754 Weigh (1/2)
After trudging for two days, Charles finally returned to the capital of the Caucasus.
In the strong smell of herbs, after the chorale musicians changed the bandages and plaster on him, and released movements of recovery, his wounds still showed little improvement.
Even though he had lost all his power, Charles' resistance towards musical movements was still too strong.
”Leave us,” in the corner of the ward, Gaius calmly ordered.
Soon, the doctors left the room, leaving Gaius and Charles alone.
”Why did you not retreat?” Gaius's voice was cold, and he suppressed his anger. ”Charles, why did you violate my orders?”
On the hospital bed, Charles smiled awkwardly, his face still pale. ”If I leave, many will die because of me, surely I can't simply do nothing and leave them?”
Gaius's tone became indifferent. ”You should be clear that they are the people of Asgard, our enemies.”
”Er... even so, shouldn't the king be solely responsible for their stance against us?” Charles asked.
”Do you think that the war has been initiated by the king for his own private ends only?” Gaius sneered. ”Perhaps one can find 10,000 excuses to blame it on the king and the Senate, but ultimately, doesn't it all boil down to their call?
”They want war, they need the plundered supplies, they need to drink the blood of other people, to achieve their status! The taxes each of them paid and government bonds they purchased would all become Asgard's weapons, warships, and heavy aether cannons.
”They chose to let others suffer so that they themselves would not be poor and suffer! You show so much compassion now, but have they ever pitied you?
”When the food supply of the Caucasus was blocked, their whole nation cheered. When the spring plowing of the Caucasus was interrupted, they sang and danced in glee... They are not innocents, none of the Asgardians are innocent!”
Charles was stunned. ”But...”
”No buts!” Gaius interrupted him. ”Be clear about the people you want to protect, Charles! Have you ever thought about the number of people who have paid the price for your actions to fulfill your wish?
”Now, in order to escort you back, not only did we lose more than 6,000 soldiers, but we also almost lost the fruits of the sacrifices made by countless people all this while also being under the counterattack of the group of Asgardians!
”Because of your compassion, your pity for the enemy, we not only cannot follow up the attack by implementing two large-scale combat plans, you've also let everyone see your cowardice, your scars, and your weaknesses.”
”But... we have won,” Charles defended his stance, stammering. ”You see, I have crushed the Holy City and defeated so many saints, even the Golden Palace has been knocked down. We have already won.”
”This is only the first step, surely you don't want to stop here, Charles? You should have been able to achieve more if everything had gone according to plan! For the Revolutionary Army and the Caucasus, this is just the beginning!”
Gaius' tone was solemn. ”One single victory is far from enough! We must get it done in one vigorous effort and completely establish a new order belonging to us!”
Charles replied, ”But we can take it slow, one day...”
”Do you want to put all your trust in the illusory future? Charles!” Gaius looked at him. ”Because of your cowardice and fear?”
Charles was silent.
After a long time, he asked softly, ”Do we have to continue the war?”
”Yes, Charles,” came the reply.
”Mr. Constantine, many have died already. Many died before my eyes... I don't want to see their bodies carried from the battlefield anymore.” Charles looked at him, a hopeful look in his eyes. ”Why can't we stop first? Sir...”
”If we stop here, can you tell the ones who have died that your conscience is clear?” Gaius was no longer able to conceal his anger. ”How many people have died for this victory? They trusted you and hoped that you could make their sacrifice meaningful!
”If you hesitate here, then their deaths will become a joke, part of a number simply meant for people to forget! If we can't defeat Asgard completely, what meaning does everything we have done have?” He pointed towards the outside world from the window and roared furiously, ”If you want to stop all this, then go and tell them, ask them to forgive their enemies, forget the bloodstains their comrades left, and forget the painful faces of their parents who died from starvation!”
”Are the living not as important as the dead?!” It was the first time that Charles opposed Gaius. It was not a hesitant question like the usual, but a sharp heckle. ”Or have you divided the living into three, six, or nine levels, and you see the lives of the Caucasians to be nobler than that of the Asgardians?
”That way, how are you any different from the Sacred City?
”How many more people must die before you are satisfied?”
Gaius was stunned.
He spoke no more.
A long silence descended.
In the silence, he was quiet. Looking at Charles, his gaze became complicated.
”Sorry.” Charles turned his eyes away and whispered, ”I didn't mean to shout at you.”
”No, what you said is right. Maybe we should both calm down.” Gaius got up and patted him on the shoulder. ”It's been a hard time for you, Charles, rest well. After you recover, you still have a lot to do.” He said, ”Having visited you without bringing a gift and told you so many upsetting things, I should be the one to apologize.”
He turned off the light for Charles and turned to leave.
But at the door, his footsteps paused.
Charles heard him bid farewell. ”Death is weighty, Charles. One day, you will understand the truth.”
The door was closed.
At the last moment, his shadow was cast on the ground.
It seemed to bend under the weight.
…