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"Colonel, Colonel."
"Colonel!"
"Alfred...!"
Only upon hearing that somewhat gritted voice did the blond, blue-eyed Alfred Hall turn around. His brows drew together as he looked at his companion. "What is it, Pagney?"
His companion, who had black hair, brown eyes, and typical Loen features, had abandoned his usual impatience. He glanced around cautiously, his expression grave.
"Let's talk inside."
Alfred thoughtfully watched the young officer who had been his partner for so long signal something with his eyes. Reading a trace of unease in his expression and body language, he led the way to his office.
As they entered the office, the sea breeze lifted the curtains the moment the door opened, instantly filling the room with the moist, faintly salty scent of the ocean. Although Alfred came from an aristocratic Backlund family, he had already participated in several armed conflicts and attained the rank of colonel at a young age, and he did not have an aristocrat's exacting requirements for his surroundings. Only upon seeing that Pagney still looked unable to bear the smell of the sea did he close the window and spray some of the perfume he carried with him.
"Thank you." Pagney breathed a sigh of relief. "I could barely breathe."
"It's nothing. Have a seat."
Alfred pointed, leaving Pagney, who had been about to continue speaking, no choice but to sit down and wait. He watched Alfred leisurely brew a cup of tea, leisurely remove his coat, and finally leisurely settle into his chair. Unable to bear it any longer, he said urgently:
"How can you still be so unconcerned!"
Realizing that he had spoken a little too loudly, he had to lower his voice, though his words remained hurried and rapid.
"Alfred, what are we going to do? It looks like something