The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 69: Rupture and Betrayal

"You're right, Dutch. I can no longer trust your judgment. In fact, I doubt whether you're even capable of making the right decisions anymore."

Dutch never expected Arthur to say such a thing. For a moment, he was completely stunned. His question had been meant as a final blow to stop Arthur from challenging him further.

But Arthur's response had turned the tables, leaving Dutch cornered. Dutch asked himself if he had ever imagined a day when Arthur would say such things to him.

'I really don't trust him anymore.'

The words left Dutch speechless for a long time. Finally, Dutch spoke again, his voice so low that no one could tell if he was angry.

"In that case, you can leave."

"Dutch?"

"Dutch…"

"Hey, come on, let's talk this out."

The onlookers quickly tried to intervene.

Hosea, standing closest to Arthur, saw the situation spiraling out of control. If he didn't step in now, the two of them would do something they'd regret.

Hosea grabbed Arthur's arm and urged.

"Come on, apologize. Arthur, you're such a stubborn kid, always saying things in the heat of the moment. I know you're attached to what you've built in Valentine, but we can talk this through. Even if Dutch is wrong about something, we can discuss it… It's just words, Dutch, don't take it seriously…"

As Hosea tried to mediate, Arthur cut him off.

"Hosea, stop trying to smooth things over. Dutch, I don't care what you're planning. Listen to me—I won't let you lead everyone to their deaths with your damn foolish plans anymore!" Arthur said firmly, his eyes blazing with anger as he stared at Dutch.

Everyone noticed it.

Dutch's expression was eerily calm. If you looked closely, the only sign of his inner rage was the way he clenched his pipe in his right hand.

Dutch maintained his composure and said,

"Alright. This time, I've heard you loud and clear. Now, you can leave. Remember, if you walk away, don't ever come back."

The group watched anxiously, hoping Arthur would back down and apologize.

But no one dared to speak up now.

Arthur's heart wasn't as calm as it appeared.

He was furious, heartbroken, and even in disbelief.

He was being cast out.

He could see Dutch was serious.

Leaving this place he called "home" was something he had never imagined before today. Even with the memories he now carried, he had never considered leaving. Even if leaving would mean a better life.

Not once.

"I'll go," Arthur said after taking a deep breath.

The moment the words left his mouth, everyone in the camp was stunned.

"As for the rest of you…" Dutch looked around at the group, avoiding Arthur's gaze. After a brief pause, he continued, "If anyone else here feels I'm no longer worthy of your trust, you can leave too. Go now, all of you."

Every person Dutch's eyes fell on instinctively looked away. The group remained silent. Finally, Dutch's gaze settled on Hosea.

Hosea met Dutch's eyes, his mouth opening but no words coming out. He knew Dutch too well. This wasn't the time to intervene.

This was something Dutch and Arthur had to resolve themselves. If anyone sided with Arthur now, Dutch would see it as betrayal, not just a conflict between "father and son."

Yes, in Hosea's eyes, this was just a family dispute.

In the end, Hosea said nothing. He simply looked pained, turning away to light a cigarette in silence.

Dutch never looked at Arthur again. He stared straight ahead and said, "Then go. We have things to discuss, and you have no reason to stay here anymore."

Seeing Dutch like this, Arthur felt an overwhelming sadness. He finally said, "Dutch, I… I've given you everything. Trust me! Robbing the Valentine bank will be a mistake…"

"Enough! Go, don't say another word!" Dutch coldly cut Arthur off, issuing his final dismissal.

At this point, there was nothing more to say. Arthur turned and walked away without another word.

Though the others were reluctant to see him go, no one dared to stop him. No one wanted to risk being cast out alongside Arthur.

After all, in their hearts, they still couldn't believe Dutch was truly banishing Arthur. But if it happened to them, it would be a different story.

As Arthur mounted Boadicea and disappeared from view, the camp at Horseshoe Overlook remained eerily silent. The sounds of insects and animals in the night seemed unnaturally loud in the heavy quiet.

"Uh… I'll go check on Arthur, make sure he's alright. You all carry on…" Sean broke the silence at the worst possible moment. He quickly ran to fetch his horse and galloped off after Arthur.

Only that little rascal would dare do such a thing, Hosea thought.

Meanwhile, Hosea silently retreated to his tent. Susan took the women away, and Charles, who had been standing at the edge of the group the entire time, stayed behind only to hear if Dutch had anything more to say.

Javier and Bill simply waited for Dutch to speak, while John, though visibly troubled, sent Abigail and Jack to rest but stayed behind himself.

Davey and Pearson also watched Dutch in silence. Swanson wasn't in camp, though no one seemed to remember him.

Uncle, who had somehow gotten his hands on a bottle of whiskey, suddenly stood up and spoke to Dutch with a laugh.

"Dutch, this has always been your problem. Yes, you've read a lot of books, but you still don't understand."

Dutch glanced at Uncle, finally breaking his silence to retort, "And you've never read a book, so you don't have that problem."

Uncle, seemingly oblivious to Dutch's irritation and the tense atmosphere, continued.

"I have common sense, so I don't need books. In fact, you shouldn't read them either. They corrupt your soul."

*****

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