[Meanwhile, Albert's parents and the Count at the head of the table seem to have moved on to talking about ... something to do with politics? Albert's father lets out a big hearty laugh.]
"I'm embarrassed to hear that you know of the Janina Campaign. The people praise me as a hero, but to a soldier such things mean little. After all, nothing good results from destruction."
[The Count smiles back at him, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes.] "No no, these idyllic times in which we live were built on the back of the sacrifice of soldiers such as yourself. ... Such is my opinion, at any rate. I expect that the far corners of the galaxy are echoing with the name of General Morcerf by now."
"You honour me by saying so."
[At this, suddenly the lighting above them flickers on and off a few times, as if threatening to go off. Albert's stopped eating his food, too, and has put his knife and fork down in favour of clenching his fists tightly in his lap.]