Descending On France 1780
Chapter 110 - 104 Humble Mr. Frost

Chapter 110: 104 Humble Mr. Frost

Under the watch of Paris City’s VIPs, each preoccupied with their own thoughts, Anning entered the city that morning.

The people of Paris spontaneously gathered and lined the streets to "escort" Anning to the National Assembly.

Amid the cheers of the crowd, all the members of the National Assembly stood united on the steps outside the Parliament Hall—formerly the Equestrian Arena—to applaud him.

Faced with this scene, Anning was finally forced to realize something: he could no longer remain neutral in the future because he had become the wall itself.

Thus, Anning was even more determined to stay away from Paris.

This was mainly because, in his previous life, Anning was hardly skilled even in office politics. He was quite aware of his own limitations.

In war and such, he could still rely on his "cheat codes," right? The recent battle had shown him that his "cheat codes" were dependable, as he "put his enemies to shame and stripped them of their clothes."

But political struggles in the Assembly were not like the clear-cut combat on the battlefield; he could be unwittingly drawn into schemes at any moment.

Actually, this very suppression of the revolt had been a trap set by Lafayette, but Anning had been lucky and resilient enough to emerge victorious.

Paris was dangerous, after all. It was better to return to the Conte Region. Having built a formidable reputation there, the locals would probably not dare to rebel as long as he was present.

Training troops in Conte, accumulating strength, and watching for changes in the political climate would undoubtedly be safer than staying in Paris.

In times of crisis, he could still come forward to "save" the Republic.

Anyone who had seen "The Fifth Republic" knows that crucial moments call for a heroic entrance.

While Anning was lost in thought, the current rotating Chairman of the Parliament, the virtuous Petition, stepped forward and opened his arms: "The whole of Paris has been waiting for your return, Mr. Frost, the pacifier of Conte! Your exceptional art of war has won over all of Paris!"

With those words, all the Parliament representatives applauded together.

Anning saw that Robespierre and his other friends were clapping most enthusiastically.

He dismounted, stepped forward, and was just about to speak when several children ran up holding flowers: "Mr. Frost, these are for you!"

Anning took the flowers and handed them to Senior Sergeant Kent, his adjutant for this return trip.

This Senior Sergeant had also been a member of Anning’s original Artillery unit, promoted to a non-commissioned officer before the expedition, and had bayoneted an officer and two enemy soldiers in battle. For this, he had been commended and promoted to Senior Sergeant.

Just by looking at his face, you could tell Kent was a fierce man. Anning had specially chosen him as adjutant so that the gentlemen of Paris could get a taste of the battlefield’s atmosphere.

After handing the flowers to Kent, Anning cleared his throat and addressed the representatives: "Gentlemen, I must clarify something. Everyone in Paris is talking about how I vanquished twenty thousand men, but this is not true.

"The rebel army at Conte totaled only about eight thousand troops. I defeated them twice—three thousand the first time, and between six to seven thousand the second time.

"And I managed this because my troops were well-rounded; I had Artillery and Cavalry, whereas the rebels at Conte were only infantry..."

It was then that Anning overheard murmurs from the watching crowd: "Oh my goodness, how modest he is!"

Anning was left speechless. He was just telling the truth to prevent others from making a fuss about his military achievements and causing him trouble in the future.

By setting the record straight from the get-go, he’d have no cause for concern later.

Anning: "In short, I’m not as incredible as the rumors suggest..."

Suddenly Robespierre shouted: "You only had one thousand five hundred men, we all know that. Defeating three thousand alone is remarkable, let alone your subsequent victory over seven thousand!"

Anning: "This..."

Lafayette stepped forward and said to Anning, "Mr. Frost, a resounding victory is a resounding victory. Do not belittle the glory of victory with excessive modesty; this glory is not only yours but also that of the entire National Assembly."

Anning was taken aback, watching Lafayette claim, "It’s not only yours, but also the National Assembly’s," swiftly co-opting Anning’s personal triumph for the entire National Assembly.

It seemed that Anning had already become a thorn in the side of this War of Independence hero.

If Anning stayed in Paris, he would certainly be schemed against by Lafayette again.

At this moment, Petition also said, "Humility is a virtue, but we all know that you achieved a military miracle that was hard to imagine. You are a great military strategist!"

Good heavens, I ambushed once, and now I’m a great military strategist?

While saying this, Petition turned his head to glance at all the members of the National Assembly and declared loudly, "I propose, from now on, Mr. Frost shall serve as the Commander-in-Chief of the Paris garrison!"

Anning noticed Lafayette’s eyebrows twitch.

Lafayette was the Commander of the National Guard, and the National Guard of Paris was tasked with defending the entire city. Theoretically, he was the Commander of the Paris garrison.

Now, this was an independent appointment of a garrison Commander, which was quite a snub to Lafayette.

The deputies began to applaud, and as the proposal seemed on the verge of becoming a reality, Anning spoke up, "I’m terribly sorry, but there are still some signs of rebellion in the Conte Region that have not been eradicated. I will need to return to Conte after a short stay in Paris. As for the Commander of the garrison, I think you should find someone more capable."

Petition looked shocked, "You’re going back?"

"Yes, there are still numerous rebels in the Conte Region that haven’t been completely defeated, and the people are also looking forward to restoring the status of Papal territory. Therefore, I must stay in Conte long-term, guarding this newly acquired land for the National Assembly."

Petition stared at Anning’s face, as if trying to decipher what he was up to.

Lafayette had the same expression.

Anning’s move was likely more surprising than they had anticipated.

Anning felt somewhat smug: They could carry on with their political struggles, but they won’t be using me as a pawn. I have money, guns, and a fortress-like monastery in Conte; I’m quite content.

After the initial shock, Mirabeau stepped forward, "Is this appropriate? You fought such a splendid campaign, it would be right to reward you accordingly."

Anning smiled, "Of course, I too desire some rewards. As you know, I’m merely a Captain. For a Captain to command the entire National Guard of the Conte Region doesn’t seem quite proper."

Lafayette: "Of course, Robespierre has already proposed to promote you to Brigadier General. But since you hadn’t returned to report for duty, a direct promotion would be against procedure, so I opposed the proposal."

Anning: "Just Brigadier General? I am to be the military commander of the Conte Region. It would be more appropriate if I were promoted to Vice Admiral."

Lafayette’s glance at Anning was clear and easy to interpret, the subtext too obvious: You’re already rocketing up from Captain to Brigadier General, be content.

But Anning did not back down, "I am the chief official of the Conte Region."

Lafayette: "Fine, as long as the National Assembly votes in favor, there will be no issue."

Petition: "Wait a moment, it’s not so good to discuss serious matters under the sun like this. Let’s go inside and continue."

Anning nodded, "Alright, additionally, I have brought the mastermind behind the Conte rebellion, who are now waiting for the Parliament’s trial."

"Oh, the mastermind?" Mirabeau seemed to have just remembered this detail, "Indeed, a trial is in order."

Clearly, no one had previously been paying attention to the trial of the rebel masterminds.