Bruno returned from Korea not long after his negotiations had concluded. And by the time he and the Kaiser arrived in Berlin, they stood at attention facing one another before parting ways.
Knowing this would be his last action as Reichsmarschall of the German realm, Bruno performed the crispest and most formal salute he had ever performed in his career.
"Your Majesty, it has been the honor of my lifetime to serve under your reign as Marshal of the Realm. In the coming days, I will formally retire and relinquish my position. You have my undying loyalty and gratitude for all that you have done for me."
The Kaiser did not return Bruno's salute; instead he reached his hand out in a gesture not as sovereign and general, but as a friend.
Bruno hesitated for a moment before taking the Kaiser up on his offer. The moment their gloved hands touched the Kaiser wrapped his second around Bruno's and shook them together.
