Chapter 6 – The Lesson of a Young Noble
The first rays of morning sunlight spilled gently through the small window of Fenrir's room, casting golden beams across the simple wooden floor. Dust motes floated in the light, dancing lazily, while the distant sound of farmers calling to their oxen rose from the fields outside.
Fenrir awoke earlier than usual. His body was still frail, his muscles aching from his nightly training, but his eyes gleamed with determination. From his window, he gazed at the world beyond: poor farmland, ramshackle huts of the peasants, and muddy roads that had turned into swamps after yesterday's rain.
If this is my stage, then I must begin playing the role of a noble. He clenched his tiny fist. I cannot only train in sword and aura—I must also master the art of ruling.
That morning, his father, Cedric Eisenwald, sat in the main hall. Though age and hardship had worn him down, Cedric's frame still bore traces of a knight's strength. His broad shoulders filled his worn brown coat, and his stern face revealed years of discipline and responsibility.
"Fenrir," Cedric's deep voice rumbled. "Today, you will accompany me to the village hall. You are old enough to begin learning how a baron governs his land and his people."
Fenrir suppressed the smile tugging at his lips. This was the chance he had been waiting for—the chance to study the machinery of governance firsthand. In his past life, he had read about politics and strategy, but now he could live them.
"Yes, Father," Fenrir answered with a respectful bow of his head, mimicking the posture of a dutiful noble son.
From the kitchen, his mother, Elena, called out gently, "Don't push him too hard, Cedric. He's still a child."
Cedric grunted. "He's my son. The sooner he learns, the better."
Fenrir cast a sidelong glance at his father, a flicker of admiration hidden in his eyes. My father may not be a powerful noble, but he was once a knight. He understands the harshness of the world. From him, I will learn more than words—I will learn discipline.
The Eisenwald village hall was a humble building of timber and stone. Inside, a long table scarred with age stood at the center, surrounded by rickety chairs. Animal hide was stretched across the wall as a makeshift board. Three representatives of the village awaited them:
Branik, the stubborn village head who had once challenged Fenrir.
Hilda, an elderly widow with eyes sharp as hawks.
Geralt, a broad-shouldered farmer whose strength was rivaled only by his kindness.
Cedric took his seat at the head of the table while Fenrir stood by his side, small but attentive.
The villagers wasted no time.
"The taxes this season are too heavy, Lord Cedric," Hilda said in a quivering but firm voice. "The harvest yielded less than expected."
"We lack proper plows as well," Geralt added. "The iron from the city never arrived. And the road… it's half-washed away by floods."
Fenrir's eyes gleamed as he listened. So this is the reality of rule. Governance is not merely about soldiers—it's about resources, logistics, balancing demands and needs. All the theories I studied in my old life… they're being tested here.
Cedric listened with a stoic expression. "I will speak with the city nobles about postponing taxes. But remember, our influence is limited."
At that moment, Fenrir raised his hand. All eyes turned to him, surprise flickering in their expressions.
"Father," Fenrir said carefully, "what if we organize a communal effort to repair the road? If the road improves, traders can come more easily. We'll gain access to tools and goods sooner."
The room fell silent. Branik narrowed his eyes. "A suggestion… from a child?"
Cedric studied his son. "Do you believe it's possible?"
Fenrir nodded firmly. "I'll speak with the youths of the village. I'll help as well. If they see their baron's family working alongside them, their spirits will rise."
Geralt chuckled. "This boy… he speaks like a grown man."
Hilda's lips curved faintly, her skepticism fading into thoughtfulness. "Perhaps… it is worth trying."
Even Branik, though still doubtful, remained silent.
Cedric exhaled deeply. "Very well. We shall try."
Fenrir hid his smile of triumph. A small step, yes—but one that builds trust and authority.
That night, alone in his room, the mechanical voice of the System chimed again.
[Quest Update: The Child's Promise]
Progress: 6/10 villagers.
Bonus Sub-Quest Unlocked: Little Lord's First Command
Objective: Successfully lead the village's communal labor.
Reward: +2 Charisma, Skill [Command Voice Lv.1]
Fenrir's heart raced as he stared at the glowing panel. So the System records even these choices. Every decision is a test. If this is my trial, I'll make sure it ends in victory.
He lay back in bed, his eyes glinting with resolve. "I will not remain a poor baron's son forever. This is only the beginning."
The following morning, Cedric and Fenrir gathered the village youths. Tools were scarce—hoes, shovels, even bare hands—but determination was all they needed. Their task: repair the muddy road leading toward the city.
At first, many were reluctant.
"Why bother? This road has been ruined for years."
"No one cares if we fix it or not."
Fenrir stepped forward. His small figure climbed onto a stone, his wooden practice sword strapped to his back. Despite his size, his voice carried a strange gravity.
"If we give up, who will save us? The city nobles? No. They don't even know our names. But if we do this together, we prove Eisenwald is not weak. We prove we will not break."
The words echoed, firm and sharp.
The youths looked at one another. Slowly, they began to nod. Geralt raised his shovel high. "Then let's do it!"
The work was grueling. Mud clung to their boots, sweat poured down their faces. Yet Fenrir was there, his small hands blistered, his body spattered with dirt. He worked alongside them, pushing boulders, filling pits, carrying buckets.
By the end of the day, half a mile of road had been repaired. Laughter rang across the village, weary but genuine. The elders smiled with newfound pride, and whispers spread like fire.
"Our young lord is different."
"Perhaps Eisenwald still has hope."
"He's only a child, but his heart is like a wolf's."
The System's chime filled Fenrir's ears.
[Quest Complete – The Child's Promise]
Reward: +5 Charisma, Skill [Leadership Lv.1]
[Quest Complete – Little Lord's First Command]
Reward: +2 Charisma, Skill [Command Voice Lv.1]
Fenrir's lips curved upward despite his exhaustion. His chest swelled with satisfaction. This is no longer mere play. I am no longer just a child. I have begun my first step as a leader.
That evening, Elena's eyes shone with tears as she embraced him. "Fenrir… I heard what you did today. The villagers are speaking of you."
Fenrir bowed his head modestly. "I only wanted to help, Mother."
Elena's embrace tightened, her voice trembling. "You're growing too fast, my son. I fear the world will hurt you… but I am proud. So proud."
Fenrir closed his eyes, resting in her warmth. Deep in his heart, he whispered a vow no one else could hear: Do not fear, Mother. I will fight this world. And I will rise, until I sit on the highest throne.
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