Steel, gunpowder, and spellcasters

Chapter 41 Taneria and Aphrodite
Winters suddenly sighed and asked softly, "Is there going to be a war?"

"To wage war, you need an enemy, right?"

“Tanilla people, the Republic wants the archipelago,” Winters calmly replied. “I’m so slow on the uptake, it’s only now that I’ve realized it.”

Antonio neither denied nor confirmed, but instead asked, "Then tell me, why would Veneta go to war with his important source of raw materials and trading partner?"

"I don't know the reason, but I've learned something from history: people can have a thousand reasons to start a war, and they can also have a thousand reasons to stop a war. War is not a duel between two people; the various parties involved in a war have conflicting reasons. As for the root cause of a war, that can only be known from history books after the war is over. I'm just trying to deduce the direction of the wheels from the ruts."

"What tire tracks?" Antonio seemed intrigued.

“Some fragmented information, rumors in military academies, the conflict between the islands and the sea, the tense atmosphere in Army Headquarters, your casual mention of conscripting reservists… and most importantly, what’s the point of framing the case against pirates? Can the Army even control pirates? It’s just trying to draw fire to the islands.”

"interesting."

Winters asked with difficulty, "Is war inevitable?" This was hardly a question a soldier should ask.

"Not necessarily. War is merely a means, not an end. Sometimes, large-scale preparations for war are simply a way to gain more bargaining chips. Veneta is not a mountain stronghold; the final decision on what methods to use will rest with the governing council." Antonio's voice was clear and calm.
He said calmly, "But military deterrence comes not only from force, but also from the determination to use force. If the wrong message is sent, leading the Archipelago Federation to believe that Hailan dares not use force, then war will be the only option. Have you ever seen the General and the Little General fight with the stray cats in the yard?"

"I've seen it. The little general is small in stature but even more ferocious." Every spring and autumn night, cats fight and howl loudly around the Winters' house.

"Wrong. It's not that the Little General is more ferocious, but that the wild cats think the Little General is easy to bully and dare to challenge him. And look at the Great General? As soon as it sees a wild cat enter its territory, it rushes up and wants to fight to the death. The wild cats nearby are all afraid of it and keep their distance when they see it. In the end, it is actually the Little General, who doesn't like to cause trouble, who fights with the wild cats more often."

"Is the Republic ready to go to war?" Winters pondered these words, realizing how little he knew.

“Yes and no. We’ve been working on plans for years, but without the Directory’s determination, they’re just a piece of paper.” Antonio snorted, seemingly very dissatisfied. “It wasn’t until a month ago, after the Consul’s scathing speech in the Senate, that the Thirteen-Person Committee agreed to prepare supplies for the war.”

[The Thirteen-Member Committee, also known as the Military Committee of the Venetia Republic, is composed of high-ranking officers from the Army and Navy.]
"I doubt the United Provinces will stand by and watch us take control of the archipelago." If Hailan takes over the archipelago, it will inevitably disrupt the delicate balance within the alliance.

"'Florence' is now right above the northern border river and the 'Running River,' otherwise why would we have made you return to Veneta by sea instead of by land this year?"

[Fourth 'Florence' Legion, Army of the Azure Republic]
[Second 'River Flow' Legion, United Provinces Republic Army]
Winters felt a chill run down his spine. The two Union standing armies were already facing off at the border; no wonder they were using boats this year. But he found it unbelievably absurd: "Are we supposed to fight the Union Provincials first?"

“How could that be? Even if the United Provinces Army is crazy, it wouldn’t dare to defy the world and start a civil war.” Antonio laughed and reassured his nephew: “Their only intention is to restrain us, prevent us from using our full strength, and buy them time to control the islands.”

"The United Provinces also want to control the archipelago?"

Antonio countered, "Sea Blue and the Piton dell'arte each occupy half of the bay. Whoever controls the archipelago controls the inland sea trade. I ask you, if you were the Secretary of State of the United Provinces, wouldn't you want to control Tanilla?"

In the past, the Taneria Islands were also a royal domain. However, unlike the Sealand, which became a royal domain because of its wealth, Taneria became a royal domain because it was so barren that no one wanted it. Before the introduction of cash crops such as sugarcane, it was a wild and untamed land, inhabited only by the islanders who fend for themselves and exiled convicts.

More than thirty years ago, the Alliance Navy (pirates) with only a few galleys set sail from Taniriia and began to plunder the Empire's sea transport ships, forcing the Emperor to cross the Shaded Mountains to resupply the Duke of Arlian. As a place for the Alliance Navy to sell stolen goods and resupply, the archipelago attracted the most greedy sailors, mercenaries, and speculators from across the continent, and thus began to prosper.

It was during this period that sugarcane was introduced to this land. Plantations began to appear inland on the islands, large and small.

After the Madman Richard withdrew his troops, the Captains and Plantation Owners Association took the opportunity to declare its independence from the Empire and become a permanent "neutral free port." For more than 20 years, it has existed as a loose association caught between various forces.

António said without question: "To be fair, do you think the conflict between the United Provinces and the Archipelago is greater, or the conflict between us and the Archipelago? Do you think the United Provinces can offer the Archipelago a better price, or the price we can offer the Archipelago?"
The Archipelago Federation is too loosely organized; negotiating with it is like talking to a hundred ducks at once. If they try to acquire each island individually, Taneria will eventually become the eighth province of the United Provinces Republic. It's not that Hailan wants the archipelago, but rather that Hailan doesn't want the United Provinces to have it, so they have to be more drastic.

Hearing Antonio's words, Winters felt a chill run down his spine, even though it was the height of summer: "Tell me the truth, the Throne didn't burn down the Victory Arsenal, did it?"

"What are you thinking?" Antonio said to Winters in a reproachful tone, "The struggle between the United Provinces and Hailan for Taneria is just an internal competition within the alliance. Although the people of the United Provinces are not on good terms with us, we are also brotherly allies, not enemies. The Victory Arsenal is an important source of equipment for Hailan's army. How could we possibly burn down the Victory Arsenal?"

"That's good, that's good." Winters breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment, he was genuinely worried that the tension between the republics had reached the point where they might start fighting at any moment.

Antonio earnestly instructed Winters, "I'm telling you all this so you can step outside the confines of being a pawn and see what the chessboard is like. Taking this assassination case from customs is nothing more than the pro-war faction trying to use it as an excuse to pressure the ruling council, manipulate public opinion, and incite war. These little tricks are meaningless; don't learn them. Because whether the assassin is a Venetian or a pirate, it won't affect the ruling council's decisions."

"So, are you a proponent of war or a proponent of peace?"

“I am neither a proponent of war nor a proponent of peace. I have only one principle, which is to prioritize the interests of Veneta. You must also remember this. You are a Veneta soldier, and your duty is to protect the interests of Veneta, not to engage in factionalism.” Antonio’s tone was very solemn.

Winters nodded heavily: "But I still don't understand why this case was assigned to the military police?"

"No matter who investigates this case, there are only two paths to take. Either they solve this cold case thoroughly, or they go along with those pro-war factions and pin the blame on the pirates. The latter path is easier to close the case, but if it can't be a solid case, the consequences will be severe if it's overturned in the future." Antonio laughed heartily, "That kid Field is too arrogant, and he doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut. Recently, he's offended someone again, and everyone has a lot of complaints about him. This case was given to Field purely to annoy him."

António added, "But don't worry, you're just an intern at the military police. Even if the case is overturned, it won't affect you. It's just that Field will have to go to the war history department."

Winters recalled Lieutenant Colonel Field's "heroic demeanor" at the volunteer training session, which he guessed was when he offended all the senior officers present.

When the case was mentioned, Winters suddenly remembered the coachman and hurriedly said to his uncle, "I think it would be best to change the coachman at home."

"why?"

Winters explained in detail how he discovered that his family's coachman seemed to be involved in some secret society.

Antonia, however, was quite dismissive: "It's just a secret society, isn't it? There are plenty of those in Blue City. Not to mention coachmen, even the dockworkers carrying goods are in secret societies, and there are quite a few of them."

However, Winters still insisted on changing the driver, since the two men usually rode in the carriage more often than the two women in his family, and he felt that the driver had to be a reliable person.

António ultimately agreed with his nephew's suggestion. The two then agreed that António would send someone to speak with the coachman, and once he confirmed the coachman was acceptable, he would give him a severance payment and dismiss him. Finally, he would hire two honest auxiliary soldiers from the Third Army to serve as the coachman and stable boy.

————Cut————

One hundred beeswax candles illuminated a side room in the Navarre House, and the faint fragrance of burning beeswax filled the room, adding a touch of privacy to this elegant living room.

This was a small reception with few people. A large main hall would make the guests feel lonely. Madame Navarre certainly wouldn't make such a basic mistake.

There was no dance floor in the side room, but at this moment, Madame Navarre was the most elegant dancer.

She moved gracefully among the small groups of guests, and wherever a conflict seemed to be brewing, Madame Navarre would defuse it with a witty pun. If she noticed a guest was uneasy, Madame Navarre would skillfully guide him to a more suitable conversational circle.

In the living room, it was all men who were talking loudly and incessantly. The men craved an audience, craved attention, while Madame Navarre did not seek to have everyone listening.

With a glance, a smile, a glass of wine, or a witty remark, she made every guest feel at ease, effortlessly maintaining the pleasant atmosphere of the evening.

Although the men occupied the stage, the one who truly controlled the order here was the understanding hostess.

However, even Madame Navarre, who could effortlessly liven up the atmosphere of the party, had someone who could leave her helpless. While she was busy taking care of everything, part of her attention was focused on her daughter, fearing that something might go wrong again.

Her eldest daughter was now standing before an egg tempera painting of Aphrodite, surrounded by several men. This small circle listened intently as a handsome man with a striking beard offered his critique of the painting. To this critic, the young woman was perhaps the most attentive listener in the world. Seventeen, she had shed the naiveté of childhood, yet lacked the maturity of a married woman. She was in the prime of her youth, every smile and glance radiant with life.

What was even more commendable about her as a listener was that there was no sign of impatience on her face. Madame Navarre's daughter listened attentively to the painting, her face beaming with smiles, nodding gently and agreeing from time to time.

The critics thought they had gained an admirer, but Mrs. Navarre had already realized from the subtle changes in the girl's brow and her habitual hand gestures that her daughter was now extremely angry and on the verge of exploding.

"...The biggest problem is that the painter's perception of beauty is biased." With the beautiful woman beside him, the critic was greatly encouraged and became even more vehement in his criticism of the painting before him: "Aphrodite is clearly the goddess of love and beauty, but the goddess in this painting lacks beauty and, moreover, fails to evoke any association with love in me..."

“Anna, come here,” Madame Navarre called softly to her daughter, who was standing a little further away.

Anna Navarre smiled and nodded slightly to the men, seemingly apologizing for having to leave, before walking straight toward her mother, weaving through the men who made way for her.

Objectively speaking, Anna's appearance is not that of a beauty in the traditional sense. She did not inherit her mother's soft and gentle face, but instead inherited more of her father's strong features. However, even though she did not have any flirtatious intentions, men would still be unable to help but draw their eyes to her fair shoulders and glossy hair.

Madame Navarre took her daughter's hand and gave it a subtle squeeze, a clear reminder to be mindful of her manners. Anna understood her mother's meaning, gave a disgruntled snort, but obediently followed her mother to another part of the living room.

Madame Navarre settled her daughter into a small circle of mostly young people and then continued to fulfill her duties as hostess by looking after the guests.

Meanwhile, Antonio and his nephew had just arrived at Navarre's residence.

Winters, still savoring his ride, reluctantly handed the reins of his horse to the servant in his uniform. Led by the butler, he followed Antonio into the magnificent side hall.

"General Serbiati, how are you?" Madame Navarre greeted Antonio warmly, complaining in a reproachful tone, "Why are you so late? I thought you wouldn't do me the honor."

“How could that be? I am your most loyal servant.” Antonio bowed his head politely and gently kissed Madame Navarre’s hand.

Madame Navarre covered her lips with her folding fan and laughed, saying, "You're not very faithful at all. Introduce me to this handsome young man instead."

“Don’t you recognize him? He’s my nephew Winters Montagne, who just returned from the Army Academy this year.”

"Elizabeth's son?" Mrs. Navarre exclaimed softly. She gestured to Winters's waist and said with a sigh, "My goodness, he's grown up in the blink of an eye. But in my memory, he was just a little boy this tall."

Judging from this, Madame Navarre seemed to have met Winters before, but Winters had no recollection of it. One can't remember everything from childhood, so Winters simply smiled politely and remained silent.

"Sigh, the military academy has turned him into a blockhead. You'll have to take good care of him."

“You’d better watch out for your precious nephew being tricked by some lady.” Mrs. Navarre walked up gracefully and affectionately took Winters’ arm.

Winters felt the woman's soft body and warmth against his left arm. He had never been so close to a woman except with his family; this sudden attack made him stiffen and his face flush red.

“Your friends will be waiting for you for a while,” Madame Navarre said to Antonio. “Leave the young man to me.”

Antonio nodded with a smile, leaving the bewildered Winters with Madame Navarre, and then left the party himself.

“Elizabeth and Cossa are both my friends, so please make yourself at home here.” Mrs. Navarre found the little boy’s reaction amusing. She took a glass of wine from the waiter’s tray and gave it to Winters. “Are you feeling awkward around your elders? Let me introduce you to some people your age. Have a drink, and don’t be so nervous.”

“Thank you, madam, but I don’t drink alcohol,” Winters said sincerely. “Um…do you have anything to eat here?”

Winters' words made Mrs. Navarre chuckle; it was the first time she had ever encountered someone asking for food at such a reception. This was not a banquet or a buffet; there was no food, only drinks.

Winters was now truly starving and dizzy. He had gone to the customs jail with Lieutenant Colonel Field that afternoon, only to vomit up everything he had eaten at noon. Back home, Cossa took him to the tailor shop, and they didn't return until almost dark. Then, without stopping, he and Antonio went to Navarre Palace. He had already passed the hunger pangs, but for some reason, his stomach was churning again.

Winters' expression was calm, and his tone was sincere. Mrs. Navarre understood that he wasn't pretending, but was genuinely hungry. She found the little fellow's complete lack of social experience endearingly naive, and explained to Winters, "There's no food here, but there will be in the kitchen. I'll have someone take you there."

Madame Navarre quietly called her daughter over and introduced her to Anna: "This is Monsieur Montagne. Please take Monsieur Montagne to the kitchen and have the cook prepare some of his favorite dishes."

She then turned to Winters and introduced her: "This is my daughter, Anna. Let her take you to the kitchen."

Madame Navarre’s daughter smiled, curtsied, and said softly, “Monsieur Montagne, please come with me.”

Winters blushed even more as he looked at Anna's smooth forehead and graceful neck. But as a spellcaster, his keen senses told him that Miss Navarre was actually quite unhappy.

She was smiling, but there was no smile in the corners of her mouth and eyes, making Winters feel like she was a doll.

“Just call me Winters.” Winters bowed in return, not wanting to trouble others. He said to Madame Navarre, “No need to trouble this young lady, just have a waiter take me there.”

"You are a distinguished guest, how can you allow servants to accompany you?"

Mrs. Navarre was adamant, and Winters had no choice but to accept her offer.

Led by Anna, Winters walked through groups of guests and left the side hall through another door.

Before leaving, Winters' gaze was involuntarily drawn to the egg tempera painting of Aphrodite—how could he not be? The goddess in the painting was almost naked, boldly displaying her beautiful body, with only a small part covered.

Poor Warrant Officer Montagne had seen mostly military maps and church murals, where saints were always fully covered, and even when nude figures were occasionally depicted, they were always male. He had never seen a work that so unabashedly displayed the beauty of the female form.

Anna stopped when she saw Winters staring blankly at her. Winters was mortified and followed her sheepishly.

The two pushed open the door and left the side hall, walking one after the other down the corridor until they reached the kitchen door, neither of them saying a word the whole way.

Before pushing open the kitchen door, Anna suddenly turned and stared into Winters' eyes, asking him earnestly, "What do you think of that painting of Aphrodite?"

"What? Is that the goddess of beauty?"

————This is the dividing line for those who precisely stepped on landmines————

Since virtually no readers have told me their thoughts... but I myself feel these chapters have been a bit too drawn out, so I'll move on to the main storyline as soon as Anna Navarre appears...

(The following is in chronological order) Thank you to reader 2018010005850390 for the recommendation vote, thank you to reader 20170726153222839 for the recommendation vote, thank you to reader 20181013204343295 for the recommendation vote, thank you to reader 20200303132821369 for the recommendation vote, and thank you to reader 青鬼w for the recommendation vote.

Thank you to reader 青鬼w for the donation.

This time, let my adorable cat bow to everyone in a friendly greeting. (My adorable cat is a cat.)

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(End of this chapter)