Upon hearing Gerard's question, Old Sergei also stopped in his tracks and perked up his ears.
"It's not that I'm dissatisfied with you... rest assured, your matter has already been properly resolved, and the military government will not pursue you," Winters said, leaning casually against the wagon, speaking in an easygoing tone, "Colonel Alec is upset because I made a proposal to him."
"What... proposal?"
Winters laughed heartily, "I hinted to him that if he would provide us with some logistical support, we could help the military government clear out the bandits that are entrenched along the provincial roads."
"Oh," Old Sergei nodded vigorously, seemingly half-understanding.
"That's the way it is." Winters spread his hands.
"Oh!" Old Sergei nodded even more emphatically.
"Colonel Alec." Gerard suddenly frowned, "It's unlikely he would agree..."
Winters expressed regret: "He did not agree."
