Lucian strolled through Duskwatch with Countess Amelia at his side, doing his best to appear as if he had everything under control. Behind them, Dorian anxiously wiped sweat from his brow, while Elaine kept a watchful eye on their guest.

The town had changed more than Lucian had realized. The market square, once a desolate stretch of cracked stone, now bustled with vendors selling goods that had somehow appeared overnight. Farmers displayed fresh produce, blacksmiths demonstrated fine weaponry, and children ran freely without a hint of fear.

Amelia’s sharp eyes took everything in. "Fascinating. Your economy thrives, yet you collect no taxes? How do you fund improvements?"

Lucian shrugged. "People reinvest in their own businesses. If they make more money, they can afford to fix things."

Amelia’s lips pressed into a thin line. "A dangerous gamble. And yet… it seems to be working."

She paused before a bakery where an elderly woman handed out free samples of sweet rolls. The scent of cinnamon and honey filled the air. The baker beamed at Lucian. "Bless you, my lord! Thanks to your wisdom, business has never been better!"

Lucian forced a humble nod. "Of course. My… wisdom."

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Amelia arched an eyebrow but said nothing.

Further along, they passed a group of self-trained militia members drilling in formation. Though their stances were rough, their discipline was undeniable. A retired knight, a broad-shouldered man with grizzled hair, led them.

"Who trained these men?" Amelia asked.

Elaine smirked. "They trained themselves, inspired by Lord Veilwood’s philosophy of self-reliance."

Lucian coughed. "Right. Exactly as I planned."

Amelia turned to him, scrutinizing his expression. "Lord Veilwood, either you are the greatest strategist this empire has ever seen… or the luckiest fool alive."

Lucian exhaled. "I get that a lot."

They continued through Duskwatch, Amelia making notes in a small leather-bound book. By the time they reached the town hall, she closed it with a decisive snap.

"I must admit, Lord Veilwood, I came expecting to unearth fraud or incompetence," she said. "Instead, I find an anomaly. A leader with no interest in ruling, yet whose people prosper."

Lucian scratched the back of his head. "Uh… thank you?"

As more townspeople praised him, Lucian’s confidence grew. By the time they reached the town hall, he was convinced that all of this had, indeed, gone according to plan. He turned to Amelia with an easy smile. "You see, Countess, everything in Duskwatch is the result of careful strategy."

Amelia’s gaze remained unreadable. "I need time to analyze my findings. But I will say this—if you truly are the genius some claim you to be, then the nobles of this empire will not ignore you for long."

Lucian sighed. "That sounds exhausting."

She smiled faintly. "Indeed, Lord Veilwood. Indeed."