Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 61: [60] Foundations of Power

-Third-Person Perspective-

Arkan Lawrence was now officially a noble, six months into his new life in this medieval, Europe-inspired world. For someone from the 21st century, adapting to such a rigid and antiquated social structure had been a monumental challenge. Many aspects of this world clashed with his modern mindset—from the deeply entrenched feudal system to inefficient customs that often left him frustrated.

Still, Arkan couldn’t ignore the immense opportunities this world offered. As someone who was unexpectedly thrust into this realm, his task wasn’t just to survive but to prepare for the future—a future he knew would bring catastrophic events and a massive war that would engulf the entire continent. He estimated he had about five years to prepare, for himself and for the territory now under his care.

"How do I build my strength?" Arkan mused, standing on the balcony of the castle that now served as his administrative center in the western coastal region. The sea breeze carried a salty aroma, mingling with the earthy scent of barren land that still required much effort to reclaim its fertility.

If this were the story of a typical isekai protagonist, perhaps he would choose the path of rigorous sword training, mastering martial arts, or delving into the arcane mysteries of magic to become a superhero capable of defeating enemies in a single strike. But Arkan knew better—he wasn’t that kind of person.

No, Arkan wasn’t a high school recluse suddenly thrust into heroism. He was a practical thinker, a university engineering student and activist accustomed to problem-solving and resource management.

"No," he muttered to himself, "I’m not the type to swing a sword all day. If I’m going to build power, I have to do it logically. Strength isn’t just about muscle—it’s strategy, technology, and economy."

After a modest lunch in his castle’s study, Arkan began outlining his plans in a notebook. In his view, strength was built on three pillars: economy, technology, and alliances. By strengthening these three elements, he believed he could create a solid foundation capable of withstanding the coming calamities.

Economy as the Primary Foundation

Arkan knew that in this world, money was everything. He’d already taken the first step by developing a high-quality wine industry in partnership with Marquis Arleon. But that alone wouldn’t suffice—he needed to diversify. With the coastline under his control, he envisioned a port that would become a new trade hub for the western region. Alongside that, he planned to introduce cooperative fishing guilds to empower local fishermen and boost collective production.

Technology as the Instrument of Change

Arkan’s background in engineering provided him with the know-how to introduce simple innovations that could revolutionize daily life. From implementing irrigation systems to enhance crop yields to designing basic tools for industrial processes, he was confident he could drive meaningful progress. He’d even begun drafting plans for windmills to replace manual labor in driving heavy machinery at an iron processing facility he aimed to establish.

Alliances for Political and Military Strength

While Sarasota was a good start, he knew he couldn’t rely solely on the shadowy organization. Arkan needed allies among influential figures—nobles and common folk alike. He was also considering the formation of his own private army. A small but well-trained and loyal force would be critical for defending his territory against both internal unrest and external threats.

"This isn’t about becoming a hero or saving the world," he murmured while gazing at the large map spread across his desk. "It’s about building a system strong enough to survive anything that comes its way."

Rainer entered the study just as Arkan finished speaking. "Talking to yourself again, huh?"

Arkan offered a faint smile. "It’s been a habit of mine for a long time. Don’t worry, I’m not losing my mind."

Approaching the desk, Rainer glanced at the notes scattered across it. "What’s all this? You’ve already mapped out plans for the next five years?"

"Of course," Arkan replied firmly. "We don’t have the luxury of taking it slow. I know what’s coming, and I refuse to waste time preparing."

Rainer nodded slowly, admiration flickering in his eyes. "So, what’s the next step?"

"Our next step," Arkan said, pointing at the map of his territory, "is to solidify my position as a leader trusted by the people here. After all they’ve been through under Baron Darren, they’re bound to be skeptical of me. I need to rebuild that trust. And to do that, I’ll start with a demonstration."

Rainer raised an eyebrow, confused. "A demonstration? Like a performance or something?"

Arkan Lawrence sat at his desk, staring at the map of his coastal territory sprawled across the table. His sharp gaze followed the uneven lines of the region’s borders, deep in thought. The responsibility of managing this barren, neglected land was heavy on his shoulders, but he saw the potential hidden beneath its struggles.

Beside him, Rainer stood, curious about his employer’s unspoken plans.

"So, what’s your move?" Rainer asked, leaning against the desk.

Arkan’s lips curled into a faint smile. "Not a performance, but rather an action—something they can see and feel the results of firsthand."

’This is a strategy I’ve often used before, back when I was part of the environmental student council,’ Arkan thought. ’People believe in actions more than words. If I can show them I’m different from Darren, that I genuinely care about them, trust will come naturally.’

"And what action would that be?" Rainer pressed, intrigued.

Arkan leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against his chin thoughtfully. The people of this region had endured too much—exorbitant food prices, poor harvests, and shattered trust in their leadership. He needed to start with something tangible, something that would immediately impact their lives.

After a moment of silence, a plan took shape in his mind. He turned to Rainer, a determined glint in his eyes. "We’ll start with the basics: food."

"Food?" Rainer echoed, tilting his head.

Arkan nodded. "If the people are starving or paying exorbitant prices just to eat, how can they focus on anything else? We’ll organize food distribution. For that, I’m willing to allocate a significant portion of our current resources."

The next day, Arkan gathered the village chiefs and several influential figures in the region for a meeting. It was held in a dusty, long-neglected hall that barely accommodated everyone. The faces in the room displayed skepticism, exhaustion, and a hint of desperation.

"I understand that you’ve been disappointed too many times by your leaders," Arkan began, his voice calm yet resolute. "And I’m not going to ask you to trust me outright. Instead, I want to show you that things can change."

The room was filled with hushed murmurs, many of them laced with doubt.

"I have arranged for food to be distributed free of charge to the neediest families in every village," he announced. "Additionally, the price of wheat and other staples will be lowered starting today. No one in this territory should have to go hungry."

The murmuring ceased. A stunned silence spread through the room. Some faces lit up with hope, while others wore expressions of hesitation and disbelief.

"But won’t that cause you losses?" asked an elderly man near the door, his frail hand gripping a wooden cane.

"Yes," a middle-aged woman holding a baby chimed in, her voice tinged with worry. "How will you manage that?"

Arkan’s gentle smile softened their concerns. "It might seem like that at first, but don’t worry. I’ve secured agreements with major merchants in the larger cities to reduce the cost of the supplies being shipped to our region. I’ve also streamlined trade routes to lower transportation costs. This won’t be as large of a loss as you might think."

His explanation calmed some of the doubts, but skepticism lingered. A young man in tattered clothes mustered the courage to speak. "So, what do we need to do in return? You’re not just giving this all away for free, right?"

Arkan raised his hand, calling for the group’s attention once more. "No, I’m not giving everything away for free. Not because I want something in return, but because I want you to regain your sense of pride. There’s nothing wrong with accepting help, but I want all of you to stand on your own feet."

He continued, his tone laced with conviction. "Three days after the food distribution, I’ll provide work for you. We’ll focus on three main areas: first, agriculture. I’ll supply seeds and tools to help restore your harvests. Second, fishing. We’ll repair your boats and equipment to increase your catches along the coast. And third, mining. The hills in this territory hold valuable resources. I’ll send experts to help you extract them efficiently."

The murmurs among the crowd grew louder, but this time the tone was different—optimism was beginning to ripple through the room. Some nodded to each other, others whispered in agreement.

The elderly man spoke again, his voice trembling but curious. "If we work hard for this... will it really help us?"

Arkan approached the man, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Not only will it help, but it will transform your lives. I don’t just want this land to survive; I want it to thrive. A place where your children can grow up without the constant fear of hunger or poverty."

Polite applause began to spread across the room. The flicker of hope that had been extinguished during Baron Darren’s tyranny was now beginning to rekindle.

Rainer leaned over to whisper, "You really know how to talk to people, don’t you?"

Arkan gave him a small, amused smile. "It’s not just about words, Rainer. It’s about giving them a reason to believe again."

Rainer nodded as he glanced at the gradually brightening expressions of the crowd. "Well then, let’s prove you’re right."

Arkan let out a soft sigh of relief, though he knew this was only the first step. Food distribution, providing jobs, and fixing the infrastructure would demand immense effort and resources. Yet he also knew these steps were crucial to turning this struggling region into a prosperous one.

Three days later, distribution tents were set up in every village. People arrived with hesitation, but smiles began to form as they received free food for the first time in months. Village chiefs assisted in organizing the supplies, while Rainer oversaw the process to ensure everything went smoothly.

Arkan himself visited one of the villages, personally handing out food while engaging with the locals. He wanted to show them that he wasn’t just a distant noble issuing orders, but someone who genuinely cared about their well-being.

Slowly but surely, public sentiment began to shift. Trust and hope, though still fragile, started to take root.

Rainer observed the scene, his arms crossed. "Winning hearts through politics... simple but effective."

Arkan, overhearing him, smiled faintly. "It’s not politics, Rainer. It’s the groundwork. A leader who doesn’t show up will never earn the trust of their people."

Rainer chuckled. "If you say so. Now, let’s see if the next part of your grand plan works out."

As the villagers left with bags of grain and produce, their once dull expressions now carried hints of cautious optimism. Arkan knew this was only the beginning. But sometimes, rebuilding starts with something as simple as a full stomach.