Section 52: Probing (Part II)

The two eventually approached the office where Grant was working, from which the sounds of a conversation drifted out.

"Do not be afraid, just write it like this. Title it 'The Cruelty of Class Struggle as Seen Through the Golem Cat.' Your tone must be venomous; expose how Valencia fabricates such stories to numb the laboring masses and mask their true, reactionary nature," Grant’s voice said from within.

Another voice replied, "Leader, is this really appropriate? I... I always feel like a thief. These are your thoughts, your articles, yet I must pass them off as my own. My conscience is truly uneasy."

Grant’s voice boomed magnanimously, "It does not matter. In this world, all literature is built on plagiarism; I am the one telling you to copy, so what are you afraid of? The point is not the authorship, but the ability to strike at the enemy. I cannot take the field myself, so I must rely on you. Do you think the stories they concoct to sedate the workers are any different? They even falsely claim they come from a Fujiko Fujio of the Fuso Kingdom. I shall give you a pen name as well. Tell the newspapers you are a traveler from the Far Eastern Hua Kingdom residing on the mainland; let’s call you Ma Baiyong. Public opinion is of vital importance. Do not think that because we are not currently at war with Valencia—as they are busy dealing with the Church—that the conflict has stopped. The war began the moment we captured Gaul City and has never ceased. This is also a war, a battle for the hearts and minds of the people. Do not underestimate it. Your work is highly meaningful; you are exposing the enemy, promoting our cause, and educating the masses. This front is no less significant than holding a rifle on the battlefield."

"Yes, I guarantee I will complete the mission assigned by the Leader!" The young man, stirred by Grant’s words, became visibly excited.

"Where would the Leader find the time and energy to personally write such articles to denounce Fahrenheit and those blood-sucking merchants? That is why we must rely on all of you," Lyard said as he pushed the door open with a smile. It was then that Wei Wuji saw inside: besides Grant, there was a young man holding a notebook and pen, busily taking notes.

"Ah, my guest has arrived. Very well, that will be all. Oh, and one more thing—the story I mentioned to you last time, write that down as well. If they want to sedate the people, we must refute and expose them. They use stories, so we shall use stories, too. Title that one 'Dalin and Xiaolin,'" Grant instructed in closing. The young man bowed and retreated.

The room now held only Grant, Lyard, and Wei Wuji. After showing them in, Lyard stepped out, pulling the door shut behind him.

Grant strode forward and embraced Wei Wuji. Wei’s heart stirred slightly. Regardless of whether Grant was truly a rival in love, he could at least feel the man’s genuine goodwill in that moment, and he could not help but sigh inwardly.

"You have finally returned safely. I am truly overjoyed." Grant’s complexion was slightly worse than when they had last met, likely still feeling the effects of the recent assassination attempt.

"It was a narrow escape, but I finally found Miss Cecily," Wei Wuji said calmly. He gave a brief account of the journey, to which Grant nodded repeatedly. Grant asked several follow-up questions, showing a keen interest in what Wei had witnessed. However, Wei’s knowledge of the journey was limited; because he was human, the Orcs had been unwelcoming, and lacking an official pass, he had relied purely on his formidable skills to avoid being driven off. He had fought his way to the edge of the Skyfire Plateau to rescue the two women, so he knew little of the Orcs' situation, though he had learned much of the geography.

During their conversation, Grant gained a better understanding of the Orc heartland. Though it was mostly geographical, it was still more than he had known before. Wei Wuji, in turn, learned of the recent situation in Gaul City from Grant. Grant’s words were laced with subtle invitations to join his cause, but Wei, having already been briefed by Lyard, feigned ignorance.

"I intend to appoint you as a military advisor, Mr. Wei. Would you be willing to accept?" Grant finally issued the invitation.

"I am sorry, but I am here only for a journey," Wei Wuji bluntly refused. However, a thought suddenly crossed his mind, and he softened his tone. "That said, I plan to stay here for a while longer. If you need any help during this time, I do not mind lending a hand. I am aware of your assassination attempt. I will not hide from you that the assassin is a fellow disciple of my sect, though he certainly did not act under my orders. I suspect someone is manipulating him from the shadows, but I cannot find him, and even if I did, he would not tell me. I cannot disregard the bonds of my sect, so I cannot directly move against him, but helping you deal with others is a trivial matter. I heard two groups are active within Gaul territory; if you do not mind, I can accompany your troops to assist."

Grant felt a flicker of disappointment upon hearing that Wei did not intend to stay long-term. He had hoped to lure Wei into the Revolutionary Army to use his Taoist techniques as a foundation for a new magic-like system. However, since the man was unwilling, he could not force him, and he already understood enough of Wei’s temperament to know that persuasion worked better than coercion. Hearing that Wei was willing to help deal with Lotte’s mercenaries or the Wild Elves, Grant smiled. "Haha, there is plenty of time ahead. As your Far Eastern saying goes, 'The days are long, and friendship remains.' If you change your mind and decide to stay, you are always welcome. Those two detachments have indeed caused me some trouble. With them active, some of the spineless lords and gentry think the tide is turning and are becoming restless; we must drive them out quickly to prevent further complications. That Lotte mercenary group may fly the flag of the Red Lion Mercenaries, but Leonardo and I have analyzed that they are actually the New Army under the Second Prince of Lotte, using us as a whetstone. I will show them the price of that—Leonardo and I will handle them personally. However, the Wild Elves are exactly where I need your help. Those Wild Elves are cruel and bloodthirsty, and most importantly, they are all exceptionally skilled. If we use muskets, they flee into the jungle, making them difficult to pin down. I had intended to send the Orc volunteer corps, but I need a commander who can keep them in check, and as it happens..."

"No, no, I am used to working alone," Wei Wuji waved his hand. "I do not know how to command a battle. Even if the Orcs respect me, I cannot lead them. I think it would be better for Leonardo to lead the troops while I provide support from the sidelines. When the Wild Elves engage, I will seize the chance to strike and kill Yeli Tan in a single blow. The rest of the elves will naturally scatter."

"Very well. I am already pleased that you are willing to help, Mr. Wei," Grant smiled. His inner calculation was that as long as Wei was willing to help, he might gradually develop a sense of belonging; forcing him would only breed resentment.

Seeing the smile on Grant’s face, Wei Wuji figured he had satisfied the man's minimum expectations, and that his guard might be slightly lowered. It was a good time to probe.

"By the way, Leonardo is quite close to Cecily, isn't he?" Wei Wuji asked, raising an eyebrow. "I heard her mention him quite often on the journey."

Grant paused, looking suspicious. "Cecily mentioned Leonardo often? This is the first I have heard of it. They have never met before; they only just saw each other when you brought her back."

Realizing he had misstepped, Wei laughed it off. "Hahaha, it seems I was mistaken. But I am curious, how did you come to know Cecily and Mr. Hegel?"

"This was my first time meeting Cecily as well," Grant said, looking at Wei with a strange expression. "But I have met Mr. Hegel before. Over a year ago, he came to Gaul City, likely to study cannon casting. He came to reference some remnants left by a former test-casting team, but he was robbed by Orcs on the road. Fortunately, he ran into me, and I was able to save his life."

"I see," Wei Wuji said, masking his thoughts. "It is getting late. Since we have agreed, let us act quickly. Once Leonardo’s troops set out, I will follow in secret."

Grant nodded. "You can rest assured; we are prepared. We can mobilize tomorrow."

With everything settled, Wei Wuji took his leave. The information he had gathered from Grant had failed to unravel the mystery in his heart. If what Grant said was true, then who was this rival in love? It seemed he would have to proceed with his second plan.