"I think the best thing in this world is for the damned people and things to die, while those who ought to live stay alive—all of them, not one missing. Don't you agree? What do you think?"
The man speaking wore a long beard that completely concealed the lower half of his face. He was thickly bearded and heavily haired; though his hair had been neatly combed and carefully groomed, its length was rather excessive. So although his voice was booming as he spoke, his emotions ran high, and he waved his arms with enthusiastic exaggeration, his true expression remained a mystery.
He himself did not seem to realize this, for he was still eagerly awaiting a response from his sole listener.
Compared to him, the listener—a pale gentleman seated opposite him in a dark green armchair, dressed in black and wearing glasses—cut a much simpler figure. At the very least, his hair was short and his beard cleanly shaved. There was, however, a rather large suitcase piled beside his feet, which was interesting.
The pale gentleman smiled. "I agree. But I'm afraid that would be very difficult."
"That is precisely why it is worth doing!" the bearded man shouted excitedly. "Otherwise, why would we Krieg people spend both money and effort so that officials can enjoy such fine treatment? Unfortunately, they are often only diligent during their first few years on the job. Once enough time has passed... Hmph!"
He snorted coldly. His passion suddenly ebbed away, replaced by an unmistakable weariness. Scooping up his beard, he brought the teacup to his lips in a slightly comical manner and took a shallow sip, then let out a long breath.
The candlelight flickered. Inside the first banquet hall of the large vessel Yanuo I, which boasted four escort frigates, that