Celestina

These people were mostly local thugs and scoundrels who had temporarily joined the Polish army. They were in it to make money and seize the chance to rape, loot, and pillage.

In a hastily assembled force, once someone slacked off, the whole group around him would soon follow suit.

And at this life-or-death moment, the Poles clearly couldn't afford to drag their feet.

Tyssowski and Dembowski hurried to the halted troops. They dismounted, looking over the rabble before them, and understood what the men wanted.

The two exchanged a glance, and at last Tyssowski spoke.

"We know everyone has had a hard time marching these past few days. But the Austrian army is right behind us, and those men are bloodthirsty butchers.

If we fall into their hands, we'll wish we were dead. They'll lock us in the Tribunal and torture us to death, bit by bit.

But if we reach Drohobych first and take control of that fool, the Austrian Empire's heir, we can negotiate with them and make them return Galicia to us!

Long live the Kingdom of Poland!"

No one answered, but Tyssowski didn't seem embarrassed. He merely cleared his throat and continued.

"The Jasiński Family of Drohobych is the richest family in Lviv. Since Wichli Jasiński colluded with the Austrians, the Kingdom of Poland Committee has specially authorized you to loot the estate for three days!

Long live the Kingdom of Poland!"

The rabble remained unmoved. These opportunists had simple logic: if you wanted them to work, you'd better take care of them first.

"Stop trying to fool us with that crap! Pay us and feed us, or get lost!"

"Yeah! To hell with Austria! We can't see them anywhere! Quit flapping your gums!"

Their insults and jeers left the two acting prime ministers' faces burning.