As we approached the town hall, the sight of the vast crowd unsettled me. I could feel the weight of their expectations, their curiosity, and perhaps even their skepticism. The old regime of Terespol, run by a single corrupt family for generations, had left deep scars on the people. Now that the last of the family was gone, they were looking to me, an outsider, to lead them into a new chapter. But could I do it? The enormity of the task hit me like a wave as we ascended the steps of the grand, weathered building that served as the town hall.
Kevin, my new secretary—no, chancery—walked slightly behind me, giving me space to think, but close enough that I could ask questions if I needed to. And I had plenty of those. It was still difficult to wrap my head around the importance of this place. Terespol, a small town, yet it carried the legacy of almost being the capital of the entire country. And now, with the country's attention back on it, my actions here would reverberate far beyond its borders.
I reached the top step and stopped, turning to look over the crowd. They were buzzing with excitement, talking among themselves as they waited for me to speak. I could spot the other governors too, standing out with their finely tailored clothes and the distinct air of authority. These were people who had run towns and cities for years, some of them veterans in governance, and they were here, waiting to see what I had to say.
This wasn't just about Terespol anymore, I realized. This was about proving myself to the entire region.
"Sir, they're waiting," Kevin whispered softly, pulling me out of my thoughts. I nodded, taking a deep breath.
As I stepped forward to the balcony that overlooked the town square, the murmurs of the crowd quieted. All eyes turned to me. My heart raced, but I tried to keep my expression steady.
"People of Terespol," I began, my voice sounding foreign to my own ears. "Today marks the beginning of a new era."
The words were generic, but they seemed to resonate with the crowd. I saw nods, felt the energy shift slightly in my favor. Encouraged, I continued.
"For too long, this town has been governed by corruption and greed, by those who cared more for their own wealth and power than for the well-being of the people. But that ends today. As your new governor, I vow to bring transparency, fairness, and prosperity to Terespol. Together, we will restore this town to its rightful place in Phalo."
I paused, watching their reactions. Some faces lit up with hope, while others remained wary, skeptical. It was understandable—words were easy to say, but action was what mattered. And they had heard plenty of promises before.
"And to our neighbors," I said, shifting my gaze to the visiting governors, "I recognize the importance of collaboration. Terespol may be small, but it holds a unique place in our country's history, and with your support, I believe it can once again rise to prominence. Together, we can build something better, not just for this town, but for the entire region."
A few of the governors nodded in approval, while others remained stone-faced. I couldn't tell yet who was on my side and who wasn't, but I knew this speech was just the first step in a much longer process.
"As your governor," I concluded, "I will not make promises lightly. I will work alongside you, listen to your needs, and do everything in my power to make Terespol a place of pride once again."
The crowd erupted into applause, and I exhaled slowly, relieved that the first hurdle was over. But I knew the real work was just beginning.
As I turned away from the balcony, Kevin was there, a faint smile on his face. "Well done, sir. That went better than I expected."
"Thanks, Kevin," I said, though my mind was already spinning with everything that needed to be done. "What's next?"
"We have a meeting with the other governors," Kevin replied. "They want to discuss Terespol's future and how it fits into the broader plans for the region."
"Of course they do," I muttered, straightening my jacket. This was what I had been dreading—dealing with the politics, the negotiations, the alliances. I had no experience with this sort of thing, but I couldn't afford to show weakness.
We walked through the town hall's corridors, which were grand yet worn down by years of neglect. The interior had clearly seen better days, with faded tapestries hanging from the walls and cracks running through the stone floors. It was a reflection of Terespol itself—once grand, now in disrepair.
We entered a large meeting room where the governors were already seated around a long table. As I took my seat at the head of the table, I could feel their eyes on me, evaluating me, waiting to see what I would bring to the conversation.
The governor of the neighboring town of Masovo, an older man with a sharp gaze, spoke first. "Governor, your speech was inspiring, but the real question is: what's your plan? How do you intend to restore Terespol to its former glory?"
I hesitated for a moment, aware that this was the crux of the issue. "First, I intend to root out any remaining corruption within the town's administration. That will be my priority. Terespol cannot move forward if it's still weighed down by the remnants of its past."
Several of the governors nodded, though a few exchanged glances, clearly skeptical.
"Second," I continued, "I plan to attract investment back to the town. Terespol's strategic location near the border can be an asset. We need to rebuild infrastructure, encourage trade, and bring in new industries. With the right support, this town can thrive again."
"And where will you find the funds for this?" asked a younger governor seated at the far end of the table, a trace of challenge in his voice. "Terespol's coffers are practically empty, from what I hear."
I didn't flinch. "That's where collaboration comes in. I intend to reach out to both private investors and the national government. Terespol may be small, but it has potential. And I believe that potential can attract the necessary resources."
The room was silent for a moment, then the older governor, Masovo's, nodded thoughtfully. "It's ambitious, but not impossible. You'll have our support, for now. But remember, Governor, words are easy. Actions are what matter."
"I understand," I said, meeting his gaze. "And I'm prepared to act."
With that, the meeting continued, shifting to discussions of trade routes, alliances, and potential partnerships. But beneath it all, I knew that the real test was yet to come.
Being a governor is not what I've planned in this world...