At those words, Aequus's expression changed immediately, and he was about to snap back.
But a single look from Randall made him swallow his words.
Aequus immediately gave Randall an apologetic look, then stepped back to make Randall's position clear.
He was so familiar with Randall that the boundaries between superior and subordinate had become a little blurred.
That was why he had instinctively stood beside Randall.
It was fine in private, but failing to catch himself in front of outsiders showed a lack of tact.
Randall might not care, but Aequus could not afford not to.
Just then, Crocodile's gaze settled on Randall again.
"Oh? Did I mistake you for someone else?
So this is the officer in charge?
My apologies!
This officer is so young. He really doesn't look like someone in charge.
Please forgive me!"
Despite his apology, there was not the slightest trace of remorse on Crocodile's face.
Randall narrowed his eyes at that. It seemed this man had come looking for trouble.
Only then did his gaze settle on Crocodile.
There were still nearly twenty years to go before the main story began.
Crocodile was only in his early twenties now.
But aside from his different clothes and somewhat smoother skin, he already looked much like the Crocodile Randall had seen in the manga.
"Oh, it's fine. I'm not wearing anything that identifies my rank, after all. It's understandable that you didn't recognize me.
Then again, with a face this handsome, I'm obviously the one in charge."
Randall spoke with a casual chuckle.
But he had indeed taken Crocodile up on his request for forgiveness, adopting the air of a magnanimous man overlooking a petty person's offense.
That grated on Crocodile's ears, making his mood even worse.
He had never been particularly willing to become