the night before the meeting Vivian sat in her study, the dim candlelight flickering as she sifted through documents. The weight of the refugee crisis pressed heavily on her shoulders. She had spent the entire evening searching for a viable solution, going through every proposal, every budget report, and every plan that had been submitted over the past months.
She tapped her fingers on the desk, frustration evident on her face. "There has to be something," she muttered to herself. She couldn't simply provide food and shelter indefinitely resources were limited, and making the refugees dependent on the town would only create more problems in the long run.
Her eyes scanned the scattered documents once more. Then, almost by chance, her gaze landed on a proposal she barely remembered seeing before. She pulled it from the pile and read the name at the top: Hadrian.
She frowned, trying to recall when it had been submitted. It must have been months ago, buried under more pressing matters. As she read through the details, her expression changed from confusion to realization. Hadrian's proposal outlined a business plan that could generate additional income for the town while creating job opportunities. It wasn't just a temporary fix it was a long-term solution.
Vivian sat back in her chair, deep in thought. The town's budget alone wasn't enough to support the refugees, and her personal wealth wouldn't last forever. But if she implemented Hadrian's idea, she could secure funding and provide employment, allowing the refugees to become self-sufficient instead of remaining a burden on the town.
A slow smile formed on her lips. "This might just work."
end of flashback
the glow of the study's lanterns flickered across the faces of those present his mother, Vivian, seated with the poise of a ruler; Mara, tense and silent as she observed from the side; Sebastian, standing near the door like an unshakable sentinel; and Hadrian, wearing an expression of bewilderment.
Hadrian looked around the room, clearly confused. "Lady Vivian, I don't recall having any recent business with you," he said, his tone uncertain.
Vivian didn't respond immediately. Instead, she reached for a paper resting atop her desk and slid it across the polished wood. The movement was slow, deliberate. The room fell into a hushed silence as all eyes followed the document's path.
Hadrian furrowed his brows, stepping forward. "What is this?" he asked.
Zach, watching from his seat, leaned in slightly. He hadn't seen this paper before. What is that? he wondered, his mind already racing.
Hadrian's eyes landed on the familiar text, and the confusion in his expression morphed into shock. Recognition flashed through him as his lips parted slightly. "This is…" he whispered, almost in disbelief.
Vivian finally spoke. "Your proposal."
Hadrian straightened, staring at the document as if it were a long-lost artifact. "You're talking about the business proposal I submitted months ago? I thought it was rejected."
Vivian folded her hands together. "It was not dismissed. It simply wasn't needed at the time." She glanced toward Mara, then back to Hadrian. "But now, I believe it may be exactly what we need."
Zach's eyes darted between them, still processing. His mother had spent the entire night searching for solutions, only to land upon this? He narrowed his gaze at the document, anticipation bubbling within him. What exactly was written in there?
Zach sat quietly, observing the tense atmosphere as Hadrian took a deep breath. He straightened his back and carefully picked up the document Vivian had placed on the table. His eyes scanned through the contents before he nodded and addressed everyone in the room.
"This is a proposal I submitted months ago regarding the expansion of the northern part of the town near the lake. The project focuses on creating a larger marketplace that will not only attract more merchants but also increase trade opportunities for Ravennest as a whole."
Hadrian paused, letting the words settle. Mara, still seated, listened intently, while Sebastian remained expressionless. Zach, however, was intrigued.
"The plan involves a partnership between my merchant guild and the town," Hadrian continued. "The guild will shoulder the cost of materials and initial construction in exchange for the following benefits."
He raised his hand, counting each point with his fingers.
Exclusive rights for my guild merchants to set up in the new market district for the first year before opening it to others.
2. A reduction in certain taxes for merchants operating in the new extension for the first three years to encourage business growth.
3. Priority in securing storage facilities near the market area for my guild's traders.
4. The ability to manage and regulate the new market district's operations independently, without town oversight.
5. Ownership of a portion of the land near the marketplace for my guild's exclusive use."
As soon as he finished, Vivian's expression remained unreadable. She leaned forward slightly, folding her hands together on the table.
"I will accept points one, two, and three," she stated firmly. "They are reasonable terms that will benefit both the merchants and the town."
Hadrian's eyes flickered with anticipation, but that hope was quickly extinguished when Vivian's gaze turned sharp.
"However, I reject points four and five. The new market district will remain under the jurisdiction of the town, not a private entity."
Hadrian frowned. "But Lady Vivian, without control over the district's operations, how can we ensure efficiency? The town's bureaucracy might slow things down."
"I understand your concerns," Vivian replied, her tone unwavering. "But the town must remain in charge of its own expansion. Allowing a merchant guild to govern a part of the town without oversight is unacceptable."
She then glanced at the last point on the proposal. "As for land ownership, that is out of the question. The land belongs to Ravennest, and I will not sell any part of it to a private entity."
Silence filled the room. Hadrian clenched his jaw but eventually sighed, knowing that arguing further would be pointless. "I see... very well."
Zach, watching this unfold, was impressed. "Mother really knows how to negotiate," he thought. She knew exactly where to draw the line—giving Hadrian's guild enough benefits to make the deal worth it but not allowing them to take advantage of the town's resources.
As the discussion came to a close, Vivian pushed the revised contract toward Hadrian. "If you accept these terms, we can proceed."
Hadrian hesitated for a moment before picking up the document. With a deep breath, he nodded. "I'll have my people review it, but I believe we have a deal, Lady Vivian."
Vivian simply nodded in return. "Good. Then let's begin."
Hadrian left the meeting room, his expression still carrying traces of confusion. He had not expected his old proposal to suddenly gain recognition, but he understood now that it would play a crucial role in shaping Ravennest's future. The discussion had concluded, but for Mara, the real weight of the moment was just beginning.
As the doors closed behind Hadrian, Vivian turned her gaze toward Mara, her piercing eyes assessing the young girl. Mara, who had witnessed everything, clenched her fists in nervous anticipation.
"I cannot accept your people as citizens," Vivian stated firmly. "But I can give them an opportunity to become one."
Mara's breath hitched, and for a brief moment, hope flickered in her eyes. She immediately dropped to her knees, bowing her head. "Thank you, Lady Vivian! Thank you! This means"
"Do not thank me yet," Vivian interrupted, her tone as sharp as ever. "The job required for this project is meant for the citizens of Ravennest. If I were to hand it over to outsiders instead, those who have poured their sweat and blood into making this town what it is today would feel betrayed. I will not allow that."
Mara's world seemed to crumble again. Her lips quivered as she processed Vivian's words. Her hopes, which had briefly soared, crashed down like a house of cards.
"Then... what should we do?" Mara asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Vivian exhaled, crossing her arms. "If you want to be citizens of Ravennest, you must prove your worth. Your people will be given a chance to work on this project but not as paid laborers. Instead, you will receive food, shelter, and the means to survive. Only after the construction is complete will you be recognized as citizens of Ravennest."
Mara's hands trembled. "No salary...?"
"No salary," Vivian confirmed. "This is the price of building a future. My people have already given their lives to build this town, and if you want to be part of it, you will have to make sacrifices as well."
A heavy silence fell over the room. Mara struggled to speak. It was a bitter reality, but she understood. There was no free handout, no easy way in. If they wanted to stay, they had to earn it.
Vivian continued, "Go back to your people and spread the word. This is their choice. I will not force anyone, but this is the only path I am willing to offer."
Mara swallowed hard, then nodded. "I... I understand, Lady Vivian. I will tell them."
Vivian gave her a final look. "Think carefully before you decide. Once you start, there is no turning back."
Mara bowed deeply before standing. The weight of responsibility settled on her shoulders as she left the room, knowing that the future of her people now rested in their hands.
As Mara left the office, Zach leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling in deep thought. The room was still heavy with the weight of the conversation that had just transpired. Vivian's decision was nothing short of brilliant. It wasn't just charity, nor was it outright rejection. It was a structured opportunity one that ensured fairness for everyone involved.
He tapped his fingers on the desk, recalling how in his past life, disaster relief operations were straightforward. When hurricanes or floods struck, the government had systems in place: evacuation centers, food rations, medical teams, and rebuilding efforts funded by taxes. People didn't have to fight for their survival in the same way. Yet, here in this world, the mechanisms of relief and governance weren't as advanced. Resources were scarce, and the town's survival was tied directly to the decisions its leaders made.
Vivian had crafted a solution that was both practical and politically sound. She wasn't giving the refugees citizenship outright, nor was she turning them away to starve. Instead, she was offering them a **path to integration **one that required effort and sacrifice.
This reminded Zach of an old policy from his past life Singapore's Housing Development Board (HDB). Back in the 1960s, the city-state faced a massive housing crisis. People lived in slums, overcrowded and impoverished. Instead of just handing out homes, the government put people to work building their own future. Those who contributed to the construction efforts were later given access to affordable housing. This not only solved the housing problem but also fostered a sense of pride and belonging among the people.
"That's exactly what this is…" Zach muttered to himself.
Vivian's decision created a win-win-win scenario:
The Town Benefits – The new district near the lake would be built faster, expanding Ravennest's economy and infrastructure without draining the town's resources.
The Merchants Benefit – They would fund the materials but gain a prime trading area in return, ensuring long-term profits.
The Refugees Benefit – Instead of being seen as burdens, they would earn their place through labor, securing their future while proving their value to the town.
It was an elegant balance between compassion and governance. There was no favoritism only fairness. The refugees weren't being forced to work, but if they truly wanted to stay, they had to contribute. No handouts. No resentment from the citizens. Just opportunity.
Zach exhaled sharply, a small smirk forming on his lips.
"This is… impressive. I wouldn't have thought of this myself."
Vivian's leadership wasn't just about kindness. It was about understanding human nature, resources, and sustainability. In his past life, everything had been pre-established governments had safety nets. Here, Vivian had to create one from scratch.
He glanced over at his mother, who was reviewing more documents with a calm expression. The way she balanced authority and empathy… It was admirable.
For the first time in a while, Zach found himself feeling genuinely grateful that she was the one leading Ravennest in Vincent's absence.
And maybe, just maybe, he was learning something from her too.
Zach thinks he understood everything now. but the plan wasn't that simple. he overlook one thing.