"Not precisely." Stratos doesn't bother to look down - he knows the state his armor is in. Some of the mud splashed up to where his legs are bare between his boots and armored skirt. "I was leading a mission in my own realm before I was called here. Unfortunately the back roads of the province where I'm stationed tend to lack paving. Along with most other virtues."

It could have been worse. At least he rode most of the way instead of slogging along on foot like a common auxiliary, with the result that most of the mud is confined to his lower half. It's still going to mean a good couple hours of cleaning for someone later.