What Bai Pu took out was the severed head of a female Naga with silver-white scales.
—The head of the Eastern Naga War Zone commander, "Net Erosion" Selindra!
Galileus was visibly moved, delight showing on his face. "Good, good! That monster actually died at your hands. Dio, you did beautifully!"
Bai Pu shook his head and said with a chuckle:
"Naga Commander Selindra first suffered a grievous blow from the Magic Crystal Cannon under your wise command, then fled to the seaside, where you personally intercepted her and cut off her head... How would I dare claim such merit for myself?"
This was plainly a bribe paid in credit.
Great and Little Witch watched from the side, their eyes wide, their four big eyes filled with the word "impressed" written four times over.
Galileus said sternly, "Do I look like the sort of man who covets his subordinates' achievements?"
Just as Bai Pu was wondering whether he had misjudged Galileus, Galileus pointed at the head and continued:
"Although the Naga Commander was ultimately slain by me, you were the one who first discovered her whereabouts. Dio, your contribution cannot be ignored! Without your careful scouting, that Naga Commander really might have escaped."
"Yes, my lord. Your wisdom is unmatched!"
Bai Pu flattered him, then said, "Then about the warship wreckage..."
Galileus waved a large hand. "The Imperial Warship Raging Waves was too badly damaged and had already sunk into the water. Later, you salvaged it and refitted it into a privately armed vessel... Who would bother quibbling over such a thing?
"Dio, in light of your merits, I will loan you another team of engineers and a team of sailor instructors. The engineers can supply spare parts and help you repair the ship! The sailor instructors can teach your men