```
After a long while.
Count Merlin shifted his gaze away from the smoothed-over sand table and looked toward Grand Duke Kunstan, who was somewhat boredly puffing on a White Dew Rain Dragon cigar.
"We cannot afford to lose this battle, it concerns the life and death of the Grand Duchy, even if His Highness Shadowflame is brimming with confidence, we still must not be careless," Count Merlin said, casually covering his greying temples with a hand.
Grand Duke Kunstan blinked in surprise, then responded, "We have made comprehensive preparations, we will win this battle!"
"I know what you're relying on, but that reliance is like sugar-coated poison, sweet but not pleasant..."
"Listen, Count Merlin," Grand Duke Kunstan curtly interrupted, "I don't want to continue arguing. No matter what, I haven't thought about stripping you of your command authority, but you must understand, you are no longer the Chief Executive!"
Count Merlin was unflustered: "I understand."