"Balake," Greji drawled, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. "Have you finished drafting the announcement for the village recruitment drive? We need to make it catchy. Something like: 'Join the Count's Forces—Learn to Fight, Look Good Doing It.'"
Blake sighed, adjusting his glasses. "My lord, perhaps something a bit more professional would be appropriate? and its Blake, my lord."
Greji waved him off. "Professional is boring. People love flair! Trust me, Balake. I'm practically a marketing genius."
Blake muttered under his breath, "I'm practically rethinking my life choices."
The next day, Greji and Blake traveled to one of the nearby villages, accompanied by Eli, who looked positively radiant in her new armor, and his little sister, who insisted on tagging along. She claimed she wanted to "observe," but her muttering of phrases like, *"If anyone looks at him too long, I'll make them disappear,"* kept Greji on edge.
The villagers gathered in the square as Greji stood on a hastily assembled platform, flashing his trademark dazzling smile.
"People of Wistlebrook!" he began, his voice carrying over the crowd. "Do you want to live in fear of bandits? To cower in your homes while your hard-earned crops are stolen?"
The villagers murmured uneasily.
"Or do you want to stand tall, united and strong, ready to defend your homes and families?!"
The murmurs turned into cheers. Greji's charisma was undeniable, and even the men who initially glared at him for his devastatingly good looks couldn't help but nod along.
"Join us," Greji continued, extending his arms theatrically. "We'll teach you to fight. To protect what's yours. And, most importantly, you'll look amazing doing it."
Blake pinched the bridge of his nose. "Why does he always bring it back to appearances?"
The recruitment drive was a success. Greji managed to enlist dozens of villagers, both men and women, eager to learn self-defense. Training began the very next day under Eli's supervision.
"Alright, everyone!" Eli barked, pacing in front of the recruits with a surprising amount of authority for someone who blushed every time Greji smiled at her. "We'll start with the basics—stances, footwork, and basic strikes."
Meanwhile, Greji sat under a shady tree, observing the proceedings with a cup of tea in hand.
"Balake," he said, snapping his fingers.
"Yes, my lord?" Blake replied, appearing out of nowhere like a begrudging genie.
"Take notes. I'm going to inspect the troops."
Blake sighed but pulled out his notebook.
Greji strutted onto the training ground, immediately drawing the attention of the recruits. "Alright, everyone. Pay close attention. This is how you intimidate an enemy."
He struck a pose, tossing his hair dramatically as the sunlight glinted off his perfectly angled jawline. A few recruits, mostly the younger women, swooned on the spot.
"My lord," Blake interjected, his voice flat. "Perhaps you should demonstrate an actual combat technique?"
"Fine, fine," Greji said, rolling his eyes. He picked up a wooden training sword and pointed it at a straw dummy. "Observe!"
With surprising agility, he spun and struck the dummy with enough force to knock its head clean off. The recruits gasped, and Eli clapped enthusiastically. Greji turned to the crowd, bowing theatrically.
"And that," he said with a grin, "is how you slay a dummy *and* look good doing it."
As the training continued, Greji couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Every so often, he'd catch a glimpse of his little sister lurking in the shadows, her hair clips gleaming ominously.
At one point, he spun around and caught her staring at him from behind a tree. "Sister," he called, "are you… stalking me?"
She stepped out from behind the tree, her face the picture of innocence. "Of course not, dear brother. I'm just… keeping an eye on you."
"And muttering threats?"
"Just… brainstorming," she said with a sweet smile before disappearing into the shadows again.
"Balake," Greji muttered, turning to his assistant. "We need to play with her soon before she becomes an actual assassin."
"She already carries weapons disguised as hair clips, and its Blake, my lord." Blake said dryly.
"Exactly my point."
By the end of the day, the recruits showed noticeable improvement, and the villagers seemed more confident in their ability to protect themselves. Greji watched them with a satisfied smile, his mind already buzzing with ideas for the academy he planned to open.
"Balake," he said, clapping his assistant on the shoulder. "We're one step closer to turning this state into a powerhouse."
Blake adjusted his glasses. "Let's hope your next steps are as productive, my lord."
"Oh, they will be," Greji replied, smirking. "I've got plans, Balake. Big plans."
In the distance, his sister's voice could be heard faintly: "Big plans or not, nobody takes my brother away…"
Greji sighed. "Definitely need to deal with that soon."
The training of the recruits continued over the next several days, and the transformation of the villagers was nothing short of remarkable. Even Greji, lounging under his favorite shady tree, had to admit they were starting to look less like farmers with pitchforks and more like a passable militia.
"Eli," Greji called, waving her over during a break. "You're doing great with the recruits. I especially love the part where they no longer trip over their own feet. Truly inspiring."
Eli beamed, her cheeks turning pink. "Thank you, my lord. I'm doing my best!"
Rose, sitting nearby and sharpening her twin daggers, muttered just loud enough for Greji to hear, "She'd better not be doing *too* well."
Greji groaned and glanced over. "Rose, can we not do the creepy muttering thing today? Just once?"
Rose looked up, smiling sweetly. "Of course, dear brother. But you never know who might need… handling." She tapped her dagger against her lips for emphasis.
Blake, who had been diligently recording the day's events, whispered under his breath, "How does she even sharpen daggers disguised as hair clips?"
Greji heard and grinned. "That's the kind of mystery we leave unsolved, Balake. For our sanity."
During one of the practice sessions, Greji decided to host a sparring match among the recruits. "It's good for morale," he declared, conveniently ignoring Blake's exasperated sigh.
The recruits, both nervous and excited, squared off in pairs, their wooden swords clashing as the crowd cheered. Eli served as referee, shouting encouragement and occasionally correcting their stances.
Then, as if on cue, one recruit—a gangly young man with more enthusiasm than skill—accidentally knocked over a training dummy. The wooden figure tumbled forward, narrowly missing Rose, who had been lurking nearby.
Rose caught it mid-fall with one hand and hurled it back upright as if it weighed nothing. "If you can't handle a dummy," she said, her voice icy, "what makes you think you can protect my brother?"
The recruit turned pale, mumbling apologies.
Greji rubbed his temples. "Rose, you're supposed to encourage them, not scare them into retirement."
"I *am* encouraging them," Rose replied, her sweet smile not quite reaching her eyes.
Blake leaned over to Greji and whispered, "Remind me never to spill tea on her favorite books."
"You're assuming she lets you live long enough to apologize," Greji replied with a smirk.
Eli's devotion to Greji was starting to become… noticeable. During sparring sessions, she seemed to find any excuse to linger near him, her gaze dreamy and her movements increasingly less disciplined. At one point, she tripped over her own feet while watching him give a pep talk to the recruits.
"Eli," Greji said, pulling her aside after practice. "You've been great with the training, but maybe focus a little less on me and a little more on *not* falling over?"
Eli's face turned crimson. "Y-Yes, my lord! I'll do better, I promise!"
Rose, who had been sharpening her daggers nearby, muttered, "She won't get the chance."
Greji threw his hands in the air. "Rose! You're scaring off the help!"
"They're not scared," Rose said, tilting her head innocently. "Just… respectfully cautious."
Blake, ever the voice of reason, chimed in. "If they're respectfully cautious, then why do half of them flinch every time she walks by?"
"She's got presence," Greji quipped, smirking. "I respect that."
To celebrate the progress of the recruits, Greji decided to throw a modest banquet in the village square. Tables were lined with simple but hearty dishes, and the villagers gathered eagerly to partake in the festivities.
Greji, ever the showman, made his rounds, charming everyone with his wit and dazzling smile. At one table, he found a group of recruits enthusiastically reenacting their sparring matches.
"And then I went *bam!*" one recruit exclaimed, miming a dramatic overhead strike.
"Impressive," Greji said, clapping him on the back. "But next time, try not to hit the dummy in the *opposite* direction of your opponent."
The table erupted in laughter, and even the recruit joined in, albeit sheepishly.
Meanwhile, Rose sat in the corner of the square, her gaze sharp and unyielding as she watched Eli try to approach Greji with a plate of food.
As Eli neared, Rose casually tossed one of her daggers, lodging it in the ground right in front of her. "Oops," Rose said, her voice saccharine sweet. "Butterfingers."
Eli froze, carefully placing the plate on the nearest table before retreating.
Greji caught the exchange and sighed. "Rose, we've talked about this."
"I don't recall," Rose replied, retrieving her dagger with a smile that didn't fool anyone.
Blake leaned over. "My lord, you do realize you're never marrying anyone, right?"
Greji sighed. "At this point, I'm just hoping I survive long enough to grow a proper beard."
As the festivities wound down, Greji stood at the edge of the square, watching the villagers laugh and bond. His recruits were shaping up nicely, and for the first time in what felt like ages, the state was starting to feel like a place with hope.
"You did well today, my lord," Blake said, appearing at his side.
"Of course I did," Greji replied, flashing a grin. "But let's not forget: I couldn't have done it without you, Balake."
Blake sighed, adjusting his glasses. "It's Blake."
"Sure thing, Balake."
In the distance, Rose could be seen polishing her daggers under the moonlight, her gaze occasionally flicking toward Eli.
Greji shook his head, chuckling. "And on that ominous note, I'm going to bed. Tomorrow, we start again. Balake, make sure we've got breakfast ready."
Blake muttered something inaudible as Greji strolled off, his confidence unwavering even in the face of his sister's *unique* brand of affection.
The day after the village banquet, Greji gathered his trusted group in the refurbished main hall of the manor to unveil his next grand plan. With Blake scribbling notes, Eli staring dreamily at him, and Rose sharpening her daggers with her usual unnerving intensity, he took center stage—both literally and metaphorically.
"Ladies, gentlemen, and homicidal siblings," Greji began, pausing to dodge a thrown apple from Rose. "Today, I present to you the second step in transforming this state into a force to be reckoned with. Behold!"
He unfurled a crudely drawn map of the village, complete with stick figures labeled as "future students" and an overly detailed self-portrait in the corner.
Blake adjusted his glasses. "What… exactly am I looking at, my lord?"
"An academy!" Greji declared, pointing dramatically at the map. "A place where anyone—be they noble, commoner, or just someone down on their luck—can learn the skills they need to thrive. Swordsmanship, magic, taming beasts, adventuring basics, and, of course, the most important subject of all…"
Rose looked up, her eyes narrowing. "Don't say it."
"Worship the Most Handsome Greji Department!" he said, beaming.
The room fell silent.
Blake pinched the bridge of his nose. "My lord, I beg you—please reconsider that last one."
Greji waved him off. "Nonsense, Balake. You don't understand the importance of morale. Nothing unites people like shared admiration for an unattainable ideal. Namely, me."
Eli clapped enthusiastically. "That's a wonderful idea, my lord! I'll sign up immediately!"
Rose muttered something about daggers finding new homes in specific body parts.
Greji turned his attention back to the map, outlining the departments with theatrical flair.
-Swordsmanship Department: "Here, future warriors will learn the art of combat! Whether they want to wield greatswords, rapiers, or daggers…" He paused, glancing at Rose. "Hopefully not daggers."
Rose smirked.
-Magic Department: "For those with the gift of mana, this will be the place to master their craft. Spells, incantations, and maybe even some fireworks for village festivals."
-Taming Department: "Ah, yes. For those brave enough to bond with magical beasts. Who wouldn't want their own adorable—or terrifying—companion?"
-Beginner's Guide to Adventuring: "The all-in-one crash course for would-be adventurers. Map reading, survival skills, how not to trip over your own sword—you name it, we'll teach it."
-Worship the Most Handsome Greji: "This is self-explanatory."
Blake coughed. "Should we perhaps focus more on practical skills rather than… uh… vanity projects?"
"Balake, we're building a legacy here," Greji replied solemnly. "A man's face is his legacy."
Blake, ever the practical one, raised a hand. "How exactly do you plan to fund this academy, Tuition fees? and Its Blake, my lord."
Greji shook his head. "No tuition. This academy will be free for all. Education should be accessible!"
Eli gasped. "You're so noble, my lord!"
Rose rolled her eyes. "And broke."
"That's where the tourist attraction idea comes in," Greji said smugly. "Once the academy gains fame, people will flock to our state to see it. And while they're here, they'll spend money in the local shops and inns. Plus, think of the taxes!"
Blake nodded slowly. "That's… actually not a terrible idea."
"Of course it's not. I'm a genius." Greji struck a pose, earning an exasperated sigh from Rose.
As Greji basked in his own brilliance, he felt a familiar chill run down his spine. He turned slowly, scanning the room. Rose was still sharpening her daggers, Blake was jotting down notes, and Eli…
"Eli, why are you staring at me like that?"
Her eyes sparkled. "It's just… you're so amazing, my lord!"
Greji's grin faltered. "Right. Well. Keep it professional, please."
Meanwhile, Rose muttered under her breath, "One more step and I'll—"
"Rose!" Greji snapped, pointing a finger at her. "For the last time, stop threatening people who are just *trying* to like me."
"I'm not threatening," Rose said sweetly. "I'm… encouraging."
Blake leaned closer to Greji. "Your sister's idea of encouragement might require legal intervention someday."
"I heard that," Rose chimed, her voice as sharp as her daggers.
The next day, Greji gathered the villagers in the square to announce the academy. Standing atop a hastily constructed podium, he cleared his throat.
"People of the state!" he began, his voice echoing through the crowd. "I stand before you today not as your lord, but as a visionary!"
Blake whispered from the sidelines, "A humble visionary."
"Yes, yes, humble too," Greji muttered before continuing. "I bring you an opportunity to shape your futures. An academy that will accept all, train all, and create a brighter tomorrow!"
The crowd murmured in excitement, especially at the mention of free education. Greji grinned, raising his arms dramatically. "Now, who's ready to sign up?"
A wave of hands shot up, including several children who looked more excited about the idea of taming beasts than studying.
Rose stood in the shadows, watching Greji with an amused smile. Despite his theatrics, his ideas were working. The state was changing, and for the better.
As Greji stepped down from the podium, Eli rushed up to him. "My lord, you're incredible!"
"Of course I am," he said, patting her on the shoulder. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go hide from my sister before she decides to 'encourage' someone again."
Rose's laughter followed him as he retreated, leaving the crowd buzzing with anticipation for what the future held.