Bard looked at Andesa standing before him—the image of the little girl who had clumsily run toward him in the courtyard had gradually faded from his mind, until only fragmented silhouettes remained, mixed into his ever-fading memories.
The one standing before him was now an Imperial soldier who had grown up—steady, valiant, possessed of tenacious will and unshakable conviction, and a life path of her own.
"You will return safely to Typhon—as proof of the friendly relations forged between our two nations, and as a good beginning," he said slowly after some thought. "His Majesty... I mean, His Majesty Gawain Cecil, will prepare and guide public opinion for you. There will be corresponding arrangements in Alderan as well. Part of the truth behind the war will be revealed, and you will return as someone who rendered meritorious service, not as a defeated commander taken prisoner..."
"I know," Andesa said calmly. "It benefits both countries and lets me make better use of my value. But no matter what, Alderan will surely have to pay something to ensure my safe return..."
"That is not something you should concern yourself with," Bard said, shaking his head. "Her Majesty Rosetta knows very well what price she ought to pay for a Wolf General. All you need to do is cooperate with Alderan's decisions."
"Of course, I will," Andesa said with her usual composure. Yet in the end, she could not help looking at her father a few more times. With a trace of hesitation, she said, "Then you... will you return afterward..."
Bard seemed to have expected that she would eventually bring this up, and his answer was clear. "I no longer belong to Typhon. Publicly and privately, I am no longer suited to appear in Alderan. The life of Wolf General Bard Wendell