Old Taso couldn't refute it, instinctively avoiding eye contact: "That shouldn't be praised either..."
"Exactly." The young man with the saber surprisingly nodded in agreement: "Conversely, if rewards were given too easily, it would encourage them to search travelers who aren't suspicious."
The saber-wielding youth shrugged, explaining with a smile: "So it's merely verbal praise."
Old Taso stiffened his neck, wanting to argue further, but upon catching his employer's glance, he reluctantly lowered his head and muttered flattering words: "Master commands the troops well, I am in awe, truly in awe."
The saber-wielding youth didn't bother with the stubborn old servant, instead politely asking Old Majiya: "Mr. Majiya, have you served in the military?"
Old Majiya answered truthfully: "Twenty-five years ago."
The saber-wielding youth then turned to Old Taso: "And this gentleman..."
"Taso." Old Taso interrupted, sullenly: "I also served, but all I got was a body full of old wounds."
