Lucian leaned back in his chair, pleased with himself after the town tour. The Countess had seen firsthand how well Duskwatch was thriving, and he was certain she had bought into his carefully crafted facade of effortless genius.

  Meanwhile, Countess Amelia sat across from him in the town hall, quietly sipping her tea. She watched him with unreadable eyes, her mind whirring with analysis. Everything she had witnessed defied logic. No taxation, no formal governance, yet prosperity flourished. Even more perplexing, the people genuinely adored Lucian, and not out of fear or obligation.

  She set her teacup down with deliberate grace. "Lord Veilwood, I must admit, I am… intrigued."

  Lucian smirked. "Naturally. Duskwatch’s success is no accident. Every move has been calculated."

  Dorian, standing behind him, turned pale. Elaine choked on her drink.

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  "Oh?" Amelia folded her hands. "Then tell me, Lord Veilwood, what was your thought process behind allowing the market to regulate itself so freely?"

  Lucian waved a hand lazily. "Simple. If people think they have freedom, they take responsibility. You just have to nudge them in the right direction."

  Dorian’s face twitched, barely holding in a scream. He actually believes this was his plan?!

  Amelia tapped a finger against her chin. "And the militia? You claim to have had no formal military training, yet your people speak as if your strategies are genius."

  Lucian nodded sagely. "Ah, yes. The key is delegation. Give people just enough power to think they’re in charge, while secretly guiding them."

  Elaine raised an eyebrow. Is… is he serious?

  Amelia studied him for a long moment, then gave a small smile. "I see. You are far more capable than the rumors suggested."

  Lucian grinned. Perfect. She’s completely convinced.

  Meanwhile, Dorian and Elaine exchanged glances. Oh no. She’s completely convinced.

  Outside, the people of Duskwatch continued their work, blissfully unaware that their “strategic genius” of a lord was merely a man who had stumbled into greatness by accident.