Chapter 262 "Chase Them Out!"
"CHASE THEM OUT!! CHASE THEM OUT!!"
The echoing cries of Ryntum soldiers reverberated through the streets of Haugdak. Their relentless chant, repeated over and over again, carried the fervour of determination and aggression.
Within the confines of their homes, the inhabitants of Haugdak listened with growing frustration. Forced to adhere to Major General Nolan's orders to stay indoors, they felt a deep displeasure seep into their hearts.
The disruption of their daily economic activities, the bustling trade that once animated the city's streets, now lay dormant under the weight of occupation.
The chant outside served as a constant reminder of their constrained existence. It grated against the nerves of the confined inhabitants, who yearned to step outside their homes and reclaim their sense of normalcy.
Windows cracked open slightly, revealing faces etched with discontent. Whispers filled the air, discontented voices murmuring their dissatisfaction.
The people of Haugdak were not accustomed to being confined, controlled, and dictated to. They had become accustomed to the ebb and flow of a city that thrived on commerce and individual freedom.
However, as frustrated as they were, a sense of fear and caution also permeated the air. The soldiers patrolling the streets were armed and ready to quell any signs of resistance.
In a dimly lit room tucked away in a secluded corner of Haugdak, a group of individuals gathered in secret. They are business owners who were not content to passively abide by the orders of confining themselves in the house.
Every second passed, and they lost a chance to make thousands of coins of profits.
As whispers filled the room, a hushed dialogue ensued, each word carefully chosen to avoid detection.
"We cannot let our city remain under their control any longer. They do not abide by our condition when occupying this city" one person spoke, their voice trembling with resolve. "Who knows how long this way would last? We must end this war so we could continue our business operations as usual."
"Then, what do you suggest?" asked another person.
A woman leaned forward and said, "Barlia doesn't have many military personnel here, many were directed to the frontline. So, I suggest we open the city gate and allow the Ryntum soldiers to enter. They are our best bet to defeat the Barlia and drove the war away from this city."
A sceptical voice chimed in, "But it won't be easy. The soldiers are on high alert, and the risks are enormous. We need a distraction, something that will divert their attention away from the gate."
Another member, his voice laced with a hint of mischief, suggested, "What if we start a fire in the marketplace? The confusion and panic will draw the soldiers away from the gate, giving us the opportunity we need."
The room fell silent for a moment before one person spoke, "Are you stupid? What if the fire spread and destroys our properties?"
"There are multiple marketplaces in the city. Just pick one that is farthest from us."
"Hmm...The farthest one should be at the corner of the city, the one that small vendors used."
"That sound right to me." the figure leading the meeting agrees.
"Yeah, who cares about them? At least not me." the woman chuckled.
Then, with unanimous determination, they nodded in agreement on their target.
Boom!-
The deafening roar of cannons reverberated through the city, interrupting their discussion.
The members exchanged startled glances. It was clear that the situation had taken a drastic turn. At least, that's what they thought before seeing something falling from the sky.
Thousands of paper slowly descended like a gentle rain, fluttering and swirling through the air before finding their resting places on the streets, rooftops, and open spaces.
The once tense atmosphere was momentarily replaced by a sense of curiosity and intrigue as the inhabitants of Haugdak observed this unusual phenomenon.
Eagerly seizing the opportunity, some of the more daring residents who had been confined to their homes stealthily stepped out onto the streets, their eyes fixed on the delicate paper cascading from above. They moved swiftly, like shadows in the dim light, reaching out to catch the falling treasures.
"What did the paper say?!" one member of the secret meeting exclaimed, unable to contain their curiosity any longer.
"I don't know," another replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "It seems to be some sort of message, I guess." He held up the paper and passed it around for the rest of the group to see.
As the paper circulated among the members, their eyes widened as they beheld the sight of a propaganda paper with bold text that read,
[Chase the Outsider Out!]
[No Barlia No Confinement!]
[Restoring Business Normalcy!]
In the midst of the falling papers, a silent revolution stirred. The inhabitants, emboldened by the words on the pages they held, felt a surge of determination and resolve.
For the sake of money and prosperous normalcy, they no longer saw themselves as mere bystanders but as active participants in this war.
....
"That was the most expensive, arduous, and risky thing to do. The chance of this plan not working is nearly ninety per cent," said the commanding officer, his voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and apprehension.
He stood at a vantage point, observing the paper falling from the sky, the result of their unconventional operation.
The paper projectiles had been carefully designed to carry the message they wanted to deliver.
Instead of the traditional way of bombarding the city wall, he had chosen this unique method to capture the attention of the inhabitants and convey their intentions.
It was a gamble, but he believed it was worth the risk.
When the messenger sent by Admiral Jareth arrives at Wemeywesto, informing them about the victory at Caushilbo, the commanding officer promptly makes preparation.
And while doing so, Basil Beldavair told him about this inhabitant's peculiar behaviour and he ends up changing the plan to suit the people.
"That's enough paper we shot. I think we have delivered the message," the commanding officer remarked, his gaze fixed on the falling paper. "Save some in case we need to use them later."
The soldiers around him nodded in agreement. They too hoped it would inspire the people to rise against the occupiers and join the cause for liberation.