Lance leaned forward, flicked off the ash from his cigarette, and continued, "What you're actually receiving isn't money, but the continuation of a tradition."
"If people see you've accepted the money, they'll realize that some projects and rules from Admiral Miles' era won't change."
"They don't need to worry about adapting to a new environment; they just need to continue as before."
"Training, eating, resting, relieving stress, and listening to the commander's orders!"
"I can assure you that as long as I leave your office empty-handed, the soldiers at this base will hold you in higher regard."
"You're not taking dirty money or bribes; you're calming their emotions, enhancing soldiers' welfare, so that before they face war and head into the line of fire, at least they won't have regrets."
Listening to Lance's words, Admiral Diaz began to sink into deep thought, clasping his hands under his chin and frowning at the money.
