Chapter 501
"N-No, sir." Billion, who had been blinking blankly, finally shook his head as if startled back to his senses."No matter how strict military law may be, it cannot possibly take precedence over the command of His Imperial Majesty."
"Are you really sure? This seems to be a very sensitive time."
"No, truly, it’s alright!" Billion waved his hands furiously, his chubby cheeks wobbling with the motion. "Please don’t worry. Simply reporting your safe return will be more than enough to say I’ve done my duty."
"Wise of you. There is, after all, such a thing as information that can endanger one's life just by knowing it," said Ian.
Billion let out a long, muddled sigh of relief and mumbled, "Of course, there are parts that I must report regardless.... For instance, what the Apostle said..."
"You must record such parts without omission. I am aware." Ian, receiving the words with a faint smile, picked up the wineglass placed before him again.
A smile finally spread across Billion’s sweat-beaded face. "Thank you for your merciful decision, Agent of the Saint."
Lucia, who had been watching quietly, also lifted her glass to her lips again. A smile played on her lips as she exchanged a glance with Diana, who sat opposite her.
"I suppose it’s a relief, in a way. You must be exhausted."
At the ensuing pleasantry, Ian brought the glass to his lips without a word.
Billion wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, then lowered his voice slightly and added, "However, if you are to report directly to His Majesty... will you also mention which fortress you returned to the Empire through?"
"Of course, I cannot omit such an important fact," answered Ian, bringing the glass to his lips, his mouth hidden by the glass. "His Majesty will surely be curious as to how promptly the front lines responded to the unexpected situation."