What answered her was a standard Loen military salute from Colonel Alfred Hall.
After returning the salute, Alfred Hall looked at Audrey and said gently, "Audrey, would you allow Count Altair and me to speak privately for a moment?"
Hearing Alfred's request, Audrey glanced at Altair. Seeing him nod slightly, she could only purse her lips and leave the study.
After watching Audrey leave and closing the door, Alfred extended a hand. "Please sit, Count Altair."
Just after sitting down, Alfred added with a gentle tone and a faint smile, "On my journey home, I heard more than one of my companions mention your appearance. I thought it was merely the sort of exaggerated praise commonly heard in social circles, but now that I have seen you in person, I understand that their compliments were actually understated."
"Colonel Alfred, you flatter me too much. Such words only leave me at a loss." Altair responded with a slight smile.
Almost without pause, Altair hurriedly changed the subject. "Colonel Alfred, please forgive my presumptuous question. Miss Audrey vaguely mentioned earlier that you intended to make a deal with me. I am somewhat curious. Could you tell me what exactly it concerns?"
For a moment, the room fell silent.
Alfred had never expected Altair to be so direct, discussing serious matters with him without any pleasantries.
After a brief pause, Alfred raised a hand and lightly adjusted his cuff. His steady gaze settled on Altair, without the slightest trace of panic, containing only the certainty and restraint unique to a soldier.
He nodded slightly and said calmly and solemnly, "Not long ago, I heard from the household maids that you, Count Altair, attended the Beyonder exploration gathering organized by Viscount Grellint together with Audrey?"
"Yes, that is true." Altair admitted it without hesitation.