The village buzzed with activity as Greji's ambitious plans came to life. Under his watchful eye (and occasional smoldering glance), villagers hauled stones, dug trenches, and hammered together wooden pipes with a newfound determination. Greji didn't shy away from rolling up his sleeves at least long enough to look like he was helping, before strategically stepping aside to "oversee" while wiping an artfully smudged bit of dirt from his perfect cheekbone.
The construction of the stone fence quickly became a community-wide effort. The men grumbled, but their complaints quieted whenever the women, inspired by Greji's "leadership," worked twice as hard just to impress him. One young woman, carrying a basket of stones, tripped and fell dramatically near Greji, who caught her just in time.
"Careful now," he said with a dazzling smile. "These stones are heavy, but you're doing great."
The woman blushed furiously, her gratitude spilling into an awkward bow. From across the worksite, the men groaned in unison, muttering darkly about "that blasted pretty boy." One older farmer declared he'd eat his own boots if Greji wasn't cursed to charm every woman in a ten-mile radius.
Noticing the growing hostility, Greji decided to play peacemaker. "Gentlemen!" he called, climbing onto a pile of stones for dramatic effect. "Your hard work inspires me. Truly, you're the backbone of this village! Without you, this wall wouldn't just be unfinished and it would be unworthy of your families!"
The speech worked, partially. The men stopped glaring at him long enough to lift their stones, although one muttered, "If he calls me 'inspiring' one more time, I'll shove this rock down his throat."
While the fence progressed, the reservoir project presented a unique set of challenges. The villagers were eager but clueless about engineering. When a group of men attempted to dig a perfect circle, they somehow ended up with a kidney-shaped pit instead.
"Alright," Greji said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It doesn't need to be a work of art; it just needs to hold water."
"But the shape has… character," one villager offered meekly.
"It's a hole in the ground, not a painting!" Greji shot back.
Despite the mishaps, progress was steady. Greji's knights pitched in, hauling clay and ensuring the reservoir was lined properly. At one point, Gareth slipped into the half-finished pit, landing face-first in the mud. Greji, unable to resist, quipped, "Ah, Gareth, already testing the waterproofing? How dedicated."
The villagers erupted in laughter, and even Gareth cracked a smile.
Throughout the development, Greji's appearance continued to work both for and against him. When the village elder's wife arrived with a feast to feed the workers, she insisted on personally serving Greji, much to her husband's dismay.
"Here, my lord, try the stew," she said, batting her lashes.
"Ah, thank you," Greji replied, trying to focus on the food while avoiding the elder's death glare.
Rumors began circulating that the stone fence wasn't just for security and it was also to keep the women from following Greji back to the manor.
After weeks of hard work (and many awkward encounters), the fence and reservoir were finally completed. The villagers gathered to celebrate their achievement, a mix of pride and exhaustion evident on their faces. Greji took the opportunity to address them.
"Today," he began, standing atop the newly built wall, "you've proven that this village is more than a place, it's a community. You've faced challenges, worked together, and created something lasting. I'm proud to stand beside you."
The villagers cheered, their earlier skepticism replaced with genuine admiration.
Of course, as Greji descended from the wall, one of the younger boys whispered, "Did you see how shiny his hair is? It's not fair."
As the festivities continued, Greji mingled with the crowd, his charisma in full force. He shared jokes, complimented the food, and even danced with the elder's wife (purely out of politeness, he insisted).
Later that night, as Greji returned to his quarters, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of satisfaction. Sure, the villagers might still see him as the impossibly good-looking noble, but he'd earned their respect or at least enough of it to avoid any more pitchfork-wielding mobs.
"This isn't so bad," he muttered, looking out over the now-secure village. "If I can keep this up, I might just survive this world. Handsomely, of course."
And with that, Greji drifted off to sleep, dreaming of his next cunning scheme.
Greji's newfound knack for winning over villages was becoming the talk of the region. Armed with his cunning mind, devastating looks, and newfound knack for leadership, he approached each village with the same strategy: fixing basic issues, charming the locals, and leaving everyone wondering how such a flawless human existed. His fame grew rapidly, much to the annoyance of rival nobles, especially one particularly greedy lord who governed a nearby territory.
Greji's journey brought him to a struggling village on the outskirts of his family's domain. The villagers lived in squalor, their homes barely standing, and the crops withering under heavy taxation. It didn't take long for Greji to learn the source of their suffering: Baron Elger, a corrupt noble who skimmed every coin he could from the villagers.
What caught Greji's attention, however, was the mention of Elger's connections to scam artists who had bled his own parents dry.
"That explains why my father bought those 'magic beans' last winter," Greji muttered. "I knew they looked suspicious, but he insisted they'd grow into a money tree."
His irritation grew as he uncovered more evidence of Elger's schemes. A ledger hidden in the village headman's home detailed illegal dealings and inflated taxes, enough to ruin the baron if brought to
Elger, sensing trouble when word reached him that Greji was snooping around, sent assassins to deal with the meddling noble. One evening, as Greji sat reviewing the ledger in his tent, the candlelight flickered ominously. Moments later, shadowy figures slipped inside.
Greji, however, was ready.
"Didn't your boss teach you to knock?" he said, tossing the ledger aside and casually pulling a dagger from his boot.
The assassins lunged, but Greji's cunning mind and quick reflexes saved him. Using the tent's poles and ropes to his advantage, he turned the confined space into a trap. One assassin ended up tangled in a net of ropes, while the other was knocked out cold with a well-aimed kick.
As the last attacker staggered back, Greji leaned closer, his smirk sharp enough to cut steel. "Tell your boss that if he wants to play dirty, he should at least send someone competent."
With the assassins neutralized and evidence in hand, Greji concocted a plan to expose Elger. Instead of marching directly to the baron's estate, he decided to stage a public spectacle in the village square.
The next morning, Greji called the villagers together. He began by addressing their grievances, pointing out the heavy taxes and the baron's neglect. Then, with theatrical flair, he produced the ledger and announced its contents.
"This book," he declared, holding it high, "contains proof of Baron Elger's crimes. Theft, fraud, and corruption on a scale that would make even the greediest dragon blush."
The crowd gasped, murmurs spreading like wildfire.
But Greji wasn't done.
"To ensure justice, we'll send this evidence to the royal court," he continued. "But first, let's give the baron a taste of what it feels like to be exposed."
Greji's knights, along with some brave villagers, staged a mock trial in the square. Using puppets hastily crafted from hay and scraps, they reenacted the baron's schemes for the crowd. Greji narrated, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he portrayed Elger as a bumbling fool who cackled over every stolen coin.
The villagers roared with laughter, their fear of the baron replaced with indignation and a sense of unity.
By the time Elger's guards arrived, the tide had already turned. Greji handed over the ledger with a triumphant flourish, daring them to act against him in front of the enraged villagers. Intimidated by the growing crowd and the damning evidence, the guards retreated, promising that the baron would face royal scrutiny.
With Elger's influence crumbling, Greji stayed in the village long enough to organize relief efforts. He rallied the villagers to rebuild their homes, reduce taxes, and establish a fair trade system. As always, his charm and quick thinking won the day, and the villagers hailed him as a hero.
As Greji prepared to leave, an elderly villager approached him.
"My lord," she said, tears in her eyes, "you've done more for us in days than the baron did in years. How can we ever repay you?"
Greji smiled, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Just keep thriving," he said. "And maybe name a street after me, Greji Lane has a nice ring to it."
The villagers laughed, and Greji rode off, already plotting his next move.
"This world might be a mess," he mused, "but if I can outwit assassins and topple corrupt nobles, there's no telling how far I can go. Handsomely, of course."
After returning home from his recent victory over the corrupt noble, Greji found himself deep in thought. Despite his knack for turning the tide with his wit and charisma, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was at a disadvantage in this world. Seeking answers, he made his way to the family library, a cavernous room that, judging by the dust, hadn't been disturbed in years.
Greji dove into the historical records of the kingdom, flipping through ancient tomes, scrolls, and even poorly illustrated manuals that seemed to have been written by someone's eccentric uncle. One recurring theme caught his attention: the "System."
The books explained that every citizen of the kingdom was blessed with a System upon reaching maturity, a divine mechanism granted by the God of Grandlebell to quantify their skills, strengths, and potential. The System allowed them to grow stronger, gain new abilities, and even rise to legendary status through sheer effort and determination.
Greji paused, his hands gripping a particularly old book. "Wait a minute…" he muttered. "Everyone gets this System? Everyone?" His mind raced. If that were true, then why didn't he have one?
The realization hit him like a ton of bricks or, more accurately, like the truck that had sent him to this world. "Oh no," he groaned, slumping into a chair. "It's because I'm from another world, isn't it? My soul doesn't match this world's rules!"
He made such a fuss that a passing servant peered into the library, only to find Greji pacing back and forth, pulling at his hair.
"Is everything alright, young master?"
"No!" Greji exclaimed. "I've been robbed of my cheat code! I was supposed to be overpowered, but all I got was this face!"
The servant blinked, unsure whether to comfort him or agree.
As if the lack of a System wasn't enough, Greji's studies revealed another ominous detail: signs of the Demon King's impending return. Reports of higher-level demon activity were increasing, and cracks were appearing in the ancient seals that kept the demon forces contained.
Greji slammed the book shut. "Great. Not only am I System-less, but I also have to deal with a resurrecting Demon King. What's next? My hair losing its shine?" He paused, horrified at the thought, before shaking his head. "No, focus, Greji."
Despite his theatrics, Greji knew he needed a plan. He couldn't face the Demon King on his own especially without a System but he could focus on building up his territory and gathering allies.
The first step was strengthening his own domain. The scammers that had plagued his family had left their state in shambles, with resources depleted and morale low. Greji resolved to put an end to their schemes for good.
Using his cunning, he began by identifying and expelling the remaining fraudsters in their court. He implemented tighter controls on finances and even managed to track down a few lost treasures that had been pawned off by the scammers. "Turns out," he mused, holding a suspiciously shiny goblet, "one man's fake magic artifact is another man's party centerpiece."
Next, Greji focused on improving the state's economy. He introduced better agricultural methods learned from his village visits and set up trade deals with nearby territories, using his reputation as a charismatic reformer to sway skeptical.
With his state on the path to recovery, Greji turned his attention to recruiting a team of capable individuals. He needed adventurers who could clear dungeons and gather resources, as well as warriors who could stand against the growing demon threat.
Using his charm and quick wit, he began traveling to nearby towns, attending tournaments, and visiting guild halls. He deliberately sought out individuals with untapped potential those who had been overlooked or underestimated. "After all," he reasoned, "I'm the expert on being underestimated."
His recruitment strategy often involved unorthodox methods. When he met a rogue who refused to join him, Greji staged a dramatic mock battle in the town square, where he "defeated" the rogue in a hilariously overacted duel. The crowd loved it, and the rogue, both amused and impressed, finally agreed to join.
Though his lack of a System weighed heavily on him, Greji refused to let it define him. He would find another way to grow stronger through strategy, alliances, and sheer determination. Maybe, he can ask some ancient dragons or find some elixirs to become strong.
As he sat in his study, sketching out his plans for the future, he couldn't help but grin. "No System? No problem. I've got brains, beauty, and just enough luck to pull this off. Besides, if I can't be the strongest, I'll just make sure I'm surrounded by people who are."
With the Demon King's return looming and the weight of his domain on his shoulders, Greji knew the road ahead would be anything but easy. But if there was one thing he excelled at, it was turning the odds in his favor and looking good while doing it.
Sitting back in his study, Greji poured over the volumes he had borrowed from the library. The mention of a "Hero" piqued his interest. If this world had a Hero as its ultimate savior, then perhaps Greji's job was simple: find this Hero, polish him up, throw him at the Demon King, and enjoy the peace while lounging in his lavish manor.
But therein lay the rub, there was no mention of where or who this Hero might be. No prophecies, no glowing swords stuck in stones, no conveniently marked maps with an "X" saying, "Hero lives here."
"Of course, it can't be easy," Greji muttered, tossing the book onto the growing pile. "This world's scriptwriter clearly has no idea about pacing."
Still, Greji had hope. Somewhere out there, the Hero must exist. If he could just find this chosen one, grease the wheels a little, and maybe even hire someone to train him, then Greji wouldn't have to lift a finger when the Demon King inevitably started monologuing about world domination.
"Perfect plan," he said to himself. "Now, all I need is money. Oh, wait, I don't have any."
Greji paced the room, racking his brain for solutions. His family's coffers were emptier than a discount bin after a holiday sale. The only thing he did have was a pile of evidence connecting local scammers to the recently deposed Baron Elger.
A sly grin spread across his face. "If I don't have money, I'll just borrow someone else's. Permanently."
Armed with the damning evidence, Greji summoned a few of the kingdom's most notorious fraudsters to a discreet meeting. They arrived cautiously, their eyes darting around as if expecting a trap. Greji greeted them with his most radiant smile, which only served to make them more nervous.
"Gentlemen," Greji began, spreading his arms dramatically. "Thank you for coming. Let's skip the pleasantries and get straight to the part where you make me rich."
The scammers exchanged uneasy glances. "And why would we do that?" one of them sneered.
"Oh, I don't know," Greji said, pulling out the ledger he had confiscated. "Maybe because I've got this. A detailed account of all your schemes. Taxes dodged, nobles swindled, counterfeit magic beans sold and oh, my personal favorite 'genuine unicorn hair extensions.'"
The scammers paled.
"Now, here's how this is going to work," Greji continued, pacing like a seasoned negotiator. "You're going to pay me a very generous 'service fee' to ensure this little book doesn't end up on the king's desk. And then, you're going to use those big, deceitful brains of yours to make me even more money. But this time, legally."
"Legally?" one scammer sputtered. "Do we look like accountants?"
"No," Greji said, leaning in with a dangerous smile. "But you do look like men who enjoy not being in prison."
Within days, Greji's blackmail plan was in full swing. The scammers were repurposed into financial advisors, tasked with finding creative but ethical ways to generate income for his family's estate. Under Greji's watchful eye, they turned their fraudulent talents toward legitimate ventures:
• Marketing Rare Goods: The scammers used their charisma to sell surplus crops and crafts from the villages at premium prices, pitching them as "artisanal" and "limited edition." Greji personally came up with the tagline, "Straight from the hands of struggling nobles to your table!"
• Event Planning: The scammers organized grand festivals and charged entry fees. The first festival was a hit, featuring "Greji Look-Alike Contests" and mock plays reenacting his victory over Baron Elger. The villagers loved it, and Greji's ego grew three sizes.
• Financial Audits: Greji had the scammers audit local businesses, "encouraging" fairer trade deals that conveniently funneled a cut into his coffers.
As his estate slowly began to regain financial stability, Greji couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride. Not only had he managed to fix his family's money problems, but he'd done it without lifting a sword or relying on a System.
"Maybe I am the Hero," he mused, before shaking his head. "No, that's too much work. Let's stick to finding the real one."
With his newfound resources, Greji decided it was time to broaden his search for the Hero. He began sponsoring adventurers to explore dungeons, offering rewards for any information about legendary artifacts, mysterious prophecies, or suspiciously overpowered individuals.
"Who knows?" Greji said to himself, lounging in his now-refurbished study. "Maybe fate will finally cut me a break. And if not, at least I'll be rich enough to bribe it."