After leaving the military tent, Kallen took out his cigarette case, drew out two cigarettes, and casually offered one to the adjutant beside him.
"Uh... thank you, sir."
Somewhat overwhelmed by the favor, the adjutant accepted it with both hands.
There was a considerable difference between the military and the System Departments outside. The Whip Bearer's first secretary could enjoy extremely high standing and influence outside, but Daan's adjutant would never dare inflate his status within the military.
The former had plenty of gray areas in which to exercise his discretion. As for the latter... what was he supposed to do, issue false military orders?
His earlier encounter with the Temple Elder, followed by the stimulation from the Silver Ring, had left his Hunger Addiction showing faint signs of stirring awake. Kallen needed to suppress it in advance.
The adjutant took the initiative to light Kallen's cigarette, then lit his own and took a drag.
"Urgh... cough, cough, cough!!!"
Tears and snot immediately streamed down his face. His body swayed, and he nearly fell to the ground.
That was what happened if someone took an unexpected drag of a Thunder Order God Church cigarette without preparing himself. Moreover, knowing that his young master used these cigarettes to suppress his Hunger Addiction, the thoughtful Alfred had long since used Black Market channels to replace them with the highest-grade, most potent variety. Kallen himself had already grown accustomed to them and had scarcely noticed.
Fortunately, the adjutant quickly recovered. He hurriedly wiped his face, forced himself to stand steady, and said:
"Sir, let me take you somewhere to rest first. It's nearly dinnertime."
"All right."
The adjutant led Kallen into an empty military tent. Once inside, Kallen sat down while the adjutant washed his face and seemingly took some medicine as well.