Chapter 8
605words
In Academy records, this place was "pacified" by me and allocated as my domain—spoils of war. As long as I pay the nominal "territory tax" to the Demon King's Castle, no one will interfere with anything happening there.
The perfect cover.
That weekend, under the pretext of "inspecting my territory," I brought the Crescent Moon Society's core members back to the village.
This time, we weren't met with fear but genuine respect from the villagers led by Chief Qianye.
"Welcome, Lord Hayato!"
Seeing rekindled hope in their eyes strengthened my resolve.
I skipped lengthy speeches and gathered all core members and village representatives in the central clearing for our first assembly.
"First, let's be clear," I began directly. "From today, Green Leaf Village is no longer at anyone's mercy. It's the first home of our Crescent Moon Society—a secret, self-sufficient fortress."
I spread a large parchment showing blueprints for the village's transformation, based on Kanon's intelligence and my planning.
"To achieve this, we need clear division of labor, utilizing each person's strengths efficiently."
I pointed to Ando Tsukasa.
"Ando, you have the clearest mind and sharpest logic. You'll be Green Leaf's general manager—handling daily operations, production planning, and resource allocation. Create a system that rewards contribution fairly—more for the hardworking, less for the idle. We need everyone motivated to give their best."
"Yes!" Ando's eyes gleamed with purpose. This responsibility gave the former slave unprecedented self-worth.
Next, I turned to Iron Fang Mei.
"Iron Fang, your strength and courage are our shield. Select the strongest villagers to form a patrol team. Your mission is twofold: maintain vigilance against outsiders and ensure internal safety. Remember, you're not overseers—you're protectors."
"Count on me!" Iron Fang pounded his chest confidently.
Next was Kikyo Rimei.
"Rimei, your healing magic is our lifeline. You'll manage the village infirmary. Beyond treating injuries, use your elven affinity for plants to work with Elder Qianye on improving crops and increasing food production."
"I'll do my absolute best!" Kikyo nodded determinedly, azure eyes shining.
"As for Tsukishima and Kanon," I turned to them, "your tasks are more specialized."
"Tsukishima, remain at the Academy as our firewall. Establish a permanent, concealed defense and illusion barrier around Green Leaf Village to prevent magical surveillance. To the outside world, you'll be my spokesperson—the face of the 'brutal lord.'"
Tsukishima nodded coolly, understanding perfectly. Her cold exterior made her ideal for this cover role.
"Kanon, your network becomes our eyes and ears. Reopen the abandoned trade route near the village and use it to establish our secret commerce and intelligence network. We need funds, supplies, and most crucially, information about everything happening beyond our walls."
"This is what I do best! Though we'll need startup capital, right, Mr. President?" Kanon extended her hand with a grin.
I tossed her a small pouch containing my years of savings as a candidate.
"Use it wisely."
Finally, I addressed Elder Qianye.
"Elder, you're the villagers' backbone. Guide and reassure everyone, helping them understand and support our vision. This transformation requires everyone's effort."
The elder smiled contentedly. "Rest assured, Lord Hayato. Witnessing this in my lifetime is more than this old man dared hope for."
In just one hour, we established the Crescent Moon Society's initial structure and guidelines.
Looking at my companions, each with clear responsibilities and burning enthusiasm, unprecedented satisfaction welled within me.
This was no longer a solitary battle.
An efficient, precise, covert organization resembling a modern enterprise had taken its first breath in this backward world ruled by the Demon King.
Our revolution had taken its most solid first step.
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