Delay the March North

After leaving Golden Sunflower Territory, Victor met up with the other two detachments stationed outside it. He also met Panfilov, the man Santos had praised as a talent.

After a brief conversation, Victor formed his own opinion. The sturdy man in his thirties was indeed an excellent officer. Both his ability to lead troops and his personal character ranked among the best in the Grand Duchy of Vera's military.

Victor learned from him what had become of the refugees he had subdued. Those who had blood on their hands and become bandits had all been executed; the rest had been properly settled.

Panfilov had settled the refugees in several abandoned farms in Red Ginseng Territory. Victor had moved the farms' former residents away after occupying the territory last year to make up for Golden Sunflower Territory's population shortage.

Panfilov knew little about civil administration, but he had managed the temporary refugee camps well. Normal production had resumed, and strict military control had turned the refugees from would-be bandits back into indentured laborers willing to work the fields.

That alone was enough to win Victor's approval.

Victor smiled. "Panfilov, you're no longer the acting commander of the Fourth Detachment!"

Panfilov showed no disappointment. He accepted Victor's words calmly. "Yes, my lord. Please send the new commander to the Fourth Detachment. I'll cooperate with the handover."

He knows his place, and he adapted quickly, too. Victor nodded to himself and asked another question.

"Aren't you curious what I have planned for you next?"

Panfilov shook his head. "I'm a soldier. I carry out orders. Nothing else concerns me."

Victor got straight to the point. "All right! In that case, you're now the permanent commander of the Fourth Detachment!"

To Victor's surprise, Panfilov showed no excitement. He remained as composed as ever.

*A