The settlement had now become a massive construction site. Under the supervision of the militia, large numbers of barbarian captives had begun building the outer walls. A bustling scene stretched out before Marvin.
Marvin's arrival drew the militia's attention. The battalion commander responsible for garrisoning the area hurried over with several men and saluted Marvin from a distance.
"Regimental Commander, sir, what brings you here?"
The form of address struck Marvin as somewhat odd. Although the militia held a much lower status than the regular army, a militia battalion commander was still considered a mid-ranking officer of the territory. There was no need for him to be so deferential; simply calling him "sir" would have sufficed.
Marvin carefully examined the slightly plump militia commander and asked uncertainly, "Are you Zoro?"
The militia battalion commander immediately gave Marvin a military salute. "Former captain of the Second Squadron, First Cavalry Detachment, Third Regiment—Zoro, reporting to the Regimental Commander!
"I never expected that, Regimental Commander, sir, even looking like this, you would still recognize me!"
As he spoke, he patted his large belly and gave an honest grin.
Marvin remembered him. This officer named Zoro had once been a squadron captain under his command. After the Civil War ended, he had retired from service because of his injuries.
Later, when Marvin established his territory, he had sought Zoro out and invited him to join the territory's private army, but Zoro had refused, citing his old injuries. Marvin had never expected to meet him here again.
"How is your left hand?"
Marvin remembered that Zoro's left hand had suffered a comminuted fracture when he fell from his horse. He could no longer exert strength with it. Though he could still ride, he was no longer able to fight normally, which was why he had