I, the prince in distress, send money

Chapter 186 Dialogue
Votradnoi, a large city with a population of nearly 300,000, is the capital of Bagnia. Even the transformation from a kingdom to a republic has not changed its political and economic status.

The reason is simple. The kingdom plain where it is located is the only plain in the mountainous country of Bagnia. The land here is fertile and there is abundant water, which is very suitable for agricultural development.

Moreover, Votradnoi is located on a major transportation route, connecting various important areas of Bagnia, making trade and personnel movement extremely convenient.

At the heart of the city is an ancient castle, once the king's residence and now the seat of government of the Republic.

The castle's towers shone brightly in the sun, as if telling of the city's long history and enduring glory. On the streets, merchants pushed carts loaded with goods, their cries echoing one after another.

Craftsmen were busy in their shops, the sound of hammers hitting metal was endless, while nobles in gorgeous clothes were chatting leisurely in cafes, enjoying the afternoon sunshine.

However, that was in the past, it was prosperous last year, and this year's Waterladnoy is like fallen leaves after autumn, having lost its former vitality and vigor.

Tens of thousands of landless peasants poured into the city, searching for work and food on its streets.

Yet, job opportunities are scarce. Factories are closing, shops are shuttering, and even the once-bustling Chamber of Commerce freight warehouses are deserted.

The farmers came with full of hope, but could only wander around the streets, their eyes full of confusion and helplessness.

All this is because of the war, but not entirely because of the war.

Captain Bock, saber slung across his shoulder, walked heavily through the streets of Waterradnoy. His uniform was a little worn, and still stained with blood and dirt from the battlefield.

He was an officer who had returned from the front line two days ago, belonging to the 5th Company of the 1st Infantry Regiment. But now Captain Bock was a poor guy who had lost all his men and was left with only a saber and a uniform.

He found the Republic's military headquarters and tried to rejoin the team, but no one paid any attention to him, and no one even held him accountable for his defeat and escape.

Inside the military headquarters, officials in military uniforms were busy sweating, running around with documents in their arms, shouting, as if the end of the world had come.

"Captain, please leave here."

Maybe Bock stayed here too long and blocked their work, a chubby lieutenant colonel said to him impatiently.

"The First Infantry Regiment is finished. Its flag is gone, its organization is gone. What can you do here?"

"I want to rejoin the team?"

"No money, no food, no weapons. Get out! Guards, get him out of here."

In this way, Captain Bock was driven away. He wandered the streets of Waterladenoi like a homeless person. Because he had no money, he could not stay in a hotel, let alone fill his stomach.

Captain Bock once wanted to sell his saber, but after hesitating again and again, he still did not do it... If he continued to starve like this, maybe he would do it.

Hunger is really painful.

Captain Bock's stomach twisted and twisted, and he clutched his abdomen tightly, trying to ease the pain. His eyes became empty and confused, as if he had lost all hope. He dragged his heavy steps and continued to wander the streets, looking for any possible source of food.

The trash can on the street became his target. The captain, standing a few meters away, stared at it, hesitant and wavering. He could smell a foul odor inside, the smell of rotting protein.

Captain Bock was sure there was food in the trash can.

Just as Bock licked his lips and was about to step forward.

"Captain Bock!?"

Bock stopped in his tracks and looked back subconsciously.

Across the street behind him, a man also wearing a captain's uniform was waving at him.

...The clinking sound of knives and forks colliding with dishes came from the cafe on the street. Captain Bock sat at the dining table, not caring about etiquette, and stuffed the sandwich on the plate into his mouth, devouring it voraciously.

His hunger made him almost forget everything around him and focus only on the meal in front of him.

Another captain sat opposite him, watching Bock wolfing down his food, with a hint of helplessness and sympathy in his eyes. He knew that Bock had not had a decent meal for a long time, and he could empathize with the pain of hunger.

After Bock swallowed five sandwiches, he finally recovered. He took the water glass, drank it in one gulp, and let out a long breath.

"Thank you, Carl, for treating me to dinner."

"We are classmates, don't talk about this."

Captain Carl was Bock's classmate. They were both in the same military academy class and had a good relationship in school. After graduation, Bock joined the 1st Infantry Regiment, while Carl went to the military headquarters as a clerk.

When Captain Bock heard the news, he felt sorry for his friend, but now it seems that Carl is much luckier than himself.

"Are you... okay now?"

Captain Carl asked tentatively, his friend's embarrassment was visible to the naked eye.

"not good."

Captain Bock showed a bitter smile on his face, shook his head and said.

"The front is lost, Karl. The 1st Infantry Regiment is finished. I came back to join the group, but I was kicked out."

Captain Carl's expression turned grim. He clearly knew what Bock was talking about. He sighed and said.

"I know, and I've heard that the entire First and Second Infantry Regiments were almost wiped out, with only a few people escaping. The military headquarters is in chaos now, and no one knows what to do.

Bock, what's happening on the front lines?"

"Without wages and food, the hungry soldiers rioted. The enemy seized the opportunity and launched an attack from outside the city... Therefore, we lost."

Carl was stunned. His friend's words were brief, but every word was like a heavy hammer, hitting his heart hard. He realized that the main reason for the failure of this war was not on the front line, but in the rear.

"The soldiers, lacking food and wages, rioted because of hunger..."

Carl repeated Bock's words, his voice trembling slightly.

"How could this happen? Doesn't the military know the situation on the front lines?"

"I don't know, Carl...what about the 3rd Infantry?"

"It's hard to put it into words. Anyway, it's all gone. All three of the Republic's infantry regiments are gone."

"What!?"

Now it was Carl's turn to smile bitterly.

"Prince Chris's army is about to attack. The military has ordered me to take a company of infantry to the mountains to snipe them and delay them. I don't know if I can come back alive.

Bock, I need your help."

(End of this chapter)