residence.

The officer's residence of the original New Reclamation Legion headquarters is located in the best area of Maplestone City. From the entrance, one can see the bell tower of the Maple Stone City Cathedral, and opening the window reveals the tranquil flowing Anya River.

The cluster of residences forms an independent community, guarded by walls and sentries, private and serene. The construction of each residence was also done with significant investment.

Old Mitchell inspected the entire residence inside and out, finally uttering just one word: "Nice."

Then, he glanced at his son, snorted softly, and said, "Better than our house."

"You're joking, Dad." Pierre quickly surrendered, looking to his mother for help: "The Mitchell Manor will always be the best."

Mrs. Mitchell, holding Pierre's arm, gently glanced at her husband and smiled, prompting Gerard Mitchell to stop his playful teasing of their son.

"You've had a long journey." Momentarily escaping from his father's teasing, Pierre opened a cabinet and hurriedly searched for a bottle of wine: "Coming over so quickly couldn't have been easy."

This house was one he recently moved into, and due to frequent travel, he hadn't stayed there long, lacking the "owner's" consciousness.

"Not tiring at all, even easier than traveling far when I was young." Gerard carefully sat in a lace-covered soft chair, assessing the living room's furnishings: "We came on a new official carriage, with meals and accommodations arranged, like a leisurely trip."

Pierre finally found the target and asked his mother while walking back: "Is that so? Mom."

Mrs. Mitchell smiled and nodded.

"That's good then." Pierre poured wine for his father while explaining: "These houses originally belonged to the officers of the New Reclamation Legion. After taking over Maplestone City, His Excellency Montaigne reassigned them to us."

Gerard took the glass but didn't drink, asking with concern: "Does that mean you are finally a real officer?"

"We, Montaigne's subordinates, have a somewhat special situation." Pierre patiently and restrainedly explained: "As far as I know, his Excellency is discussing with other 'Reconstruction Preparation Committee' how to integrate our ranks and positions into the original system."

Saying that, Pierre smiled a bit embarrassedly: "However, you know, if we directly follow the old rules, many of us could hold titles like 'Officer.' So... this matter is still under negotiation."

Hearing his son's words, Gerard sighed with half comfort, half loss: "Looks like I'll have to salute you in the future."

Pierre quickly supported his father's pride: "How could it be!? Dad, you'll always be my 'superior officer.'

"Let's have a drink." Gerard picked up the wine bottle and poured a little for his son: "Pierre."

"It's an honor." Pierre respectfully took the wine glass.

Gerard exchanged a look with his wife and earnestly replied: "The honor is mine too."

At this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps came from the stairs. Scarlett, with short hair, dashed into the living room from the second floor and loudly announced: "I want to stay in the second largest room!"

Little Mrs. Mitchell—Pierre's newlywed wife—was holding her daughter, smiling with affection, following Scarlett slowly down the stairs.

On the way here, the Mitchell couple had brought their daughter-in-law and little granddaughter from Revodan along with them.

Pierre answered mercilessly: "You're staying in the smallest room."

"Stingy." Scarlett made a face, expressing disdain: "I knew you would keep the best things for yourself."