"Of course, you know me best." Winters laughed heartily. "Actually, it's just some scorched and burned-out swords, no longer usable, but the iron is still good. I plan to take them back to Iron Peak County and forge them into farming tools."
"That depends on the situation." Major Alec's tone was cautious, though Winters' attitude relaxed him a little. He pondered for a moment. "I'll report it truthfully to the tax officer, but the specific taxation will be determined by the reporting officer."
Winters nodded with slight disappointment, and then pursued Major Alec with questions about news inside and outside the Alliance. The two chatted for a while before Major Alec prepared to head back to the South Bank.
"By the way." Before leaving, Major Alec seemed to recall something. He took out two gold bars from his carrier and placed them on the table. "You asked me to smooth things over for you. Here, this is what's left."
