"Montaigne… Oh, I remember you," Layton looked at Winters thoughtfully. He threw out a line that baffled the other officers, "You did well on the ship too."
Winters saluted in acknowledgment.
"Son, I wasn't as capable as you are when I was your age." Layton made an unexpected move—he took off his own Oak Leaf Lion Medal and pinned it on Winters' bloodstained coat: "Without you, Red Sulfur Harbor would still be in Tanilian hands. Keep up the good work, you'll surely outdo me in the future."
Winters still just saluted in acknowledgment. He wasn't proud, nor did he feel honored; he hadn't fought the Tanilians for a medal, and a medal couldn't bring back the lives that had been sacrificed.
Layton, looking at Winters' calm expression, rated the young warrant officer even more highly. He pointed at Winters, "You will stay for the military council."