Aftermath

Early that morning, Victor sat at a desk in the Southern Marching Legion's Main Camp, reviewing documents.

Running a hand through his hair, Victor stared at the papers until his vision swam. "Damn it. How did just half a month of fighting leave me with this much work?

"Am I the Legion Commander or a future lord of a great noble domain? Why do I still have to handle all these petty matters?

"Where are my chief of staff and the General Staff?"

Victor was only venting. Before marching south, he had left the entire General Staff in the Eastern Region. He had only just suppressed the eastern nobles when Count Black died, and he needed someone there to untangle the region's complicated affairs.

That meant Victor, as Legion Commander, had to review all the Southern Marching Legion's administrative work himself. He had wanted to promote a Legion Deputy Commander to help, but James and Ron, the two with enough seniority, both declined. The noble officers who had not come from Golden Sunflower Territory could not keep the Golden Sunflower Family Private Army's headstrong commanders in line. In the end, the work still fell to Victor.

Victor spent most of the day clearing it. By the time he finished, the morning sun had become the setting sun.

He rose from his desk and left the room, rubbing his shoulders as he went. Cooking smoke curled up throughout the camp, and soldiers returning from their daily training streamed back to their quarters. Everywhere was busy.

Victor rubbed his stomach. I'm hungry.

The four Royal Guards posted outside noticed him emerge and immediately straightened to salute.

Victor returned the salute, then asked, "Where's Michael?"

"Captain Michael went to the POW camp to spar with someone. Please wait a moment, Legion Commander. I'll