Alyona Anastasia had always believed it was an honor to board the Vengeance and become a member of the expedition. But she had never imagined the scene before her eyes.
"First, I'd like to say this, Captain Alyona—your performance, and that of your Frost Wolf, has been nothing short of perfect in these wars, great and small."
The black-robed man spoke in that way, a mean smile on his pale face. Alyona did not feel angered by it. For one, she knew this lord would not mock her. For another, that smile seemed only natural on his face.
As if he had to smile like that. Just as Fenrisians had to help one another if they wanted to survive the turning of the seasons.
"Captain Rudolf's assessment of you was not wrong. You are indeed suited to rapid-response operations. I must admit, that surprised me. The Frost Wolf is a Retribution-class Battleship, and yet you can helm it with such speed."
Leman Russ, standing behind the black-robed man, winked at her. The Wolf King's look brought Alyona's Sanity swiftly back online—she immediately lowered her head. "The credit belongs to the helmsmen. I merely gave the orders."
"Russ, if you keep making faces at her behind my back, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave. There has to be a limit to protecting your own. I only called her here to ask about a few matters. Fine, you came rushing over and insisted on joining this conversation—but not even letting her speak for herself? What is that supposed to be?"
The Mage said this without even turning his head. Russ gave an awkward laugh. "Captain, Alyona is a typical Fenrisian—what I mean is, she's not very good with words. Right, Alyona?"
"Huh? Ah, yes! I-I'm not very good with