"Compared to when we parted last night, you look much more haggard, Major—no, Colonel."
In the Blood Vulture Corridor office, Murphy sat upright with his hands clasped beneath his chin. He spoke to Colonel Fraser and Major Ron, both in full uniform, who sat across from him.
"It seems the two of you had a long journey. You probably didn't get much rest last night in our backwater. As your host, I apologize for the poor hospitality."
"Your hospitality has nothing to do with it, Governor Murphy."
Colonel Fraser tried to hide his emotions, but this was the first time in his life he had encountered something like this. No matter how good his composure was, it was hard to act as though nothing had happened.
To avoid further awkwardness, the dark-circled colonel got straight to the point.
"My adjutant and I came today to discuss where our military observation group will be stationed. Marshal Loren's orders were for us to choose our own base and assume responsibility for the Plantagenet Kingdom's soldiers during the Black Calamity.
"Please understand that we are not part of Transia's armed forces. In wartime, we are not under your command.
"So we must clarify our authority in advance, to avoid any awkward situations between our sides later."
"I'm no soldier, but I can certainly understand your concerns."
Murphy didn't dwell on the issue. He pointed to the map hanging on his office wall and said:
"But in practice, even if I gave you free rein in that regard, I doubt you'd have much choice on the battlefield along the line between Baron Umbral's territory and the Filthy Swamp.
"The easternmost part of the front is occupied by the Crimea Fortress Group, which takes up a quarter of the entire battlefield all by itself. The