“S-Supreme Commander, sir!”0

“I’m fine.”0

Marshal Claude raised a hand, stopping his aide from rushing over to support him. He reached into his coat pocket, pulled out a handkerchief, and wiped away the blood trickling down his nose.0

“I reviewed too many documents last night and overexerted myself. That’s all,” Claude said. Then, he turned his attention to Siegfried and said, “Well, Captain Drake.”0

“Yes?”0

“If you have some time, would you care to join me for a cup of tea?”0

“Sure, why not.”0

“Excellent. Follow me.”0

“But before that…”0

“Hmm?”0

“I have one condition.”0

“And what might that be?” Claude asked.0

“That,” Siegfried said, pointing at the box where Captain Tourbillon’s remains were hastily packed. Then, he asked with a sheepish grin, “Can you pay me the full bounty for him? You know, as a sign of good faith?”0

“Pardon…?”0

“I mean, he was once an admiral for the navy, so he has some symbolic value, right? Sure, he is a little worn out, but I intended to deliver him fresh and alive,” Siegfried said while rubbing his hands. Then, he glared sideways and added, “But that did not work out because someone decided to get a little too rough.”0

“Haha…” Claude chuckled in response. He...0