The town of Redbrook was transforming.
Where once fear and lawlessness had ruled under the Iron Fang mercenaries, now discipline and order were taking shape. Yuuto's militia was growing, with new recruits training daily under his command. The townspeople, hesitant at first, now looked to him as their leader, their protector. But power alone wasn't enough—if he was going to expand his reach, he needed wealth, resources, and political leverage.
And that meant securing the economy of Redbrook.
---
Yuuto sat in the grand hall of the Reinhardt estate, a large wooden map of the region spread across the table. Beside him stood Sophia, arms crossed as she studied the markings he had drawn. Across from them, Selene leaned against the table, tapping a finger against her chin.
Selene had taken charge of the town's trade and logistics, using her experience as the daughter of a wealthy merchant.
"Redbrook has potential," Selene began, "but it's struggling. Iron Fang drained its resources—stores are low, farms are underproducing, and the town's trade routes have been cut off."
Sophia nodded. "My father once maintained strong trade relations with neighboring towns. That ended the moment he surrendered to Iron Fang. If we want Redbrook to thrive again, we need to rebuild those connections."
Yuuto traced a finger along the map. "Who are our best options?"
Sophia pointed to the nearest market town, Aldenport, a day's ride to the south. "Aldenport thrives on trade. If we can restore our connection with them, we'll have access to food supplies and raw materials."
Selene smirked. "And I just so happen to have contacts there."
Yuuto leaned back in his chair, considering. "Then that's our next move. Selene, I want you to handle negotiations. Take a few men with you for protection."
Selene winked. "You got it, boss."
Sophia, however, wasn't entirely convinced. "Aldenport is under Viscount Gregory Darnell's control. He's known for being… difficult."
Yuuto smirked. "Then we'll show him that refusing us isn't an option."
Sophia studied him, then nodded. She was beginning to understand his approach—diplomacy first, force if necessary.
With their plan in motion, Yuuto turned his attention to his second priority.
The militia.
---
The training grounds had once been an abandoned section of the town, but under Yuuto's command, it had become a bustling center of activity.
Recruits drilled under the watchful eyes of experienced fighters—men who had once been mercenaries, now sworn to Yuuto's service. Weapons scavenged from the ruins of Iron Fang's rule had been repaired using Creation Points, turning rusted steel into fine blades.
Yuuto walked among them, observing their progress. Discipline was key. He wasn't just building an army—he was forging an elite force that could expand his control beyond Redbrook.
His eyes fell on a group of younger recruits struggling with sword forms. They were eager but untrained.
"Your swings are sloppy," he said, stepping forward. "You're wasting movement. Efficiency wins battles."
One of the recruits, a broad-shouldered young man, frowned. "We're doing our best."
Yuuto smirked. "Your best isn't enough."
He drew his black-steel longsword and motioned for the young man to attack him. The recruit hesitated, then lunged.
Yuuto sidestepped effortlessly, knocking the blade aside with a flick of his wrist. "Again."
The recruit gritted his teeth and swung harder.
Too slow. Yuuto stepped forward, grabbed his arm, and twisted, sending the young man to the ground.
The others watched in stunned silence.
Yuuto helped the recruit to his feet. "Strength is important, but precision is deadlier. Train smarter, not harder."
The recruit nodded, determination in his eyes.
Good. They were learning.
As Yuuto continued his inspection, Sophia approached.
"They're improving," she admitted.
"They have to," Yuuto replied. "This is just the beginning."
Sophia nodded. "I've started spreading word of your leadership. The people are beginning to accept you—not just as a warrior, but as a ruler."
Yuuto smirked. "Then it's time they see it for themselves."
---
That evening, the people of Redbrook gathered in the town square. A large wooden platform had been erected, torches casting flickering light over the crowd. The townsfolk—merchants, blacksmiths, farmers—stood in hushed anticipation.
Yuuto stepped forward, Sophia at his side.
He surveyed the crowd, then spoke.
"Iron Fang ruled this town through fear and violence. They took from you, crushed your spirit, and left you to suffer." He paused, letting his words sink in. "But that time is over."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
"I do not rule Redbrook as a tyrant," Yuuto continued. "I rule it as its protector. Under my leadership, Redbrook will prosper again. Our markets will reopen. Our soldiers will be trained. Our enemies will be crushed."
This time, there were nods. Agreement.
"I offer you strength," Yuuto declared. "Follow me, and I will make Redbrook the greatest stronghold in the region."
Silence. Then—one voice.
"We stand with you, Lord Yuuto!"
The cry spread. Soon, cheers erupted from the crowd.
Sophia leaned toward him, whispering, "You've won them over."
Yuuto smirked. "Of course I have."
The foundations of his rule were set. Redbrook was his.