The Villain Professor's Second Chance

As the carriage approached the mansion, the familiar sight of the Drakhan estate brought a sense of relief and purpose. The staff and guards lined up to welcome me, their expressions a mix of concern and respect. Alfred stood at the forefront, his ever-present composure a comforting sight.

I nodded to him, signaling my thanks before making my way inside, eager to retreat to my study and gather my thoughts.

The Drakhan Earldom's mansion, or more accurately, more like a castle, was a stark contrast to the capital's elegant yet exposed architecture. The structure here was formidable, with high stone walls and fortified towers, a testament to the turbulent history of the region. The mansion's exterior was designed not just for show but for defense.

Gargoyles perched on the battlements, their stone gazes ever watchful. A deep moat surrounded the walls, filled with water from the nearby mountains, and the drawbridge creaked as it lowered, granting me passage.

Inside, the atmosphere was equally imposing but warmer. The halls were adorned with tapestries depicting the Drakhan family's storied past, from battles won to alliances forged. The air was thick with the scent of polished wood and aged parchment, a reminder of the countless generations that had lived and ruled from these very halls.

The large windows, though protected by iron grilles, allowed sunlight to spill into the rooms, casting long shadows that danced on the stone floors.

As I entered my study, I was greeted by the sight of my officials already assembled outside, waiting for my arrival. Lorik and Alaric, the current acting head stewards of the earldom, stood with Garren, the head knight, and Alfred, ever vigilant. They were the pillars of my administration, each with a critical role in maintaining the stability and prosperity of the Drakhan lands.

"Welcome back, my lord," Lorik began, his voice steady but with an undercurrent of relief. "We have much to discuss, especially regarding the funds and the current state of the earldom."

I nodded, motioning for them to follow me into the study. The room was lined with bookshelves filled with tomes on history, magic, and governance. A large oak desk stood at the center, piled high with reports and correspondence. As we settled in, the atmosphere became more formal, the weight of our responsibilities settling over us like a cloak.

"First, the funds," I said, cutting to the chase. "I've heard there are concerns about the collection of taxes and the pace of revitalization efforts."

Lorik and Alaric exchanged a glance before Lorik spoke up. "Yes, my lord. There has been pressure to expedite the collection, especially with the increased expenses from the recent construction projects and the expansion of our defensive structures.

The current expenses for these projects are around 5000 golds, with another 2000 golds allocated for maintenance and support for the farmers affected by the drought."

I leaned back in my chair, considering his words. The revitalization of the earldom was crucial, but pushing the populace too hard could lead to unrest. "We will not hasten the tax collection," I said firmly, my gaze sweeping across the room. "The last thing we need is to overburden the people. The stability of the earldom is more important than a temporary influx of funds."

A collective sigh of relief passed through the room, though it was subtle. Even Garren, who rarely showed much emotion, seemed slightly more at ease. "Your wisdom is appreciated, my lord," Alaric added, nodding respectfully. "However, we do need to find a way to balance the budget. The current projects are draining our reserves faster than anticipated."

"Let's start with the reports," I suggested, leaning forward. "I need to know exactly where we stand before we make any decisions."

Lorik produced a stack of documents, each detailing various aspects of the earldom's finances. As he began to outline the numbers, I listened intently, noting the areas where expenses had exceeded projections. The expansion of the defensive structures had been a significant drain, but it was necessary given the increasing unrest in the region.

The agricultural output had also suffered due to a recent drought, further straining our resources.

"We've allocated additional funds to support the farmers," Lorik explained. "But it's a temporary solution. We need a more sustainable approach."

I nodded, rubbing my chin thoughtfully. "We should consider diversifying our economy. The coastal areas could be developed for trade, perhaps even tourism if we invest in the infrastructure."

Alaric looked intrigued. "That's an ambitious idea, my lord. It would require significant investment upfront, but the long-term benefits could be substantial."

"Exactly," I replied. "It's a risk, but one worth taking. We can't rely solely on agriculture and mining. Diversification is key to long-term stability and growth."

Garren, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "What about the military? The recent unrest has shown that our defenses, while strong, can always be improved. If we're opening up the coast, we need to consider naval defenses as well."

"Good point," I acknowledged. "We'll allocate funds for strengthening our naval presence. It will also protect our trade routes. But for current funds as we're currently running out. I'll grant you these,"

With a wave of my hand, I used psychokinesis to bring forth five large leather bags from a concealed compartment. The bags landed softly in front of the officials, who exchanged curious glances.

"What are these, my lord?" Garren asked, voicing the question that was on everyone's mind.

I leaned back in my chair, a faint smile on my lips. "These are items I have acquired during my time in the capital. While they may not appear valuable at first glance, they possess significant potential. I want you to have these items appraised by our trusted experts, and then arrange a grand auction here in the Drakhan Earldom."

Alfred raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "An auction, my lord?"

"Yes," I confirmed. "We will collaborate with the prominent auction organizers from the capital to ensure the event is well-publicized and attracts the right clientele. These items, combined with a few of my own experiments, should fetch a considerable sum. It will be more than enough to cover our current expenses and provide a cushion for future projects."

The room buzzed with renewed energy as the officials began discussing the logistics. Lorik and Alaric seemed particularly enthused, already planning the event's details.

"I trust you to handle the appraisals and auction preparations, Lorik, Alfred," I continued. "Ensure everything is executed flawlessly. This auction will not only secure the necessary funds but also showcase our region's potential and resources."

The officials nodded in agreement, their expressions serious and focused. The auction was more than just a financial solution; it was an opportunity to bolster the Drakhan family's standing and demonstrate our resourcefulness.

Turning to Alaric and Garren, I said, "As for you two, I want you to accompany me on a tour of our farms and rural areas. It's crucial that we understand the challenges our people are facing firsthand, especially in light of the recent drought. We'll assess their needs and discuss how we can best support them during these tough times."

Alaric and Garren nodded, ready to take on the task. Alaric's keen eye for detail and Garren's reassuring presence would be invaluable during this tour. The goal was not just to provide immediate relief but to foster long-term resilience among our people.

As I traveled to the farms, I was greeted with a mixture of apprehension and hope. The farmers, though visibly nervous, stepped forward to answer my questions about the challenges they were facing. One older farmer spoke up, his voice trembling slightly but clear.

"My lord, we've seen some improvements, and we're grateful for the assistance," he began, glancing at the others for support. "But the land... it hasn't been fertile for years. No matter what we do, the crops don't yield well."

His words resonated with the struggles many farmers faced, and I could see the weariness in their eyes. I knelt down and touched the soil, feeling its dry, depleted texture. It was clear that traditional methods hadn't been enough to revitalize it. This was the perfect opportunity to test my hypothesis about [Chyrisus' Touch].

According to my understanding, [Chyrisus' Touch] is a skill that taps into an item's inherent potential and enhances it. The skill's namesake, Chyrisus, is derived from an ancient god associated with growth and abundance, believed to have the power to bring life to barren lands.

My theory was that by channeling my mana into the soil, I could enhance its natural fertility, unlocking and amplifying its potential to support abundant growth.

As I focused my mana into the ground, I felt a warm, subtle vibration through my hands, a hum of energy that resonated with the earth. The soil beneath my fingers began to change color, darkening from a pale, ashy brown to a richer, more vibrant hue. It was as if the land itself was awakening, responding to the infusion of energy with a renewed vigor.

The farmers watched in awe as the transformation unfolded. The once dull and lifeless soil now had a deep, healthy brown color, indicating increased fertility and nutrient richness. It was a visible, tangible change, and the farmers' expressions shifted from fear to amazement and hope.

"It's... it's changing!" one of the younger farmers exclaimed, kneeling to touch the transformed soil. "It's warm and feels... alive."

I stood up, feeling a sense of satisfaction and hope. "This is just the beginning," I told them, meeting their eyes with a confident smile. "With continued care and proper techniques, your land can flourish again. Take care of it well,"

The farmers' faces lit up with gratitude and relief, their complexions brightening as they began to believe in the possibility of a better future. It was a small victory, but a meaningful one. With this, the harvest would be more bountiful, and it could also help in making the profits from the taxes increase.

Let's continue this pace.