OBS Chapter 590 Something happened
Chapter 590 Something happened
Bruso sat down again with trembling hands, sweat running down his cheeks, gleaming in the sunlight.
He lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously tugging at the corner of his clothes, the fabric wrinkled in his hands, and his voice was almost inaudible:
"I understand... I understand..."
Deco stared at the other person with a sharp gaze, which seemed to be able to penetrate Brusseau's soul and pull out all the secrets in his heart.
"So, tell me, who are you? Where did you get the title of 'Governor of Brusca'?"
Bruso took a deep breath, his chest heaving violently a few times, as if he had made up his mind.
He slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with shame and regret, his voice trembling slightly:
"Sir, my... my original name is Bruso Claus. I was originally an accountant for a commune in a town in the province of Helder-Lambrunn. Every day I just looked at ledgers and numbers, and my life was very ordinary."
Deke raised his eyebrows slightly and listened quietly without interrupting him.
Brousseau continued:
"Two years ago, I was at a party with a bunch of colleagues. We had a few drinks and the atmosphere was lively. One carpenter, who usually boasted about his craftsmanship, got drunk and boasted that his seals were indistinguishable from the real thing. We didn't believe him. Seeing our skepticism, he got anxious and showed us his own official seal. He dipped some paint on the paper and stamped it. The seal looked almost identical to the ones used on government documents."
"From then on, it was like a seed was planted in my heart. I always had an unrealistic fantasy in my heart, wanting to stand out and live a different life. The carpenter's seal was like a key that opened the door in my heart that should not be opened."
"Then you forged documents, appointed yourself governor, and collected taxes here?"
Deke asked coldly, a hint of questioning in his voice.
"Yes, my lord."
Bruso lowered his head in shame, his voice almost inaudible, like a child who had done something wrong.
He clasped his hands together on his knees, his knuckles white from the strain.
"I had someone imitate the format of Helderland's official documents and used the seal carved by the carpenter to forge a document appointing me as Governor of Brusca. I asked a tailor in town to make a replica of this dress, and I asked an artist to draw a portrait of Your Majesty based on the portrait in the book. Then I brought a group of people here."
"When we first arrived in this town, we discovered its remote location, inconvenient transportation, a difficult life for the townspeople, and poor public security. Initially, under the guise of the Governor, we collected so-called 'protection fees' from passing caravans."
"Later, this town became a necessary stop on the transportation route of a certain Helderland Chamber of Commerce."
There was a hint of relief in Bruso's tone.
"Thanks to providing supplies to the caravans, this place prospered. We began to restore order in the town, organizing the townspeople to build roads and fortifications to prevent intrusions from bandits. Gradually, the caravans increased in number, and the town became increasingly lively. The townspeople's lives also gradually improved, and they began to trust us. Some even praised my work.
"So after all the fellow villagers who came with me have left, I will continue to stay as the governor. Besides making money, I also want to make some achievements in this town."
Deke was silent for a moment, studying the disheveled man before him.
He saw that Bruso's face was full of regret and fear, and his eyes revealed despair about the future.
"How much 'protection money' did you collect in total?"
Deke pressed on, his voice low and serious.
"About...about three thousand silver coins."
Bruso's voice was almost inaudible, and he lowered his head, not daring to look Deco in the eye.
"I... I used the money to improve the town's infrastructure, build roads, bridges, and fortifications, and also support several needy families. I really have no intention of rebelling, but... I just want to help everyone out after I make some money..."
"You've been here for so long, haven't the nobles here noticed you?"
"This place is quite remote even in the mountains. There's only one old mayor in the whole town, and the nobles are nowhere to be seen. The tax collector is here, though. I gave him some extra money to keep it a secret for me."
"Bruxelles Claus, your actions are indeed unforgivable."
Deke's voice was low and firm.
"But considering that you haven't caused any major harm, and part of the money was used for the town's public affairs, I will handle it with my discretion. However, you must truthfully explain all the details, including who you colluded with, and whether you have leaked Heldran intelligence to the Yoda Empire."
Bruso nodded quickly as if he had been pardoned, with a hint of determination in his voice:
"I will tell the truth and hide nothing! I have never contacted anyone from the Yoda Empire, nor would I dare betray Helderan. Over the years, I have been cautious, fearing that I would be discovered. I live in fear every day, worried that my identity will be exposed and that I will be punished. I know that I have committed an unforgivable crime, and I am willing to accept the sanctions of the law."
Deke stood up, walked to the window, looked out at the streets of the town, his mind full of thoughts.
The sun shines on the streets, people come and go, and the town looks calm and peaceful.
"I'll give you a chance, Bruso Kraus."
Deco turned and looked at Brusseau, a hint of seriousness in his voice.
"But you must cooperate with our investigation and tell the truth. If you conceal anything, you will bear the consequences."
After leaving the Governor's Palace, Deco immediately left with the convoy and then turned west all the way back to Helderland.
When he handed all the information he had collected to Wesker, Wesker suddenly sighed.
"What's wrong, Master Wesker?"
Deke asked doubtfully.
Wesker took out a document, handed it to Deco, and said solemnly:
"No need to investigate. These people can no longer hide the truth. Now the ambassador from Yoda is protesting to us, asking why there are so many Heldrans occupying their villages and towns in the territory of Yoda's Empire."
Deke took the document, glanced through it quickly, and frowned.
The document listed in detail the protests from the Yoda Empire in harsh terms, claiming that the Helderans had arbitrarily established a "Governor's Office" within the Yoda Empire and collected taxes, seriously infringing on the sovereignty of the Yoda Empire.
After saying that, Wesker sighed again.
"This matter is no longer our responsibility. It depends on how His Majesty and his men handle it."