The Galahad's communications connected immediately afterward, and Bismarck's voice was deeper than either of theirs.
"Do not engage with the Regent's provocations. Maintain escort formation. The last group of technical personnel will leave the airspace in four minutes."
But Lin Cuo had already continued speaking.
"Of course, I can understand the pressure on the Knights of the Round. After all, they are about to face a world-class pilot who has just defeated every E.U. entrant in the standard qualifiers, one after another. If Britannia leaves now, it can easily be explained as a strategic move to preserve its strength. Great Han certainly will not take it to mean that the Imperium's three finest knights are worried about losing to a young female general from Area 11."
The smile slowly faded from Gino's face.
"This guy..."
Lin Cuo added another remark.
"Especially Sir Bismarck, the First Knight of the Round, the Imperium's strongest knight, with his legendary great holy sword and unchallenged standing. I hold such honors in great respect, so I fully understand why he is now preparing to personally cover the transport aircraft's retreat rather than openly compete against Kallen Kouzuki."
Bismarck watched the transport aircraft departing ahead of them and chose not to respond, but Gino could no longer listen in silence.
"Sir Waldstein, is he implying that we're afraid of that girl?"
"Continue carrying out your escort orders."
"But-"
"Sir Weinberg, the honor of the Imperium's knights does not need a foreign Regent to explain it for us."
Bismarck had intended to end the discussion there, but Lin Cuo's final remark came through at precisely that moment.
"And so, this tournament has one last-minute addition: a joint tactical demonstration by the highest-ranking Knights of the Round. Great Han will field only one representative, Kallen Kouzuki. The three