Three days had passed since Alistair awakened in this unfamiliar body and world. He now stood on a grassy hill overlooking the edge of his territory. The sky above was overcast, casting a somber gray light across the landscape. The air smelled of damp wood, worn soil, and something else—something tired, like the lingering scent of despair.
Below him lay the heart of Verdel Barony: Brixton Village. Dozens of run-down wooden homes slouched under sagging roofs. The paths were muddy and riddled with deep potholes. Emaciated peasants dragged their feet through the streets, most barefoot, wearing patched-up clothes and hollow expressions. Life here had been drained by famine, war, and misrule.
Alistair tightened his grip on the old wooden railing that bordered the hill. He could still feel the echo of the original Alistair's emotions lingering in the body—a mixture of pride, rage, and arrogance. Memories flowed through him like oil through cracked pipes.
"This place," he muttered, "was left to rot."
A soft chime rang in his ears. A translucent blue window hovered before him:
[Side Mission Unlocked: Win the People's Trust]
Progress: 0%
Reward: +1 Popularity, +10 Build Points, Skill: Motivation Speech (Basic)
He took a deep breath and turned toward the loyal old servant standing a few paces behind.
"Garth, what's the state of our grain stores?"
The gray-bearded man hesitated. "Nearly depleted, my lord. We might survive a fortnight, no more."
"What about the guards? Soldiers?"
Garth looked down, shame crossing his face. "Deserted, mostly. The few who stayed haven't been paid in months."
Alistair's violet eyes narrowed. His crimson-red hair blew gently in the wind as he walked past Garth, heading down the slope. "Gather the village elders tonight. I want everyone who leads a house or family present. We'll meet in the old hall."
Garth blinked. "But... my lord, they may not come. The people fear you."
Alistair stopped and glanced over his shoulder, the corner of his lips curling. "Then we give them something to believe in."
That evening, a soft rain pattered on the mossy rooftops. Nine villagers—seven men and two strong-willed women—sat inside a large wooden hall, its beams creaking with age. A single torch crackled on the wall. Suspicion and fear thickened the air.
Alistair entered alone, wearing a dark leather coat over simple linen. He climbed the small platform at the front and scanned their faces.
"I won't waste your time with pleasantries," he said. "I am not the same Alistair who ruled you with cruelty. I am someone new. But if you'll allow me to earn your trust, I promise to rebuild this land."
The villagers stirred uncomfortably.
"You won't pay taxes this season. Every field tilled will be yours to harvest. I'll divide the fallow land equally. Those who work will eat. Those who betray the people will be cast out."
A tense silence followed. Then, one elder stood, tears brimming in his tired eyes.
"We've waited generations to hear words like these..."
[Progress in Side Mission: Win the People's Trust – 42%]
Alistair exhaled slowly, clenching his fist. This was only the beginning. But it was a beginning.
The system window blinked once more:
[Main Mission: Rebuild Verdel – Ongoing]
[New Feature Unlocked: Build Menu]
"Tomorrow," he said to Garth quietly as they left the hall, "we start laying stones. And I need to inspect every home."
Garth nodded. "And the people, my lord?"
Alistair looked ahead, toward the muddy streets dimly lit by lanterns.
"We'll remind them what hope looks like."
End of Chapter Two