The Shadow of Great Britain

Capítulo 1349: Chapter 189: The Cunning Cultural Attaché (2)

Thinking of this, Bakarjin’s heart nearly jumped out of his chest.

He walked back to the desk again, seemingly ignoring the report already soaked with ink, and as he grabbed another document, he found his hands slightly trembling, the pages seemed to be quivering between his fingertips.

The servant soon returned, his eyes nervously sweeping over Bakarjin, with an inexplicable hesitation and suppression in his tone: “Colonel Hestingov is sleeping very soundly. I knocked on the door gently just now, and he did not respond.”

“What!” he exclaimed urgently, with a tone of urgency: “You clueless fool! Why didn’t you wake him up? Tell the Colonel that I have an urgent matter here and need his assistance!”

Outside the door, Captain Hutter’s footsteps could already be heard.

His steady and powerful steps made Bakarjin’s heartbeat involuntarily accelerate, as if each step trodded on his nerves.

When the door was pushed open, Bakarjin immediately put on an expression of enthusiasm yet maintaining dignity.

“Captain Hutter, welcome.” He bowed slightly, his tone respectful yet proper. “May I know what brings you here? If you need anything, I will surely cooperate fully.”

Hutter nodded coldly, his sharp gaze sweeping over every corner of the room as if examining whether this space hid some secret. He was in no hurry to answer, pausing slightly before speaking with a tone full of intimidation: “Mr. Mayor, we are just making a routine visit. However, I think you should understand that Constitutional Soldiers do not do meaningless things.”

A stiff smile appeared on Bakarjin’s face, he suppressed his inner fear and politely invited, “Please, have a seat, Captain. Would you like some hot tea or anything else?”

“Thank you, there’s no need.” Hutter remained standing, his voice steady yet indisputable, “I think our conversation shouldn’t be dragged on too long. We need to understand some things and hope you can answer truthfully.”

Cold sweat dripped down Bakarjin’s back, he nodded reluctantly, forcing himself to show what he thought was an appropriate smile.

He knew inside, this was by no means just “routine,” he must be on high alert to deal with this stern Constitutional Soldier.

Bakarjin forced down the panic in his heart, smiling as he gestured for Hutter to sit down: “Captain, what brings you here? If you need anything, just say it and I will naturally do my best.”

Hutter was in no rush to answer, instead, he slightly looked around the study, his gaze falling on the snowflakes outside the window, then casually swept over the piles of documents on Bakarjin’s desk, which seemed not to interest him much.

He paused for a moment, then opened his mouth tentatively: “I am here to see Colonel Hestingov, I’ve heard that he’s been somewhat unwell lately?”

Upon hearing that the visitor was not specifically here to investigate Druiysk, the tension in Bakarjin’s nerves instantly relaxed, and even his nervous distorted smile became much more natural.

“Ah! You’re looking for the Colonel! Mr. Colonel indeed caught a cold, he’s been recuperating here these few days. If you’re not in a hurry, you can see him tomorrow; the Colonel is probably already asleep, as you know, sick people tend to sleep early.”

Hutter’s tone became noticeably stiffer on hearing this.

Because he wasn’t there to inquire about the Colonel’s health, but suspected that the Colonel, whom he’d never met, might have encountered some inappropriate interference.

Bakarjin’s words evidently deepened his concerns in this regard.

Hutter smiled slightly, yet his smile carried no warmth: “I have indeed heard of Colonel Hestingov’s dedication, and you should not ignore this. Since the Colonel is not well, can you tell me exactly what difficulties he has encountered? After all, as Constitutional Soldiers, we have the responsibility to ensure every official’s health and avoid any hidden dangers.”

If local officials really harbored ill intentions against the Constitutional Soldier Colonel, Hutter’s words would be enough to scare them to death.

However, these words, falling on Bakarjin who had a pleasant cooperation with Hestingov, only deepened his awe of the promising Colonel.

Truly a rising star of St. Petersburg, favored by the Emperor and Count Benkendorf, even Constitutional Soldiers just passing by must flatter upon hearing the Colonel’s name.

Concerned about the Colonel’s health?

Even if he isn’t healthy, he’s healthier than those who have been politically exiled by you.

The Mayor was just about to speak platitudes when the study’s door was suddenly pushed open by a servant.

The male servant nodded as he ushered a bleary-eyed Arthur into the study, but before he could enter, the Mayor exaggeratedly welcomed him: “Oh! Colonel, why have you come?”

Saying this, he did not forget to glare at the servant: “You scoundrel, the Colonel was sleeping soundly, why did you wake him? I suppose you want the whip!”

The servant, unaware of the situation, was suddenly scolded, and just as he wanted to defend himself, he was unceremoniously driven out by Bakarjin.

Bakarjin respectfully invited Arthur to sit on the sofa by the hearth and thoughtfully brought him a coat to drape over, not forgetting to reprimand Captain Hutter: “See! I said the Colonel was ill, and you didn’t believe me.”

Hutter’s gaze had not left Arthur since the moment he entered the room.