By now, retreat was not an option for him. Rost gritted his teeth and said, "Your Excellency Marshal, there were many innocent civilians caught up in this rebellion, coerced by the Rebels and have now been arrested.
They all have families to feed. When do you think they can be released?"
Marshal Radetzky chuckled and replied, "That certainly is a problem, but you can rest assured. We are in the process of sorting things out, but it will take some time.
As for the problem of their families, that has been easily solved. The Venice City Government has already started distributing food, so every person can receive their share of rations and won't go hungry!"
Distinguishing the real rebels from the civilians who were dragged into this is not something that can be accomplished overnight.
