[ Volume 1] Chaper 6-Whispers of Willowmere

Alaric stood tall, his posture unwavering, hands clasped neatly behind his back. His sharp gaze remained fixed on the governor, his voice steady as he spoke. "No, sir, it's my pleasure. If it's your decision, then it must be the right one."

The governor studied him for a moment before a small smile appeared on his lips. "Mr. Alaric, you are one of the most honest and capable officers I have ever come across. Sending you to this place… I know it's not ideal. After all, it has just been declared a district. But I have no other choice."

Alaric didn't react outwardly, but his silence urged the governor to continue.

"This place is different," the governor said, his tone turning serious. "A year ago, no one even acknowledged the existence of Willomere. It was just another forgotten village, despite its potential—small bridges, untouched opportunities. And yet, none of the ministers or officers ever cared about it."

He paused, leaning forward slightly. "Do you know why?"

Alaric remained still, listening.

"The mayor," the governor said, his voice laced with disdain. "A corrupt man. One we could never quite pin down. He never allowed government officials to intervene. No audits, no reports, nothing. He ruled that village as if it was his personal kingdom, untouchable and unchecked."

Alaric's gaze hardened, his mind already piecing together the kind of situation he was walking into.

"But then, six months ago, everything changed," the governor went on. "Suddenly, two—no, three hospitals were built. Schools were established. Infrastructure was repaired. It was as if someone had turned on a switch and the village started running like a well-oiled machine."

Alaric's brows knitted together slightly. "And what caused that shift?"

The governor met his gaze. "A new village head," he said, pausing for effect. "A girl."

Alaric's eyes narrowed slightly. "A girl?"

"Yes," the governor nodded. "Her name is Ruby Lancaster. Normally, a village head is an elder or a seasoned politician, but this time, the people chose her. A girl not even twenty-one, yet handling an entire village."

Alaric didn't speak, but his interest was piqued.

The governor exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "And the most baffling part? The people follow her. Not just respect her—follow her. Whatever she says, they obey without question. To them, she isn't just a leader. She's the rule itself."

Alaric's expression didn't change, but his mind sharpened with interest. A village head? A young woman leading an entire district, defying corruption and pushing forward rapid development? It was unusual—no, unprecedented.

The governor leaned back in his chair, observing Alaric closely before continuing. "Ruby Lancaster. That's her name. A girl who wasn't even in politics or administration. No experience, no background, yet in just six months, she turned a forgotten village into something that caught the attention of the higher-ups."

Alaric's fingers twitched slightly behind his back. "And the mayor?" His voice was calm, but there was an underlying weight to it.

The governor sighed, rubbing his temple. "Still there. Lurking in the background like a wounded beast. But ever since Ruby took over, he's been losing his grip. We don't know how, but she's managed to counteract his influence, step by step."

Alaric's brows furrowed slightly. "If she's already handling it so well, why am I being sent?"

A small, knowing smile returned to the governor's lips. "Because power shifts are never smooth. Right now, Ruby Lancaster might be holding the fort, but the moment she shows weakness, everything will come crashing down. The mayor is waiting for his moment. And beyond him—there are others watching, waiting to take advantage."

Alaric didn't respond immediately. Instead, he processed every word carefully. A young woman leading a village against an established corrupt system. A brewing power struggle. And now, they wanted him to step in.

After a moment, he exhaled softly. "Understood."

The governor nodded. "I knew you would." Then, with a more serious expression, he added, "One more thing, Alaric."

Alaric met his gaze.

"Be careful with her. She's not just some naive village girl. She's dangerous in her own way."

Alaric gave a firm nod before turning sharply on his heel, his posture unwavering. With a crisp salute, he exited the governor's office, the weight of his new assignment already settling on his shoulders.

His mind churned. A village head—barely twenty-one—holding that much power? The people followed her blindly, and even the government struggled to intervene. That alone was enough to make him wary. And then there was the mayor—a man deeply entrenched in corruption, someone who had kept his grip on the district for years without leaving a trace of evidence behind.

"An untouchable mayor and a village head with too much influence… Looks like I'll have my hands full."

Just as he stepped into the corridor, his phone vibrated violently in his pocket. Ring. Ring. Ring.

He exhaled through his nose, pulling out the device. The screen lit up with a familiar name. Mom.

The tension in his shoulders eased ever so slightly as he answered, his voice losing its usual firm edge. "Hey, Mama."

A warm, teasing voice greeted him from the other end. "Hello, Mr. Executive. So… another transfer, huh?"

Alaric let out a soft chuckle. "Well, what can we do? Just got the official order. And this one…" He glanced at the papers in his other hand, his lips curling into a small, thoughtful smile. "This might be my last."

His mother hummed in amusement. "Oh? Is that so? And where exactly are they sending you this time?"

Alaric's steps slowed. His fingers tightened slightly around the phone as he gazed out the window at the sprawling city below.

He let out a quiet breath before speaking, his voice laced with intrigue.

"Willowmere."

....

A week later

The village of Willowmere was buzzing with life under the warm morning sun. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of fresh bread, roasted nuts, and wildflowers as people bustled through the streets, setting up stalls and adding last-minute touches to decorations.