"It certainly has been a while, Sir Suzaku Kururugi."
Jeremiah answered with a smile.
He did not like Suzaku Kururugi.
He felt that even an Honorary Britannian who had arrested Zero should not have been appointed to the Knights of the Round.
But that was the Emperor's decision, and there was nothing he could do to change it.
Before he came, Ask had also instructed him to handle his relations with these Knights of the Round properly.
They were the Emperor's personal troops, after all. He had no authority over them.
Of course, when the Knights of the Round came to Area 11 without special orders from the Emperor, the Governor could give them orders to a certain extent.
Jeremiah could speak politely, but General Boris was another matter.
He gave a cold snort, his voice low but just loud enough for everyone present to hear.
"Hmph. I really can't get used to it. Private First Class Kururugi rolls off the tongue much more easily."
"Hey! Are you insulting the Knights of the Round?!"
Hearing the veiled jab at his friend, Gino immediately stepped forward.
In terms of noble rank, he was the son of an Earl, one rank above Boris.
General Boris calmly shook his head.
"Please don't misunderstand. I was merely reflecting on how Sir Suzaku Kururugi was an imperial private first class just a year ago. He rose through the ranks too. Looking back on the past is simply a reminder not to forget where he started."
In reality, those words were a reminder to everyone present not to forget Suzaku Kururugi's background.
No matter how high he rose, it would not change the fact that he was an Eleven, an Honorary Britannian.
An Eleven like him ought to lower his voice and kneel in their presence!