Honor
Luciano has been saying "Yes, your Highness" to Lord Waldstein since months already, each time he was asked to be polite while dealing with Kururugi. The monkey. Yes, the monkey.
It's commitment, of course. He doesn't believe it. And he smiles to himself each time he promises, knowing he won't fulfill a damn.
Oh, but today he doesn't smile. His contemptuous facial gesture has been wiped away.
Bismarck called him to his office. Luciano thought initially that they would have a long, paternal and useless talk about respect and fellowship.
Then he saw the whip over Lord Waldstein's desk.
"One for every insult to the Knight of Seven, Luciano", the old man muttered resignedly, taking it up with determination. "The Emperor ordered it."
"I recorded fifty two", Anya Alstreim's monotone voice added.
The girl was sitting quietly beside the chair where Luciano was mean to take seat.
(And they were serious)