Wiccer threw open the double doors and stormed into the Long Whisper throne room. Within the room Elucard knelt by the king, who clutched a scroll in his hand. Wiccer walked to his mark on the marble floor and saluted Koda. He glanced down towards his former friend kneeling before the king. Elucard returned a faint smile.

Wiccer had made little contact with Elucard since leaving the Anti-Rogue Ops save for the business of conducting command and mission assignments to the division as a whole.

Wiccer’s face bore a stone-grim expression as he addressed his king, “My king I advise against sailing to New Estinia; it will only lead to disaster.”

Koda nodded and placed a firm hand on Wiccer’s shoulder. “I appreciate the concern, my friend, but I have just received word from Queen

Tashna.” Koda waved the scroll he was holding below Wiccer’s eyes. “She accepts my request to see me and assures a safe visit. She expresses no ill will towards me and will honor the treaty between our nations.”

“I have little faith in this course of action. Just the same as you do, Major,” said Elucard in a low voice.

Major and Captain were the extent of the pleasantries that Wiccer and Elucard shared with each other these days. Elucard did not prefer this, but if it was the only way to hold a conversation with his friend, then so be it. “But it is what our king wants, so we should honor this request.”

Wiccer curled his lip. “If I wanted your advice, Captain,” Wiccer’s tone stung with contempt, “I would ask for it.”

Elucard lowered his head in defeat.

“It doesn’t matter, I’ve made up my mind.” Koda broke through the awkward air between his two soldiers. “Your concerns are noted, but fortunately for me, I need no approval from either of you.”

“As you say, my liege.” Wiccer bowed. “Shall I prepare you for an escort of your royal guard?”

“Not quite, Major. I wish only to bring you as an advisor and three ARO to serve as protection. Any larger escort will be seen as threatening to an Estinian. I trust Elucard will keep me safe as he has done in the past.”

“I wish you would reconsider; the Anti-Rogue Ops are not suited for this type of mission.”

Elucard shot his commanding officer a glare—which Wiccer ignored.

“I beg to differ, Wiccer. Calsoon has proven to be quite the royal guard himself. I trust Elucard and his men are vastly more prepared for any situation where my life is on the line than any stiff-footed, tight-lipped ceremonial guard,” argued Koda.

“We are, my king,” added Elucard.

“Very well, although I am not convinced, your grace.” Wiccer turned to Elucard. “Who do you recommend we send as the third? I trust Calsoon will be joining us?”

Elucard rose to his feet. “Calsoon knows Koda well enough to predict when the king is in any threat of danger. I suggest my ward, Kyzo. He is experienced enough for such an important mission.”

Wiccer nodded. “I agree, Kyzo shows much promise under your tutelage.”

“Then it is settled.” Koda shook his fists in excitement. “We shall leave at once!”