Major Bertier took a deep breath and walked into the Crown Prince's bedroom through the guards, immediately bowing to Joseph with a hand on his chest:
"Your Highness, how are you feeling?"
Joseph sat up in bed, smiled, and nodded:
"I am much better, Captain. I'm glad you could come to see me."
He then had Eman excuse the spectating nobles from the room on the pretense of needing rest.
"Captain?" Major Bertier was taken aback, thinking the Crown Prince had misspoken, and hurriedly reminded him in a low voice, "Your Highness, I am only a company commander…"
Joseph, as if he hadn't heard, gestured to the chair beside his bed, "Please, take a seat.
"Oh, right, do you remember the military reform measures I discussed with you before?"
"Yes, Your Highness." Major Bertier nodded.