Chapter 107

Patriot must admit that, just as this Medic describes it, the Reunion Movement is merely a bubble in the political turmoil of Ursus.

Patriot wasn't ignorant of Ursus's current situation; he knew the truth or falsehood of what Rhodes Island's black cat said. They were right to share the same needs, even if it was merely to alleviate the suffering of the Infected in the settlement. Leading Rhodes Island to meet with Talulah was the absolutely correct choice...

So what made the Patriot hesitate so much...? Wendigo, whose armor was even rusted, racked his brains and could only think of one word.

[Betray]

The warrior named Chorbokashti betrayed the entity he served twice.

First, he and his people betrayed that prince... Then, the 'Captain' who fought for Ursus betrayed his emperor... Now, is the seemingly right choice before him another betrayal of the Ursus the Infected?

The Patriot was unaware that he couldn't openly express his hesitation and doubts... He could only mechanically deal with everything around him, as if he were deep in thought... He... had lost the courage to make any choices.

But he still had to shoulder too much responsibility... the trust of his subordinates, the lives of the people in the village, including his adopted daughter who named him 'FrostNova' and the people who were now gathered around her... He had too much to bear, and the invisible pressure made it hard for him to breathe.

What forced him to do this?

Was it my own betrayal?

So how did things come to this?

It was the fratricidal conflict between the two princes of the Kazdel Military Council and the Council, the brutal suppression of Ursus by its own people... even his eldest son died in protests against Ursus's foolish policies. Just recalling these memories caused Patriot immense heartache.

The very things he was loyal to had, imperceptibly, become corrupted.

So much so that now, he's hesitant to trust anything new... He's afraid of betraying again, and he's afraid of being betrayed again.

But... yes, that's not a reason for me to remain indifferent.

Reopening his crimson eyes, Wendigo lowered his head slightly, meeting the gaze of the black cat from Rhodes Island:

"I will take you to see Talulah... but that doesn't mean I believe your accusations against Talulah. I just want you to help the people who are gathered around Talulah."

"... Yes, all the medicines carried by the Rhodes Island field team are prepared to help the Infected in Ursus... this also includes those who have lost everything due to political pressure."

"Then... I need to confirm whether your guess is true."

"Hmm? Confirmed... Do you have a way to confirm my guess?"

Seeing the black cat's expression—more of delight than surprise— Patriot nodded slowly but firmly, then said:

"I need to see His Highness."

"Ah?"

"You old stubborn fool..."

"Captain?!"

Patriot's Patriot stunned not only Medic and the Rhodes Island members watching, but even members of the Reunion Movement themselves.

"Dad, are you serious? You're... a rebel, aren't you? Are you sure you're not senile?"

Seeing FrostNova reach out to touch him, but then withdraw her hand, breathe on it to warm it, rub it, and then reach for his neck to check his temperature... at the same time, the adjutant beside him frowned and said:

"This is far too risky... You have to understand the current political situation... no, ever since that crackdown, we've essentially been removed from the military..."

"... Discharged from the army... but the name 'Chorbokashti' still lives on, doesn't it...?"

As he spoke, Patriot gestured to Rhodes Island's black cat... Medic tilted his head in confusion, then realized what he meant and said:

"... Chorbokashti of Ursus's strongest heavy infantry, the last armored Wendigo... Although there hasn't been any activity lately, if you were to go and meet our client... from my perspective, it's a very likely success... However, what do you want to confirm with that emperor? If it's just a meeting, he'll most likely only try to retain you from Ursus's perspective... At that point, even improving the treatment of the Infected might become a way to persuade you to stay..."

"I know... but, Black Cat, you reminded me..."

"I?"

"You say I'm unmoved... Indeed... while you and your men are driving across the dangerous Snowfield, the Shieldguards's actions are practically nonexistent... And if what you said... about something unspeakable roaming the northwestern Snowfield is true... then doesn't that mean the Emperor and his close attendants are no longer of one mind...?"

Looking at Patriot, who didn't seem to be suddenly Oripathy from Oripathy, Medic pondered Patriot's words and suddenly pricked up his ears:

"... That's certainly possible... but as I said before, it's possible the Inner Guards might go alone..."

"You underestimate the significance of 'the Inner Guards acting alone,' and you also underestimate the symbolism of 'the Unnameable' being leaked... I didn't know in the past that the Emperor's opinion differed from that of the nobles, but if you say that the arrival of Rhodes Island was on the Emperor's orders... then I must admit that I was indeed too 'indifferent' in the past, failing to realize that the deterioration of the situation could not be the unilateral action of a certain group or individual..."

"You've reminded me that the Empire isn't just comprised of the Old Nobility, and now that even the Emperor's Inner Guards isn't entirely united... perhaps there's a more effective reform than liberating the mines."

"... That wouldn't warrant going to see the emperor as a rebel... unless..."

Seeing Medic's awkward expression with his lips pursed, Patriot directly confirmed:

"Yes, I don't trust you... Similarly, I don't trust Ursus ... But just as there are still natural allies of the Infected like you in this world, then let's go see the enemy of the enemy... the leader of the New Nobility Faction who thirsts for the support of the Infected ... Our Emperor is also an option."

Seeing the Patriot say this, Medic could only shrug.

"Indeed, you'll definitely get more detailed evidence and information about the current state of the country from the Emperor... The Emperor, who craves combat power at the level of the Inner Guards, will most likely try to win you over... So, you want to be 'recruited' again with your Inner Guards?"

"No, I'm the only one going... After all, only I can reach a conclusion as quickly as possible and return before next year... Besides, the Shieldguards remaining in the Snowfield still have the task of fighting against the Military Police and clearing out thieves to maintain order in the settlement... Lieutenant, I'm entrusting this matter to you."

Patriot's order left the Feline man, who was also a film crew member, in a difficult position for a while, but the adjutant finally had no choice but to say, "Yes, Captain." After all, Patriot had already picked up his weapon and shield and started walking towards the external staircase outside the vehicle.

He was really going to meet the newly enthroned emperor.

"... Yelena, you are responsible for leading the Rhodes Island members to meet with Talulah... Also, regardless of whether Talulah agrees to Rhodes Island's extradition plan, you must confirm whether that route is truly for the resettlement of the Infected... and not something like throwing your compatriots into another flesh-and-blood furnace..."

Hearing Patriot's words, FrostNova paused for a moment, but then her eyes widened in surprise:

"Old man, do you think I'm stupid? Are you trying to make me leave early?"

"No, this is a mission, an order... Execute the order, Yelena ... no, FrostNova."

Surprisingly, although the White Rabbit was so angry that her face turned red, she did not refute again... Clearly, the Reunion Movement had considerable ability to execute Patriot's 'orders'.

However, judging from the White Rabbit's expression, Medic clearly had a "I can just go and come back" attitude... To this, Medic said he would just watch the show.

Anyway, the route planning will probably need to be handled by the ICA or the Security Bureau... Overall, it shouldn't be my problem.

Just as Medic was thinking this, picked up a Little Cat that was pawing at him, and began to habitually stroke the Little Cat's ears, Patriot opened the hatch and then stopped:

"There's one more thing... Medic..."

"Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?"

"... I will heed your advice, but I will not act according to your suggestions... Considering the time needed to confirm the situation, I apologize in advance..."

"Clearly, you don't intend to go back and act according to my plan."

"... I will no longer let others control my destiny... This time, I will make my own judgment and choose for myself."

"That's quite a noble reason. If you do indeed obtain substantial assistance from the Emperor, it will be a good thing for Rhodes Island, so I won't say anything more... May you truly take control of your own destiny."

"... I entrust this the Unnameable, to you..."

"This... is a mission for Rhodes Island... please don't worry about it too much, just as we won't interfere with your choices."

He nodded, turned and left, disappearing into the night.

After the Shieldguards saluted and closed the heavy outer hatch, Medic looked at FrostNova, who was sulking with her hands in her pockets, and the adjutant who had taken over Patriot's command of the Shieldguards:

"So, next... please confirm our next move..."

Feeling the Little Cat nuzzling its cheek with its head and ears, Medic's smile is quite maternal... It's easy to let your guard down.

"Furthermore, as an organization assisting Rhodes Island, I'd like to clarify the basic guarantees your organization needs to provide when assisting your settlements... Of course, rest assured, it's not about you paying money... It's mainly because the Infected settlements have a large number of people, and for both safety and order reasons, we can't possibly put thousands of people into this vehicle all at once... to help you in the form of assistance..."

"We need the Reunion Movement to restore order on site, and we need trustworthy people to help us with inspections, moving items, and even logistics... If possible, I can only entrust these to the Shieldguards and the Yeti... As I said from the beginning, our trust in the Reunion Movement is only for the Yeti and the Shieldguards."

Seeing Medic, whose speech was becoming increasingly direct, perhaps inspired by Operation Patriot, FrostNova and the Shieldguards lieutenant exchanged a glance, then nodded to Rhodes Island's Black Cat:

"This is an action to help your fellow human beings, Yeti will support all your legitimate needs."

"... Maintaining order is the duty of the Shieldguards. We will protect Rhodes Island's security needs within the camp... Of course, this also involves monitoring everyone... especially the Little Cat in your arms. If possible, please keep it within our sight at all times..."

"... Isn't this request a bit impolite to a child?"

Despite saying that, neither Medic nor Rosemary showed any obvious signs of anger.

The Little Cat doesn't care about people it doesn't know, but for Medic... keeping the Shieldguards by Rhodes Island's side might be the best way to enhance defenses against those 'The Unnameable' at present.

After all, these are Ursus's Shieldguards... Nana didn't want to launch a direct attack on their position.

As for the anomalies on the ice plains and how much they are related to the 'Ursus Inner Guards', Patriot couldn't say for sure, and Medic didn't know either.

However, with Rhodes Island having signed cooperation agreements with 'Yeti' and 'Inner Guards', Medic felt ready... Now it was time to unveil their mysteries.

PS: Here's something other fanfiction doesn't usually do... Go get the Shieldguards equipment again and support the Emperor's Patriot in weakening the Old Nobility.

I wonder if this counts as Rhodes Island giving that emperor a great gift.

Although everyone can sense that this is only temporary... in the end, Patriot will still completely part ways with Ursus.

Having experienced the freedom and democracy of capitalism, wanting to return to feudal society... well, that's not up to him to decide.

PS2: July 6th is Rosemary's birthday... I originally planned to write about throwing a birthday party for Rosemary, but the plot's pacing didn't allow it... In the end, it's because I write too slowly... Next chapter, the next chapter will be about throwing a birthday party for Rosemary, and then I can go see Taruru.

PS3: Meow Meow Cat

Happy birthday, Rosemary!

4th Crimson Warm Winter: Happy Birthday 113, Rosemary Mio

"... So, Ms. FrostNova, please double-check the documents... and then sign them... Ah, have you finished signing?"

Watching the black-haired Feline, who was half a head shorter than her, gather the documents again, FrostNova, holding the cooperation agreement with Felin's signature and Rhodes Island seal, nodded with a complicated expression:

"Yes, after all, there's no need to refuse, is there? The only thing that bothers me is Rhodes Island's... moral demands regarding the Yeti and the Shieldguards...'If there is evidence that [The Yeti] and [The Shieldguards] have caused or contributed to a humanitarian crisis, Rhodes Island will have the right to unilaterally terminate the cooperation'... what does that mean?"

"Simply put, if we find out you're using our aid for bad purposes, then we can tell others who found out you've taken our aid that you have nothing to do with us."

"... It doesn't sound complicated, so why does what you're saying make me a little dizzy?" Qi

Seeing that the adopted daughter of his parents seemed to once again reveal his sense of wisdom with the wrinkles in his brain smoothed out by the Origin Stone, Adjutant Film, who had also signed on behalf of the Patriot before, said helplessly:

"The only point of contention here is the definition of what constitutes a 'bad thing.' For us, if we have the opportunity to eliminate the Old Nobility who persecute our fellow citizens, we certainly won't show any mercy. But would that be considered a 'bad thing' for Rhodes Island?"

"That depends on how international opinion defines it... If it's just the kind of ordinary person who only knows how to be extravagant and wasteful, deceiving the people for profit, then killing him is fine, nobody really cares about his life or death... But if because of his death... if, oh, if his troops carried out a massacre in his territory for profit and you didn't intervene, then that's what's called a 'bad thing,' a humanitarian disaster that we're trying our best to avoid... Ah, thank you."

As he spoke, Medic accepted the hot water Jessica brought him, and quietly tucked his ear slightly to thank his 'double' or rather, 'adjutant'.

Since the two parties have now officially established a cooperative relationship and re-registered the available area in the PRTS system, although Huang still insisted on guarding the gate not far from the central elevator, most of the others returned to their respective base areas after completing their tasks. For example, Durin returned to the upper-level single rest room with remarkable speed.

Jessica brought the hot water from the water dispenser in the cafeteria. Because of the partnership, Shieldguards and Yeti also had access to these facilities. Medic only realized this belatedly. Bringing hot water to them, who were in a meeting, must have been a sacrifice that Jessica, a socially awkward Feline, had to endure.

While Medic was getting a drink, he glanced at the water dispenser still surrounded by people, and FrostNova and her adjutant were still talking:

"I don't think we usually do things like leaving half..."

"This is just a matter of distance; the Captain's plan wouldn't involve anything like that. However... considering this, the Reunion Movement's actions of forcing ordinary people to become the Infected —wouldn't that be considered a 'humanitarian crisis'?"

Seeing the adjutant's furrowed brow, Medic put down his paper cup and nodded affirmatively.

"That definitely counts... but I haven't actually met them yet, and our cooperation doesn't include those people, after all, the Rhodes Island members here are just a broadcasting squad."

"Therefore, establishing a cooperative relationship with Yeti and Shieldguards in advance is a prerequisite for us to effectively assist the Reunion Movement in the future... Otherwise, simply delivering drugs to the Infected cannot be called 'solving the Infected problem.'"

Seeing the thoughtful expressions on FrostNova's and Shieldguards's adjutant's faces, Nana checked the receipt one last time before putting it into her bag.

With these resources, Rhodes Island can simultaneously deal with the Reunion Movement, the Ursus government, and international public opinion that may criticize and question them... After all, if the Old Nobility Faction try to play the victim, Rhodes Island could easily be seen as an organization with ulterior motives that sponsor terrorists.

Regardless of how they respond, once this impact is placed on them, it's hard to erase... The ICA seems to have a deep memory of this, but Medic isn't interested in the ICA's past or its predecessor, and has never asked its agent.

One last glance at FrostNova and her adjutant, seeing that they didn't seem inclined to press further, Medic checked his watch. As a flash of orange light appeared, the Rhodes Island black cat turned and picked up the little guy who had been pawing at him and seemed unusually clingy after not seeing him for days, saying:

"Now, the Rhodes Island Exploration Vehicle will head towards the Reunion Movement settlement. My team has already set up new travel permissions for everyone... You can now move freely throughout the non-accessible areas of the third and second floors, as well as the hangar area of the first floor."

"Although my description is rather simplistic—the third floor is a common area with vacant dormitories, and the second floor is a warehouse and supply storage area—it's all rather vague. Therefore, I recommend that everyone use the PRTS system in each room to display a map, room functions, and whether you have access rights. Most problems here can be solved by using the PRTS system... for example..."

Looking towards the corner, Medic raised his voice slightly:

"PRTS, do I have anything else to do today?"

As the camera occupying the entire corner of the wall slowly rose, 3D projectors simultaneously appeared in all four corners of the room. A screen of light suddenly appeared in front of Medic, and at the same time, the AI's unique, calm female voice rang out in the room:

[Medic, Head of the Human Resources Department, Level 6: You have no tasks for today. It's already past closing time, thank you for your hard work... but you seem to have forgotten something very important.]

"... ah?"

Originally, it was just a casual question, and a way to explain Columbia's high technology to the guests, but as PRTS spoke, everyone's attention was drawn to Medic, who was being scratched by the Little Cat.

"Um... did I forget something? Is it urgent?"

Yes, you forgot something that isn't urgent, but someone has been reminding you of...

Someone reminded him? Hearing PRTS's words, Medic helplessly clenched his little hand, which was again picking at his Rosemary, and thought for a while. Under the gaze of countless people, Medic's cheeks, very much in line with his current persona, flushed slightly: