While the "genius ruler," Lord Murphy, was smugly poring over reports inside the Maginot Line, the final batch of conscription orders arrived on the third day of the battle at a rather unusual frontier settlement in southern Transia.
It was some distance from the Maginot Line.
It wasn't located near the cross-shaped highways through Transia planned by the stonemasons' guild. Instead, it lay near the former mines in the Dark Baron's territory, on a level stretch of hilly country. The land wasn't especially fertile, but it got plenty of sun and was perfect for growing grapes and making wine.
Of course, you couldn't expect Transians who could barely read or write to know how to make wine. It was a "new industry" here, and the recipe had been contributed by the headman of this strange village called "Third Brigade."
They said he had once been a "big shot," a favorite of the previous generation's vampire lord.
After the change of regime, people like him had a glaring "problem of origin." Being sent to a remote region to clear land was only what he deserved.
But the rumors about the village headman were wrong. Mr. Flanders McKent, former colonel of the armed blood thralls' Third Brigade, nicknamed "Vulture Claw," had actually had the chance to take a senior position in the newly established People's Army. Maxim had even personally asked Murphy about it, and the governor had been willing to give the loyal, brave leader of the blood thralls a chance.
But after thinking it over carefully, Flanders had turned him down.
He had refused not only because his family, who had survived the disaster in Cadman City, didn't want him going off to fight and risk his life again, but also because of the disastrous defeat suffered by the armed