An Extra’s Rise in an Eroge

Eveline's lips parted to protest, but I didn't give her the chance.

"Look at the people outside this place," I said, gesturing vaguely toward the city. "They're working hard every day to put food on the table, to take care of their families. Now, compare them to these so-called victims who claim they can't find work. That's just an excuse. Anyone can make that excuse. But you know what separates those outside from these bums? Effort. The will to try, to fight for a better life."

I pointed toward the crowd, my voice rising slightly. "You want to talk about support? Fine. Then tell me this—what happened when the city opened its doors to them? When it offered them labor jobs to help in construction of the city? They were given a chance to contribute, to earn a living with dignity. And what did they do? Nothing. They took the food, the money, and when it was gone, they crawled right back here, content to rot away."

Eveline's face turned red, whether from anger or shame, I couldn't tell. She stared at me, trembling, unable to refute my words.

"N-no, that's because—" Eveline stammered, but I didn't let her finish.

"Now that I think about it," I interrupted, leaning closer, "isn't your church the one that turned them into even bigger failures, Eveline?"

Her glare turned incredulous, her mouth opening as if to counter me. But the hesitation in her expression betrayed her; she was beginning to doubt.

"The Church of Light," I pressed on, "the same one that feeds them and gives them free healing. Do you even realize how expensive it is to get healed by a clergyman outside this place? How lucky they are! And look around—some of these houses look newly built. Don't tell me the church sponsored this too?"

I gestured toward a row of sturdy-looking homes among the dilapidated ones. "You've been coming here for who knows how long, handing out food, healing, and even roofs over their heads. And for what? To create a community of people who know nothing but how to extend their hands and beg?"

Before I could reply, Alicia stepped in with a sharp glare and promptly jabbed her fist into my stomach. "I think that's enough lecturing, Arthur," she snapped, moving past me to embrace Eveline. "Look, you've made her cry!"

Even Althea, usually reserved, was glaring at me like I'd committed a mortal sin.

The crowd, sensing the tension, edged away slightly, murmuring among themselves but keeping their distance.

[Well, you did go a little too far,] Sol remarked, his voice tinged with amusement.

'Did I?' I asked internally, though I knew the answer.

[Yes, you did. Maybe try a different approach next time.]

I stayed quiet, watching as Alicia comforted Eveline. It took a while for her to calm down, and I let the silence stretch. When she seemed a bit steadier, I walked over again, only to be met with Alicia's sharp eyes.

"Choose your words carefully this time," she warned, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I sighed, raising my hands slightly in surrender. "I'm not some heartless villain, you know. I'm just pointing out the reality—even if it sounds harsh."

Eveline sniffled, wiping her eyes. "I know," she said softly, "but we can't just turn our backs on them. They're contained in the slums because they have resources provided to them. Without that, many of them would have turned to crime long ago. A lazy person is better than a criminal."

"That's not a solution," I countered firmly. "You're burning resources without any long-term benefit."

"Then what do you suggest?" Alicia interjected, crossing her arms.

I glanced at the people still hovering nearby, their heads bowed, avoiding eye contact. "Instead of just handing them fish, you should teach them how to fish," I said, my voice steady.

"Teach them how to fish?" Eveline echoed, her confusion mixed with a glimmer of curiosity.

"Exactly," I continued. "Offer them jobs. Make them work for their food, for their homes. Give them a reason to stand on their own two feet instead of constantly relying on handouts. It won't be easy, but it's better than this cycle of dependency. If you do that, I might even help out myself."

Eveline's eyes widened in surprise, and Alicia raised an eyebrow. "Really? No going back now, okay?" Eveline warned, her tone challenging but hopeful.

"Of course," I said with a nod, a small smirk tugging at my lips. "I keep my promises."

Eveline smiled, though her joy quickly dimmed. "But what kind of job could I even offer them?"

"Leave that to me," Alicia interjected confidently, her face lighting up as she pulled out her aetherpod.

Without wasting time, she dialed a number. "Yes, hello, Grandpa Leo!" she greeted cheerfully.

"Yes, I'm fine—everything's fine."

"Oh, nothing major, just wondering... is there any project going on where you could use some extra hands?"

"Oh? A housing project? Perfect! Alright, I'll call you back soon. Thanks, Grandpa!"

Alicia ended the call and turned to us, a satisfied grin on her face. "There's an ongoing housing project sponsored by the Raven House. Grandpa Leo said they could use more labor."

"Hmm, but won't this take away jobs from the regular workers? Aren't you showing a bit of bias toward the people here, Alicia?" I asked.

"No, the regular workers will still handle the actual design and planning of the house. The people from the slums are providing an additional workforce," She replied, "These are just labourers."

Eveline's face brightened with renewed hope. "Did you all hear that?" she called out to the crowd. "This is your chance to improve your lives!"

But instead of enthusiasm, the announcement was met with hesitant murmurs and side glances. A few people seemed interested, but most shuffled awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.

"Trash," I muttered under my breath, my voice dripping with disdain. Discover more stories at empire

Eveline turned to me, confused and slightly frustrated.

"Now do you see?" I said, stepping forward. "They're not helpless—they're just lazy. They won't move unless someone forces them to. Let me show you how to 'convince' such people."

Before anyone could stop me, I walked to the front of the group and shouted, "Listen up, you freeloaders! I know you've grown too comfortable with handouts, but it all ends today."

My words cut through the murmurs, silencing most of the crowd. Still, many stood rooted in place, unwilling to step forward.

Smirking, I raised my voice again. "You're probably thinking, 'If they don't help us, someone else will.' Right? Maybe the church, maybe some bleeding-heart noble. Well, think again."

I reached into my coat and pulled out the insignia of the Ludwig House, holding it high for everyone to see.

"You see this?" I said, my voice firm. "This is the crest of the Ludwig Ducal House. And if you're smart, you know what that means. With the authority of my family, I'll make sure no more donations or aid come to this slum. No food, no healing, nothing. This is your last chance to better your lives!"

A ripple of panic spread through the crowd. Murmurs turned to frantic whispers, and I could see the shift in their expressions. Hesitation gave way to fear, and soon enough, more people started stepping forward, eager to sign up for the job.

Alicia leaned in, whispering sharply, "Are you serious, Arthur?"

"Of course not," I replied with a smirk. "This city is neutral ground. Even the emperor holds no sway here, let alone a duke. I just gave them the push they needed."

Alicia shook her head, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Well, whatever you did, it's working."

We watched as the once-reluctant crowd began lining up, the opportunity for work now seeming more like a lifeline. Eveline's expression shifted from disbelief to cautious optimism.

"See?" I said, glancing at her. "Sometimes, you need more than kind words to inspire change."

Eveline didn't reply immediately, but her thoughtful gaze told me she was reevaluating her approach. Maybe this wasn't the perfect solution, but at least it was a start.

"Is the job dangerous, sister?" a voice broke through the silence, drawing everyone's attention. The question came from a young man near the front of the group, his face serious and filled with concern.

"No, it's not dangerous," Alicia answered reassuringly. "It's just basic labor—moving rocks, wood, and other materials. It might be tough under the sun, but trust me, every drop of sweat will be worth it. This is your chance to earn an honest living."

I turned to Althea. "How many have signed up so far?"

"Sixteen," she replied after a quick count.

"Not bad for a start," I said with a shrug.

Alicia stepped forward, "Great. I'll forward your information to my butler, who will make the necessary arrangements."

She quickly tapped on her aetherpod and made another call. "Yes, Grandpa Leo. I've sent you the list of people who signed up for work. Where should they report, and at what time?"

She paused, listening intently to the response on the other end. After a brief exchange, she nodded. "Got it. Thank you."

Hanging up, Alicia turned to Eveline with a smile. "I've sent the details to my butler. The workers should report to the Raven House's housing project site at dawn tomorrow. I'll let you share the specifics with them."

Eveline stepped forward, her voice steady as she relayed the instructions to the crowd.

"Well," I said, breaking the moment, "since we've wrapped things up here, how about we head back? It's getting late."

Alicia glanced at her aetherpod. "It's already 8. No wonder I'm starving."

I smirked. "Alright, let's grab some dinner. My treat."

That seemed to brighten everyone's mood.

We retraced our steps back to the carriage, where the coachman was still patiently waiting.

As we climbed in, I gave the man a simple instruction. "Take us somewhere nice to dine."

"Yes, sir," the coachman replied, snapping the reins.

The carriage rolled forward, leaving the slums behind as we headed toward a much more comfortable evening ahead.