Chapter 505: A Duty Fulfilled
Maximilian had been safely transferred to the Reich, and by the morning of the next day, he had received a nice warm shower, a clean shave and haircut, and was properly dressed in unblemished attire.
The man had undergone a full scale transformation, and he sat before Bruno, not the director of military intelligence as he spoke of his situation. Bruno sat and listened, drinking from a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Naturally, Maximilian did the same, trying his best to readjust to life within the boundaries of civilization and peace after having spent the better part of the last year in war-torn warlord France.
Bruno gave his brother time to come to terms with his thoughts, more than he would do for a normal subordinate who was in a state of relative shock. And eventually, after a long and persistent silence, Maximilian spoke.
"I want to say before I discuss any of the details of what I have gathered, that I appreciate you prioritizing my rescue, even though I likely had more time to stay behind and continue with espionage.
It is most unfortunate that I fled before I could find out about the specifics regarding de Gaulle’s conspiracy to assassinate Maxime Weygand. I’m sorry I failed you Bruno... I mean... Your Majesty...."
Bruno instantly placed down his cup of coffee on its saucer. He stared at his older brother, who himself looked distressed and full of self doubt. Frankly speaking, Bruno had never been close with his brothers. He was never as intimate with them as he was with his parents, his wife, and his children.
This naturally had to do with their upbringing, and though he had forgiven them all, including Maximilian, for past transgressions. Any bonds beyond the most trivial between them had always been weak or nonexistent.
Still, Bruno knew that Maximilian had since redeeming himself, been filled with guilt and remorse over the petulant wastrel he had once been. And was constantly looking for some salvation.
Because of this, Bruno’s words were like a bomb going off in the background when he spoke with genuine kindness and warmth, since he first welcomed Maximilian back into the family after the Great War had come to an end four years ago.
"Max... There is no need for honorifics between us. We may not have gotten along for the first thirty-six years of my life... But you and I are still brothers. Allow me to be blunt with you... I don’t care all that much about Maxime Weygand’s life.
In fact, if de Gaulle succeeds in his attack, it might be better for the Reich altogether. But, even if he was some figure whose protection I highly valued, I would never ask you to risk your life to protect his.