Inspecting the Territory (I)

In the blink of an eye, a full half year had passed since he returned to the territory.

After those long and busy days, Victor had finally dealt with the mountain of accumulated government affairs and welcomed a rare moment of leisure—he decided to personally inspect the lands under his rule and see what they now looked like.

That morning, the sun shone brightly and a gentle breeze brushed against his face. Clad in a battle robe and riding boots, Victor sat astride a fine steed, looking every inch the gallant commander.

A disciplined, superbly equipped elite guard followed closely behind him, every one of them solemn-faced and imposing.

The group proceeded slowly along winding roads, passing through vast fields.

It was the most crucial season of the year: spring plowing. As far as the eye could see, the fields bustled with labor. Farmers wielded their tools and turned over the fertile soil with all their strength, while women and children helped sow seeds. Every village was steeped in an atmosphere that was tense yet orderly, full of hope and vitality.

Seeing the flourishing scene before him, Victor could not help but smile with satisfaction.

Since the army had returned in triumph, those previously conscripted as auxiliaries and militiamen had returned to their homes and resumed agricultural work.

As a result, the situation in which farming progress had slowed—or even come to a standstill—due to labor shortages had been completely reversed.

Moreover, Victor had moderately reduced the size of the standing army and arranged for some soldiers to take turns going on leave to recuperate. This preserved the territory's military strength while freeing up a large amount of valuable manpower.

These people returned to the fields and various workshops to continue contributing their efforts, undoubtedly providing solid manpower support for