44 IMPLEMENTING CHANGES: PART V

The villagers were shocked, it was the first for some of them to hear the man speak. They didn't expect him to sound like a human like them. The fact he lived in konav which they all thought demon's lived frightened them. But as the passing time they spent with him, and the fact he has come to help the girl. They soon realize he was someone who can be trusted too.

"Master Lirius is right, I am not the owner of the land. However, the reason as to why we needed to sell the crops is not only so we can pay taxes. But also, so we can improve our home. By selling the crops, they will be able to generate money which will invest in improving the village. We will be able to hire more skilled people."

The more the girl further explained her plans, the more the villagers understood and became more engaging in her plans.

"Serfred, you should have told us in the first place."

"Yeah, you should have said it like Tina so we won't misunderstand."

"That's right, look what you almost did."

Serfred stood in the corner as pale as a ghost. He already felt so exhausted after speaking in front of them and to think they'll all be blaming him. He cannot put his finger as to why the girl asked him to do it, when in the first place she already intended to explain things to the villagers.

Lirius noticed how dreadful the man looked, he went closer to him as he said, "You did well, but if you practice more, you'll soon improve."

"Improve on what exactly? Speaking? I'm not a child you know, I can speak very well..." Serfred was not in the mood to play along with the man. He was already bothered by the fact things didn't go well for him. At the same time, he is still confused as to why he needed to do it.

"You know, a good captain is someone who can move his soldier not only with his skills but also his words."

"Captain?" The man looked puzzled as he turned to face the man and listen to his next words.

"I never lived in the empire, nor do I know how things work. But, my master once told me. He had a good friend as his companion who was a captain of a knight before. He was talented and just by a single word, he was able to win battles after battles."

"Wait, captain... Me?" Serfred pointed his finger directly at him as he was confused by such a title.

"I'm not sure of what the girl is planning, but I guess that is one of the reasons why she asked you to give out the speech. She believes that someday you'll be a good captain."

"Wait, that is just..."

"Impossible, I know... That's what I thought at first, but the girl is different. When she puts her mind into it, she knows she'll be able to achieve it. She isn't the type of person to do something without any reason. I mean, just like all the changes she has implemented. From training the villagers, to educating the children. All of that has a reason that we cannot comprehend. However, the girl has already planned everything ahead. For she believes you, I mean everyone, can do it."

"Does that mean she really plans to expand the village?"

"Hmm," Lirius sighs as he finds it hard to believe, but seeing how fast the girl has improved. It won't be long till she recovers more land which means more people will be needed to work on the fields. However, that was not the only reason as to why he sounded so displeased about the idea. The fact is, if the village improves, it means it won't be long for the empire to hear the news. Which means, they'll soon find out that the girl is still alive. "Well, honestly, I think we are already doing it. But, we just never notice it since the girl has kept everything to herself."

After the meeting, the three of them headed back to the manor. Serfred notice the gloomy look on the girl's face.

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing." Athena answered.

"She was troubled as to why the villagers had so much hatred towards the empire." Lirius stated as if he knew exactly what the girl was thinking.

"You-"

"Don't think too much, I can't read your mind, but I can somehow guess what, you're so worried about."

"Hmm, that's right. I mean, they are all hesitant about the plan despite I've explained it. I know it's all of a sudden, but, we need to start earning some money. Not just for the taxes, but to ensure the village has a future."

Serfred paused for a moment as he thought of the right words to say. After his conversation with Lirius, his attitude about the way his speaking has changed. "As you know, the villagers didn't expect they'll even be alive as of now. It was thanks to you that they are now able to see another day. That is why, they are all indebted to you, but for them to suddenly work hard to pay the taxes for the landlord who never helped them. I guess, to simplify things, they find it unfair."

"What he said is right. For you to worry about a landlord who never even bothers to check on them. At the same time, he is a member of the empire, who has threatened your life."

"When the villager's stated they would rather pay you, it's because that was the only way they could think of repaying you for the kindness you showed them." Serfred added.

Athena found all their words hard to believe, but she understands them. However, she has different options when it comes to the landlord. "But, the Grand Duke was sent to war, and... As you know, the previous Grand Duke passed away and I'm sure the Grand Duchess had her hands tied with personal matters."

"Of course I know that, but still..." Serfred expressed sadness as he thought about all the time they all waited for his return, "Couldn't they spare at least one of their people to check on the village situation. Without the old man and the church, who knows what how things were back then..."

Those were the final words to put an ended to the girl's belief. She couldn't reply to those words, for they were correct. All this time, why didn't they spare anyone to check the village at all. However, still she believes, there must be a good reason as to why the Grand Duchess has never came to visit.

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