Worst case scenario, he would have pinned the blame on her and taken credit for saving the mission. Phloria, however, had cut off all of his safe routes. As second in command, she had to step in only in the case he wasn't up to the task.
On top of that, Phloria had yet to give a single order, she only provided intel and suggestions, letting Kortus make all decisions. Yet with absolute power came the full responsibility.
Friya's mercenaries only made Kortus's situation worse by offering a benchmark. The more successful they would be, the more incompetent he would appear.
Before he could find a proper retort, Phloria and Friya walked out of the command tent and joined Quylla around the campfire.
"Do you really think there are undead here?" Friya cast Hush so often that no one glared at her anymore.
