Thankfully, nothing noteworthy had occurred during their absence.

  When the trio returned, Lucian wasted no time organizing a small ceremony for the dead.

  The unknown fate of their bodies only deepened the collective grief. Villagers and survivors wept together, their anguish palpable.

  Many of the locals had relatives who had been living in the old castle, now likely lost.

  The newcomers chose to settle in the village, and soon the air was filled once again with the sounds of construction.

  Six months... Lucian thought grimly. I have six months to ignite a rebellion.

  For that, they would need more people. A mob large enough to overthrow a count.

  Thankfully, the entire cursed zone is ripe for unrest.

  With villages being ravaged by monster attacks and casualties piling up, anger against the authorities is nearing its boiling point.

  I just need to strike the spark.

  The flames of revolt will do the rest.

  The thought steeled his resolve. To accommodate the influx of refugees he anticipated, Lucian began planning for expansion.

  "Lucian… aren't you coming in?" Theo's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. The knight stood near the workshop, gesturing for him to enter.

  "Is everyone here already?" Lucian asked.

  Before Theo could reply, a booming voice interrupted.

  "Father, you're here!"

  Lucian turned to see Ethan, one of the survivors, rising from his seat. His thick glasses reflected the light, partially obscuring his expression as he towered over the group.

  Why does every craftsman in this world seem to be a giant?

  Lucian thought, eyeing the man's intimidating frame.

  Despite his imposing stature, Ethan exuded a clumsy gentleness, his massive hands gesturing awkwardly as he shuffled forward. He nearly stumbled into a table, mumbling to himself.

  "Come, come! I've created a scaled-down replica of the village plan!" Ethan said excitedly. "I've been so eager to show you—oof!"

  Lucian couldn't help but smirk. The man was like a lumbering teddy bear, disarming despite his size.

  "This is magnificent," Lucian praised as he examined the model. "You're quite talented."

  "No way! Hehe. I just did as you asked," Ethan replied shyly, his cheeks tinged red.

  "This is… going to be our village?" Madam Agnes asked, raising a skeptical brow as she leaned over the table.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  "Yes, yes!" Ethan said, his enthusiasm bubbling over. "Just as Father Lucian requested. Here are the new districts—"

  Ethan explained the plan eagerly.

  "It seems quite ambitious," Theo interjected, arms crossed. "Are you sure we can pull this off?"

  "Of course," Lucian replied confidently. "We're not building grand monuments or ornate edifices—function over form for now."

  Leo tilted his head as he scrutinized the model. "I see, that's why everything looks… bare."

  "We'll quarry the materials from the castle and gather what we can from the forest," Lucian explained, already anticipating Theo's objection.

  "Who—?" Theo posed to ask, narrowing his eyes to Lucian, who's eyes were already fixed to Theo with a pointed stare and smirk.

  "No…" Theo groaned.

  Lucian's smile widened.

  "How about... we just move into the castle?" Theo suggested, grasping at the last thread of hope to avoid labor.

  "Anyway," Lucian said, deliberately ignoring him, "we'll also need to reorganize the village's governance structure."

  Theo sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping in resignation as Lucian continued outlining his plans.

  The room buzzed with quiet determination, the seeds of rebellion already beginning to take root.

  Lucian cleared his throat and began, his voice steady yet firm, addressing the gathered leaders of the village.

  "Now then, let's talk governance," he said, deliberately ignoring Theo's reaction.

  "The village, as it stands, will remain democratic. The Village Assembly will continue to hold the highest authority. All legislation, arbitration, and judicial proceedings will be discussed and voted on by the Assembly, with the village chief, Sir Gregory acting as the chair."

  He paused, scanning the room to gauge their reactions.

  "And please, this time," he added with a sharp glance at Gregory, "let's avoid inciting chaos like the lynch mobs during the last disagreement. We must act with reason and resolve conflicts together. Agreed?"

  The murmurs of assent were unanimous.

  "That said, there are pressing issues that require more focused oversight. Hence, we will be forming an Executive Council—a group composed of this community's de facto leaders."

  "This council will oversee critical areas such as Food Security, Public Health, Public Security, Public Works, Education, Religious Affairs, and External Affairs."

  Lucian gestured toward the map of the village Ethan had sketched earlier, dividing it into districts.

  "Each of you will take charge of a sector, with the authority to appoint your own teams and make decisions within your domain. Let's assign roles."

  ---

  "First, Food Security," Lucian began.

  "Madam Agnes, you will oversee farming operations, storage, and food processing. Marcus, you will assist her, particularly with managing labor. Should there be any shortfall, coordinate with Theo or Leo for procurement."

  "Very well," Agnes agreed, nodding. "It's what I've been handling all this time anyway."

  "Next is Education," Lucian continued. "Leo, this will fall to you for now. You'll train a group of mothers to continue the education of the children, then appoint a new officer to take over. After that, your focus will shift to publishing textbooks and supporting the other offices where needed."

  Leo hesitated, his brow furrowed. "I… understand. But this 'helping other offices' part already sounds daunting."

  Lucian chuckled softly. "You'll manage."

  "Public Works will be supervised by Ethan," Lucian said, turning to the gentle giant.

  "Barret, introduce the village men to Ethan so they can assist him. Theo and Leo will help with dismantling the castle to provide materials."

  Ethan straightened, his eyes shining with determination. "I won't let you down, Father."

  Lucian smiled, nodding. "I know you won't."

  "Barret, our blacksmith and craftsman, will handle Public Security," Lucian said next.

  "You'll have authority over the guards. Leo, there will likely be an influx of beastman refugees in the near future. Help them integrate into the guard force. Your influence will make it easier for them to find acceptance."

  "Leave it to me," Barret said, his voice steady.

  "Sister Clara," Lucian continued, turning to her, "you will manage Religious Affairs and Public Health. You'll oversee minor ceremonies that don't require my presence and ensure the well-being of the villagers."

  "Why me? You're still here, Father," Clara objected, her brows knitting together.

  "For now," Lucian said gravely, "but I will be traveling to other settlements to provide aid. Monster activity is increasing, and someone has to help those beyond our walls."

  Clara's expression softened, though worry lingered in her eyes.

  "You're leaving?" Barret asked, the question weighted with concern.

  Lucian nodded. "It's necessary."

  "Lastly, External Affairs," Lucian announced. "I'll handle this personally since I'll already be traveling. My focus will be on reestablishing trade and cooperation with other settlements. Sir Theo and Leo will take turns escorting me during these trips."

  He clasped his hands behind his back and addressed the room as a whole. "You are free to choose your own people. You have full authority over your offices, but I urge you to collaborate where needed."

  Lucian's gaze softened as he looked at the weary faces before him. "I know many of us are already stretched thin. Just hold on a little longer. As I travel, I'll seek out skilled individuals—artisans, laborers, professionals. This cursed zone is filled with untapped talent, and I'll bring them here to bolster our efforts. They will come. I promise."

  ---

  "Are we sure the count won't mind us dismantling his castle?" Agnes asked hesitantly.

  Lucian raised an eyebrow. "When was the last time the count even interfered with anything in this area?"

  "Since… never?" Agnes admitted.

  "Exactly," Lucian said with a faint smile. "They abandoned us long ago. I doubt they'll interfere now."

  And even if they do, I have contingencies.

  "Alright then. We'll trust you," Agnes said, her voice cautious but resolved. The room began to clear as the others dispersed to begin their work.

  "And Theo," Lucian called, stopping the knight before he left.

  "Yes?"

  Lucian held out a sealed letter.

  "Deliver this for me."

  "Where to?" Theo asked, glancing at the seal.

  Lucian smirked faintly. "Do you know the Pope's address?"

  Six months. That's all the time I have.

  But it will be enough.

  It has to be.