“Paul Turner, you only looked into the records of the graduates from Greenfield Military Academy over the past six years, but have you ever investigated the academy’s principal, James Foster?”

　　That stunningly beautiful woman turned her head, a faint smile appearing on her face.

　　“James Foster?”

　　The middle-aged man raised his eyebrows and began operating quickly. In the next instant, the image of an old man with white hair, a face full of wrinkles, and a half-bald head appeared on the projection screen. Judging by his appearance, he should be about one hundred and sixty years old, yet his eyes still shone with a sharp light.

　　“James Foster, currently one hundred and sixty-four years old, born on Asodak Star. In 3576, he graduated from the National Defense University of the Ask Principality, served as captain of a patrol ship and a destroyer, and later became captain of the Goddess of Dawn No. 237 battleship. After the July coup in 3639, when the royal family of the Ask Principality was overthrown, he joined the Federal Army. In the first seventy years of his military career, there was nothing remarkable—”

　　Before Paul Turner could pull up James Foster’s file, the beautiful woman smiled and said, “But right after that, he entered the most glorious years of his military career. In Galactic Year 3658, he was appointed as the rear admiral and commander of the stationed fleet in the Yurik System, and immediately achieved the feat of defeating the 39th Subfleet of the Toriel Empire with only a hundred warships against their two hundred. After that, he participated in fourteen minor battles, always winning against the odds, never once defeated. You can find these battle records on the Federal Military’s dedicated network. In Galactic Year 3689, James Foster was promoted to admiral and became deputy commander of the Ninth Fleet. Nine years ago, when the Battle of New Jizhou Star Region broke out, the first victory on the southern front for the Federation was entirely his doing.”

　　“Someone like that can truly be called a famous general. But why would he retreat to a secondary position and become the principal of a second-rate military academy?”

　　Paul Turner looked puzzled as he browsed through James Foster’s file. From the information above, the woman’s earlier statements were not exaggerated. The last part of the file made his eyes widen even more: “He retired seven years ago, and his final rank was only full admiral? He’s only one hundred and sixty-four; in the decades left to him, not to mention Federal Marshal, even Staff Marshal wouldn’t be out of reach! At that time, what the Federation lacked most was capable senior commanders—how could they allow him to retire just like that?”

　　“It’s simple. Someone didn’t want him to continue in the military.”

　　The beautiful woman shook her head. “Of course, there are other reasons. After the royal family of the Ask Principality was overthrown, they defected to the Toriel Empire. He himself didn’t come up through the regular Federal Army channels, so even a small rumor was enough to destroy the upper echelons’ trust in him. But the Federation didn’t completely abandon him—appointing him as the principal of a military academy was a way to keep a door open, in case he was needed again.”

　　“So, Chairwoman, you came here for him?” Paul Turner showed a thoughtful expression.

　　“He’s one of the reasons I’m here. Our company already has four hundred armed escort ships, and in the foreseeable next three years, we’re bound to see major growth, with a shift in our operational strategy. In our current situation, we urgently need someone with extensive experience in commanding small-scale battles. James Foster is our best choice. In addition, his network within the Federal Army could be of great use to us.”

　　The beautiful woman continued confidently, “And my other goal is indeed to recruit some fresh graduates from this military academy for our company.”

　　“I admit that James Foster may be highly capable, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s good at training students,” the middle-aged man said solemnly. “Don’t forget, Miss, your ambition isn’t just to expand this security company. Even our company’s established strategy is to value quality over quantity. The Brophy family may be insatiable wolves, but in their hands, they do hold the top talent we desperately need.”

　　“Before James Foster became principal here, Greenfield Federal Military Academy ranked third from the bottom among the Federation’s three hundred and sixty-seven academies. Half a month ago, I met with Admiral Georgia, commander of the Federation’s Third Fleet. Do you know how he evaluates Greenfield’s students now? These fast-track graduates may not be fit to command a ship, but each of them excels at one or two specialties, and in those roles, they often perform above expectations, with surprising ability. Paul Turner, you must understand, sometimes grades and positions don’t tell the whole story—”

　　The beautiful woman turned her head, her flawless face adorned with a smile that would make any other woman pale in comparison. “Negotiating with the Brophy family comes at too high a price. I’ve compared the options, and this academy is much more cost-effective. And as it happens, the day after tomorrow, a batch of students will graduate here, just in time for our next escort mission. Don’t worry! I know what I’m doing. If they really don’t meet our requirements, I won’t let them join our security company.”

　　Paul Turner wanted to say more, but just then, the person negotiating with the gate guard seemed to have succeeded and received permission to enter. The academy gates slowly opened, and three floating vehicles drove in.

　　A few minutes later, almost at the same time, a young man driving a hand-controlled hovercar sped through the academy gates just as they were about to close.