The weeks turned into months.
Construction had been a whirlwind of activity, as more of Elizabeth's resources were displayed.
Trucks of coal, steel, and concrete were a daily sight.
Even royal pathfinders began guarding the premises, keeping an ever-vigilant eye.
Not only that, but dozens of people from all over the kingdom applied for work.
It was one of the highest-paying jobs in the kingdom, and the protection was next level.
When the first batch of rifles rolled off the assembly line, Lord Engel was already discussing an ammo factory.
Alexander just watched.
He helped with the physical labor where he could, but there was little he could do when it came to management.
Not because he couldn't lead, but because he didn't understand the technical work.
And so, he sat quietly under an oak tree.
Picking flowers and putting them in a bouquet.
As he did this, he didn't see Hinata standing behind him.
"Are you alright?"
Alexander quickly turned around, pointing his bouquet at Hinata.
"Ah! Oh… It's you."
Hinata smiled warmly, stepping out from the shadows.
"I didn't mean to startle you."
Alexander lowered his bouquet with a blush.
"I wasn't startled," he murmured, sitting back down, "I was just… thinking."
Hinata sat beside him, tucking her knees to her chest.
"You've been thinking a lot lately, care to tell me what it is?"
Alexander sighed.
"It's stupid."
Hinata shook her head.
"Nothing you tell me is stupid, I love when we talk."
Alexander's blush deepened.
"Damnit Hinata, don't say things like that."
Hinata chuckled softly.
"Why? It's true."
Alexander fought to hide his smile, looking away.
"Well, would you think that if I told you I feel… sidelined? Like, I'm watching someone build my destiny."
Hinata's smile faded as her gaze softened.
"Mhm, so that's it, you feel left out."
His shoulders slumped.
"Yeah."
They sat in silence for a moment, the distant sound of nature filling the air.
"Well, can I suggest something?"
Alexander turned to face her.
"Always."
She reached for the bouquet, taking it.
"You wanted to rebuild your family legacy the same way your father did. But, you aren't your father."
Alexander swallowed.
"I… I know but–"
Hinata raised her free hand.
"Let me finish," she chimed.
"You aren't your father, because you're better. Why stop at a simple Pathfinder house, when you can build an empire?"
Alexander blinked, "What do you mean?"
"I mean, lean into your strengths. You're the 'Little General' right? It's time you build an army, and go on a campaign."
Hinata smiled, leaning closer.
"This factory is only the beginning, you'll need to secure resources, boost trade, and protect shipments. Elizabeth can't provide everything, and your people are starving for an opportunity."
Alexander's mind raced.
Build an army… an empire.
He had never thought about it before.
He was always focused on rebuilding what his father had, but Hinata was right.
The Daname family isn't a Pathfinder house.
It's him.
And nothing would change that.
Not even Elizabeth.
The Fallen Kingdom needed its Napoleon, its emperor.
And he…
He was that man.
Alexander grinned, standing to his feet.
"Come on, Hinata. We have a campaign to win."
He reached out a hand.
Hinata looked up, taking it.
"That's my Alexander."
— — —
Later that day Alexander pulled Elizabeth aside.
"Oh, my love."
Elizabeth smiled warmly as Alexander pulled her into the factory office.
Alexander sat her down, before spreading his arms.
"Liz, I've had a revelation."
Elizabeth giggled.
"Hm, let's hear it."
Alexander laughed, his voice booming with conviction.
"The people of this nation… are ruined. Lost sheep to the slaughter of oppression. And I, I'm their savior! I'm going to rebuild the Fallen kingdom, starting with my personal legion."
Elizabeth held her smile, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.
Alexander slapped a hand on the office wall.
"Out there, is a world of opportunity. I just have to seize it. But to do that, I need your help."
Elizabeth's eyes lit up with joy.
Her Alex, was finally asking for direct support.
She wondered what caused the sudden change, but more than that, she was relieved.
She jumped from her seat, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him.
"Anything, my love, just ask."
Her voice was filled with an excitement that matched his.
She pulled back just enough to see face-to-face.
Alexander's grin widened, it felt right.
It didn't feel like he was freeloading anymore, it felt like he was part of a team.
"Okay, my initial plan has two phases. One, turning my family's lands into a training ground. And two, I need at least three months' salary for a hundred men, can we do that?"
Elizabeth's heart swelled with pride as she held him tightly.
"Consider it done, my love."
— — —
The word spread like wildfire.
At first, it was whispers in the factory, but day after day, more people just so happened to 'visit' Ingloburg.
Mostly men, and young ones at that.
They hung around the factory like moths to a flame, asking casual questions about work.
But every time Alexander arrived or departed, he was watched.
He initially ignored them, as the training grounds hadn't been built yet.
But, Hinata suggested the men could build it themselves.
It killed two birds with one stone.
And so, Alexander stepped out of the factory one day with a casual grin.
He stopped before a group of gathered men, who were sharing a light lunch of vegetables.
"It's no secret as to why you all are here."
He began.
"So I'll cut to the chase, who wants to help me build the training ground that will eventually employ you?"
The men sat in stunned silence, exchanging glances.
Then, one person in the back slowly raised a hand.
"I'll do it."
The man's voice was clear and steady—cutting through the silence.
Then another man stood.
"M-me too."
A third rose, and a fourth, then a fifth.
Until eventually the entire group was on their feet, a murmur of agreement rippling through them.
The once desperate atmosphere had shifted into a spark of hope.
No longer waiting for a handout.
But a chance at a real opportunity.
Alexander nodded, "Good, let's get to work."