Miguel was sitting in his office, the U-shaped desk covered with maps, scrolls, and reports. Thomas, the steward, was beside him, examining a document with a worried expression. Both knew that food scarcity was the main issue facing the barony, and they needed to find a solution quickly.
"We have about a thousand people in the village and fifty more staff at the mansion, not counting the city guards," Miguel began, looking at the scattered papers before him. "Food shortages are affecting everyone, and we need to act before the situation worsens."
Thomas nodded gravely. "Yes, my lord. The last harvest was poor, and our stocks are low. We need to find a way to ensure no one goes hungry."
Miguel ran a hand through his hair, considering their options. "We need a multifaceted approach. We can try negotiating with merchants to get more supplies, but we also need to think about how to increase our own food production. Perhaps we can encourage the community to plant more, using unused land."
"That's a good idea, my lord," Thomas replied, jotting down the key points. "But we'll need the support of the people. They're wary and fearful, especially with a new baron arriving after so long. We need to earn their trust."
"I agree," said Miguel. "We need to communicate directly with them, explain the situation and our plan. A public address in the town square might be the best way to do that. We need to be transparent and show that we're working for the good of all."
Thomas nodded again. "Yes, my lord. A public address can help clarify our intentions and mobilize the community. But we need to be prepared to answer questions and perhaps face criticism."
Miguel was impressed by Thomas' intelligence. Having him by his side is a great help, without a doubt.
"I'm aware of that," Miguel replied. "But it's a risk we need to take. Communication is crucial to overcoming this crisis. And besides, we need to ensure that everyone feels included in the process, and from what I've read in the reports and documents, the former baron was quite negligent in several aspects involving public administration."
Miguel stood up from the desk, determined. "Let's go to the town square and speak directly to the people. We'll take a few guards to ensure security, but most importantly, we need to show that we're in this together."
Thomas agreed, closing the scroll he was reading and preparing to accompany Miguel. "I'll call two guards to join us, my lord. We need to ensure everything goes smoothly."
As Thomas left the office to summon the guards, Miguel took one last look at the documents on his desk. The responsibility he felt was overwhelming, but he knew he needed to face these challenges head-on. If he wanted to make a difference and transform the barony, he needed to earn the trust of his people and work alongside them. He now understands how mayor's or leaders feel when having to manage people and resources in his previous world.
A few minutes later, Thomas returned with two armed guards. They were sturdy men with serious yet respectful expressions. Miguel and Thomas briefly explained the plan, and the guards nodded, ready to accompany and protect them.
Miguel took a deep breath and looked at Thomas. "Let's do this. We need to show the people that we're here to help and that we'll do whatever it takes to overcome this crisis."
Thomas felt a glimmer of hope; he had never encountered a noble who showed as much interest as the new baron did. He was young, but he acted with the experience of a seasoned man.
With the guards leading the way and Thomas by his side, Miguel left the mansion and began riding toward the town square, descending a road that led up to the mansion, which was built on an elevation. The streets were bustling with people going about their daily tasks. Miguel's presence, along with the guards, drew the attention of the residents, who began whispering among themselves, curious and cautious.
As they approached the square, Miguel felt the weight of responsibility increase. He needed to be clear, honest, and inspiring. He knew that the words he spoke there could determine the course of the barony in the months to come.
The town square was simple yet spacious, with a small wooden stage in the center. It was the traditional spot for announcements and community events. Upon arriving, they dismounted from their horses. Miguel ascended the stage, accompanied by Thomas and the guards who positioned themselves at the sides to ensure security.
Miguel looked out at the growing crowd, recognizing faces he had seen only in passing. Men, women, and children looked at him with expectation, suspicion, and hope. He knew this was the moment to begin building a bridge of trust with his people.
Before starting his address, Miguel took a deep breath, feeling the gentle breeze crossing the square. He needed to find the right words to calm fears and inspire action. Thomas stood beside him, a calming and supportive presence.
With the square nearly full and all eyes on him, Miguel prepared to speak. This would be a pivotal moment for the future of the barony, and he was determined to do everything in his power to ensure it was a success.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
***
Arthur was in the square, surrounded by other residents who had also come to hear the new baron's speech. He had paused his work at the forge upon hearing rumors that the baron would make a public address. It was important to stay informed about the intentions of the new baron, especially in such difficult times.
Miguel, the new baron, stepped onto the stage accompanied by Thomas and two guards. Arthur watched with skepticism, prepared to hear empty promises like so many he had heard over the years. As Miguel began to speak, Arthur crossed his arms and leaned forward slightly, eager to hear every word.
"Good morning, everyone," Miguel began, his voice clear and firm echoing across the square. "I am Miguel, youngest son of the duke, and now, baron of this territory. I know many of you are worried and suspicious, and that's understandable. We're facing a food crisis that threatens all of our survival, and I know things haven't been easy."
Arthur frowned, intrigued. He expected the new baron to mention the food crisis, but he didn't expect such a direct admission.
"I am here today to say that the food crisis is the most urgent issue we need to address. I'm not here to make empty promises or to squander the few resources we have. I'm here to work alongside you and find solutions that will help us overcome this crisis."
Arthur noticed murmurs of approval among the crowd. The new baron seemed genuine, and that was starting to spark a glimmer of hope in people's hearts. But there were also cautious and distrustful individuals present, which was to be expected—it's hard to trust a noble.
"I believe that together, we can face and overcome any challenge. We have limited resources, but we have something even more valuable: the determination and skills of each one of you. I know many of you have skills that are crucial to our survival—blacksmiths, farmers, carpenters, and many others."
Arthur felt a slight shiver run down his spine as he heard those words. The baron was acknowledging the importance of local professions, something that rarely happened.
"That's why I'm asking all of you who have valuable skills for our barony to speak with Thomas today. He will note down everyone's names and skills. Tomorrow, we'll have a meeting in my office at the mansion where we'll discuss how we can utilize these skills for the good of all."
Miguel paused, looking out at the crowd with a determined expression. "Together, we can find ways to increase our food production, improve our methods, and ensure that no one goes hungry. We need everyone's effort and collaboration. This barony can become an example of resilience and unity, but only if we work together."
Arthur was impressed. The new baron, despite being young, seemed to be someone experienced and determined to make a difference.
"I ask that you all trust me and, more importantly, trust each other. Let's show that even in the most difficult circumstances, we can come together and overcome any adversity. Thank you."
The square echoed with murmurs of approval and applause as the young baron stepped down from the stage. Arthur stood still for a moment, processing what he had just heard. He felt compelled to do something he hadn't done in a long time: believe.
"Maybe he really wants to help," Arthur murmured to himself, watching the baron interact with some residents.
He decided he would speak with Thomas. If the new baron was willing to listen and work with the townsfolk, then Arthur was willing to give him a chance. He approached the table where Thomas was jotting down the names and skills of the residents. A line was already forming, with farmers, carpenters, and other professionals eager to help.
"Arthur, blacksmith," he said to Thomas when it was his turn. "I'm here to help in whatever way is needed."
Thomas smiled and wrote down Arthur's name. "Thank you, Arthur. Your help will be greatly appreciated."
Arthur nodded, feeling a surge of determination. He returned to his forge with a renewed sense of purpose. The new baron had brought hope, something the village hadn't seen in a long time. He knew the coming days would be crucial, but for the first time in a while, he felt there was a real chance for change.
As he resumed his work, Arthur reflected on the baron's words. The young baron had shown leadership and understanding, rare qualities among the nobles Arthur knew. He hoped this positive first impression would prove true, and that together, they could truly transform the barony into a prosperous and united place.
Arthur went back to his anvil, the sound of the hammer against the metal sounding different that day. It was a sound of hope, of a future that could be better. And he was ready to forge that future with his own hands.
***
The next day, Miguel's office was packed. The U-shaped desk, which had previously seemed excessively large and imposing, now appeared perfect for the meeting about to take place. Around the table, about forty people were seated, each with expressions ranging from curiosity to anxiety. Each of these individuals brought with them a vital skill for the barony: blacksmiths, farmers, carpenters, healers, and many others.
Miguel sat at the central end of the table, observing the faces around him. The responsibility weighing on his shoulders was almost tangible, and he could feel the weight of every gaze directed at him. The room was filled with murmurs and whispers as people awaited the start of the meeting, but to Miguel, the noise seemed distant, drowned out by the pressure of his own thoughts.
He knew that the decisions made today could define the future of the barony. Each of these forty people was crucial to the survival and prosperity of the community. They were there to discuss practical and effective solutions to the food crisis threatening everyone. The crisis was urgent, and every minute counted.
Miguel's apprehension was palpable. He felt the responsibility not only to lead but also to inspire confidence and hope amidst adversity. He needed to demonstrate that he was up to the task, that his promises were not empty, and that he was truly committed to everyone's well-being.
As he looked around, he saw admiration and contemplation reflected in most faces about the location they were in. It was a predictable reaction; Miguel knew that most of these people had never entered a mansion before—they were simple commoners.
While waiting for everyone to settle, Miguel took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He knew that now, more than ever, he needed to show strength and determination. This was the moment to unite the community and chart a clear path to overcome the challenges. He needed to find the right words to engage everyone in the common cause.
The meeting was about to begin, and Miguel was determined to make every second count. Observing the faces around the table, he felt a wave of renewed determination, despite the apprehension.