Chapter 13: Gaining People’s Trust
While Ryan and Joan spent their night in the old Luxem family manor, the concerned people of Stonefall Village gathered at the old man’s house to speak to him in private.
“Master Albert, what shall we do with this situation?” one of the men complained.
“Yeah! This young man just came out of nowhere and claimed to be the Master of Stonefall Village. You have led us for over thirty years. You should not be replaced so easily!” another woman said.
“In fact, it was Baron Luxem who granted you this position before. Why would it be suddenly given to someone else now?”
The people inside of the former village master’s house chorused in agreement.
“They’re right, grandfather. This is unacceptable! We would have complained and protested if it weren’t for you agreeing to help them when they came.” One of the young men from earlier, who Master Albert asked to help, crossed his arms and looked grumpy.
“I sent my bird to gather the news from Crowehaven, and they say that this young man who introduced himself to us as the new Master is none other than Sixth Prince Ryan Von Roald. He has been exiled from the Finis Palace by his father.”
“Wait, so the person who got sent here is a no-good son of His Majesty?”
“Be careful of how you speak! We might get in trouble!”
“What can this young man even do? He is no longer a Prince. He is just as good as us commoners.”
“More importantly, what can he even do for us if he’s bad enough to be sent out of the palace? Master Albert, it’s far better that you remain as the head of the village. We will not stand for this sudden change of roles. What can he and his maid do if you refuse? I do not think they will be able to run back to the palace.”
While all of the villagers complained and voiced their concerns to the old man of the village, Old Man Albert had remained silent all throughout the duration.
Old Man Albert had listened well to the words of his village people, so now, it was his turn. He cleared his throat to speak.
This small action was enough to gain the attention of the concerned villagers, and all of their eyes turned to him and they paid attention well.
“People of Stonefall Village, please do not be so quick to judge a person who has just arrived here. He has done nothing wrong to us. We also do not wish to base a person’s character based on their history but how they currently act. Tomorrow, he has promised to speak with us. From then on, we shall see if he could prove your judgment wrong,” Old Man Albert said.
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“Good morning, people of Stonefall Village! I extend my gratitude to each and every one of you for promptly gathering here on such short notice,” Ryan greeted everyone.
It was so early in the morning, so Ryan was still feeling sleepy. On the contrary, the people of Stonefall Village started their day even before the sun showed itself beyond the peaks of the mountain.
The sky was still dark and was still dotted with a few stars.
In fact, the people were actually surprised that Ryan was awake at this hour. Knowing that he was a former Prince, most of them expected him to wake up late.
“Good morning, Master Ryan!” they chorused.
‘Ah, even though I’m just standing in front of them now, I’m already accruing a lot of Grimoire Points,’ Ryan thought. He was satisfied with that, but he was a lot more concerned with gaining the people’s trust.
“What will you tell them, Master Ryan?” the Grimoire asked.
The book was currently held by Joan, who stood in the sidelines. Since it was not too far away from Ryan, its voice communicated directly into Ryan’s mind. “Even though they call you by that title with their lips, they don’t really mean it. You must find a way to make them say it truly in their hearts too.”
‘Obviously, a way to earn people’s trust is by being honest with them, Builder.’ Ryan replied to the Grimoire with a confident smile as he looked at the people.
"I am fully aware that this change of leadership in Stonefall Village has taken you by surprise. Nevertheless, I humbly request that you grant me the opportunity to demonstrate my worth to each and every one of you," Ryan expressed with sincerity, slightly lowering his head. "I understand that you may be curious as to why I find myself here today. To address this, I was exiled by my own father and stripped of my noble status."
The villagers all looked up upon hearing the last part of Ryan’s words. They did not think that he would admit that he was a commoner now.
In their knowledge, the nobility relished their position and status so much, so his unexpected words made them pay attention keenly to what he was going to say.
Old Man Albert stood among the crowd and listened to the young man’s words, observing how he addressed Stonefall Village’s people.
He did not voice out any distress from last night, and even now, he only looked calmly at the young man, who looked at them with a sheepish smile.
Old Man Albert had served Stonefall Village for decades and knew how to look at people. He saw good in Ryan and not ill.
“I am aware that such a big change might be unsettling, and it’s natural to long for what you've been accustomed to. However, if you bestow upon me this opportunity, I promise to bring about changes that will lead Stonefall Village towards a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow,” Ryan said.
The people didn’t say anything aloud in response to Ryan’s words. There were only murmurs among the crowds.
‘Hah. A bit of a tough crowd isn’t it?’ Ryan thought, but he had already planned and accounted for this when he talked with Joan last night.
“Naturally, I must confess that I cannot accomplish this task alone,” Ryan said and looked among the crowds. “I am but one man, and my efforts would be in vain without the collective assistance of each and every one of you. To that end, I humbly seek guidance not only from our esteemed former Master Albert, with his kind consent, but also from someone who possesses intimate knowledge of Stonefall Village's intricacies!”