In Nantes, Anjou, in the Plantagenet Kingdom, Colonel Fraser Scandell III Capet had just finished a hearty breakfast and was stretching on the balcony.
He wasn't wearing his uniform, but a well-fitted, proper hunting outfit, ready for the short trip he was about to take that day.
Just a moment ago, the colonel had received orders from the Pioneer Legion.
The orders, bearing the seals of both Marshal Loren and General Soros, explicitly appointed him "Chief of the Plantagenet Kingdom's Military Observation Mission to the Transia Governorate."
They also included a list of officers who would accompany him to Transia.
They were all carefully selected young commanders from the Pioneer Legion, excellent soldiers with bright futures ahead of them. His chosen adjutant was Reed Onnica Soros, the youngest son of General Soros, Marshal Loren's adjutant.
The arrangement made the whole thing look like a "career-padding" assignment, but Colonel Fraser knew the situation in Transia well enough to realize that this wouldn't be a matter of simply going there for a look around.
Marshal Loren had given him a very dangerous assignment!
Given Transia's current situation, if the Black Calamity broke out and war began, he would face the test of fate just like everyone else on that land.
If fate didn't favor him, this "lucky fellow" from a noble family might well end up buried far from home.
"Good grief, my wonderful vacation is ending early. I knew Marshal Loren wouldn't let me enjoy my youth in peace.
What a strict superior."
But there was no resistance or displeasure on the colonel's face.
On the contrary, he seemed eager and impatient, in a rather strange way. For one thing, ten years of war had made it hard for him to return to the rhythm of an ordinary life. Compared to