Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

Sofia seemed somewhat tempted.

Antonio spoke persuasively, "Moreover, we don't need the original notes; we only require their content. The original will still belong to you personally as a precious relic of General Antoine-Laurent."

"I need to think it over," Sofia shook her head, unable to make a decision.

"Miss Sofia, this is just a proposal, and you can consider it yourself," said Antonio softly. "However, our previous promise still stands; as long as you can provide documentation proving your identity, the original notes can be returned to you. Winters should not be held responsible for tonight's accident, and it is your own fault that the original got burned. If you truly value the sentimental significance of the original, even a burned one is still a precious relic."

After a long silence, Sofia finally asked, "Then how can I get the documents that prove my identity? Will you let me go?"
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"I'm afraid not, I cannot let you go, but I won't keep you in my house either. I would like to ask you to stay temporarily at the Third Legion's quarters. Just give me an address for the necessary documents, and I can send someone to retrieve them," Antonio replied politely, his tone returning to that of the party.

Sofia huffed in dissatisfaction, "What if I am the only one who can retrieve my documents? What if my documents are in Guidao City?"

"Then, I can also let you go, but only after I have handed these notes over to the Military Committee will you be free, and the rest will be an issue between you and the Military Committee," Antonio answered tightly. "I'm sorry, but these notes are of great strategic value, and even letting outsiders know that the notes appeared in this house is a threat to my family."

Antonio paused and then said firmly, "Please understand something, it was you who dragged us into this, and I have maintained the utmost respect for you."

Sofia looked at Antonio and then at Elizabeth, her defiant energy dissipating. She said, sounding dejected, "I still have to think about your proposal. The documents proving my identity are at St. Jeannie's Convent; you'll find my personal belongings stored with Mother Tess."

St. Jeannie's Convent is located on a hillock southwest of Sea Blue City, about half a day's journey from Sea Blue.

"You can't stay here, I would like to invite you to stay at the Third Legion's barracks, would that be alright?"

Sofia nodded silently.

"Before the soldiers arrive to escort you, your freedom of movement will need to be temporarily restricted, as neither of the two ladies in this house is a match for you. Please, understand," Antonio stood up, signaling the end of the conversation. "Winters, please tie Miss Sofia up again, but try to make her as comfortable as possible."

Antonio assured Sofia, "Once we have the documents, I will release you immediately."

"Do we have to tie Sofia up again?" Elizabeth spoke out loudly on behalf of her "new friend," but she fell silent after seeing the look on Antonio's face and looked at Sofia with sad eyes.

Sofia didn't resist or ridicule, seemingly accepting easily Antonio's reasons for "protecting his family." Her body language was submissive, but her eyes were fixed on Winters.

Truthfully, Winters hadn't expected to tie up a woman three times in one night. He nodded apologetically, but he didn't put away the steel awl; he kept holding it. The psychological shadow Sofia had cast on him was too large, and he dared not let down his guard for an instant.

This time, her hands were bound in front, not behind. Then Antonio took Winters and Elizabeth out of the room, leaving Sofia alone in the guest room.

Still uneasy, Antonio had Kosha take Elizabeth and Marita to the neighbor's house for temporary shelter.

In the house, only Antonio, Winters, and Sofia, left alone in the guest room, remained.

"Do you think she is Antoine-Laurent's daughter?" Winters asked Antonio.

"Now I'm eighty percent certain that Sofia is Antoine-Laurent's daughter," Antonio poured some spirits for himself and his nephew. "If she wants to retrieve the documents herself, it shows she doesn't care about these notes. She seems very confident in her decision to stay. But it could also be a deception tactic, so we must not become complacent."

"Should I stay and watch over her in the guest room?"

"No need, I have something else for you to do. Now, go to the neighbor's house as well, protect your sister and Kosha. Take some paper and transcribe the remainder of these notes. I'm going to the legion's quarters to call up the troops," Antonio calmly delegated the task to Winters.

"Aren't we supposed to return the notes to her?" Winters said with a bitter taste in his mouth.

"The original can be returned to her, but Antoine-Laurent's research notes are a valuable asset to the Republic of Vineta. In the interest of Vineta, our personal honors are insignificant," he replied.

"Just leave her alone in the guest room?"

"If she escapes, then all the better!"