"I did not say I had taken you as my leader. I said that you should feel free to lead if that is your inclination. Lead well, we'll follow. And you might consider that "madame" is a job description as well as a title. And that "Carmine" is not a name for one born into honour." Her smile's looking a little strained at this point.
"As for the country, I fought my way half-way back here from Barnflaed, but I wasn't sightseeing at the time. It seems we've gained back some of the ground we lost during the retreat, as the battlefield is still part of the debatable. They'll be a new battle there ere long, unless somebody decides to develop his or her imagination."