Raze stood on the elevated platform overlooking the arena, his blue eyes tracking across the assembled crowd with expression mixing wonder and something approaching disbelief. Three thousand people. The number had been abstract when Logan mentioned it, but seeing them physically present transformed statistics into overwhelming reality.

The stands were packed beyond capacity, bodies filling every available space in configuration that made the arena seem alive with contained energy. Spectators occupied the stone seating in organized tiers, though many stood in the aisles or pressed against railings seeking better views. Competitors filled designated sections, their various cultivation auras creating visible distortion in the air where so much concentrated power gathered in proximity.

Banners bearing the Dragonheart crest hung throughout the arena, blue and silver colors catching morning light. The protective barriers shimmered with contained mana, translucent walls ready to contain whatever techniques the matches would produce. Display cases near the main entrance held six thousand gold coins arranged for maximum visual impact, the metal gleaming with promise that had drawn warriors from across the region.

This was his doing. A commoner turned Count hosting tournament that attracted thousands, administrative gathering that would reshape how his domain was governed, all organized in two weeks through combination of Logan's efficiency and resources that still felt unreal despite months of adjustment.

The transmigrator in him recognized the absurdity. Weeks ago in his previous life, he'd been nobody with no authority over anything. Now he stood before three thousand people preparing to address them as their Count, lord of territory spanning fourteen major towns and countless villages.

The crowd noise diminished gradually as attention focused on the platform, thousands of eyes tracking toward where he stood. Expectation hung in the air, anticipation building as everyone waited for him to speak.

Raze took a breath, letting the moment settle before projecting his voice across the arena through cultivation technique enhancing volume and clarity.

"Citizens of my domain, honored guests from beyond our borders, warriors who've traveled to test yourselves in competition," he began, voice carrying to the furthest reaches of the stands. "Welcome to Clearwater, and welcome to this tournament that marks the beginning of something I hope will become tradition."

The crowd remained silent, complete attention focused forward in way that made his skin prickle with awareness of scrutiny.

"I stand before you as Count Dragonheart, granted authority over this domain mere months ago," Raze continued. "Some of you know my background, others have heard rumors that likely exceed reality. The truth is simple. I was born with nothing, raised in circumstances where survival consumed all energy, elevated through combination of capability and fortune to position I'm still learning to fulfill properly."

Movement rippled through the crowd, people shifting as they processed this acknowledgment. Nobles typically emphasized their lineage and inherent superiority. Admitting humble origins while standing as Count was unusual enough to capture interest.

"This domain encompasses fourteen major towns, each one vital to our collective prosperity," Raze said, his tone strengthening. "Silverdale with its mineral wealth that funds infrastructure throughout our region. Maplestream where agricultural innovation feeds our population. Clearwater, where we gather today at the crossroads of commerce connecting us all. Thornhaven, whose mines provide resources that fuel our economy despite the dangers extraction entails."

He paused briefly, letting each name register before continuing.

"Millbrook, where farming communities demonstrate resilience despite challenges previous administration ignored. Riverside, whose position along major waterways makes it gateway for trade flowing through our territory. Oakridge, where craftsmen produce goods whose quality rivals anything the capital offers. Ironwood, whose forests provide lumber supporting construction across multiple towns."

His voice carried across the arena, each town name spoken with deliberate emphasis that acknowledged their importance.

"Stonehaven, whose quarries supply material for buildings that will stand for generations. Greenfield, where innovation in cultivation techniques promises increased yields benefiting everyone. Brightwater, whose position near our northern border makes it crucial for regional security. Ashford, whose textile production employs hundreds while generating substantial revenue. Willowbrook, where healing traditions preserve knowledge about medicinal plants and alchemical preparation. And finally Redstone, whose strategic location makes it vital link in trade networks extending beyond our borders."

The crowd had gone completely silent now, attention riveted as he named each town systematically. This wasn't typical noble speech emphasizing the speaker's importance. This was acknowledgment that the domain's strength came from its component communities rather than central authority alone.

"I mention each town specifically because this tournament represents more than simple entertainment or opportunity for warriors to prove themselves," Raze said. "It represents my commitment to understanding the talent that exists throughout this domain. Previous administration treated this territory as revenue source requiring minimal attention beyond tax collection. I intend different approach."

He gestured toward the competitors assembled in their designated sections.

"Each of you who registered for this tournament comes from somewhere. Towns I've named, villages I haven't mentioned, communities beyond my borders who heard about substantial prizes and traveled to test yourselves. Regardless of where you originated or what rank you've achieved, your presence here matters. You represent potential that proper support and training could develop into excellence."

Raze's gaze swept across the crowd, making eye contact with various sections before continuing.

"The Dragonheart Knights currently number twenty warriors. Capable individuals, each one vetted thoroughly by my Grandmaster. But twenty is inadequate for territory this size. I need fifty, eventually perhaps more. Not just bodies wearing my crest, but genuine martial excellence that can protect this domain while representing its values."

He paused, letting that statement sink in before delivering the key point.

"This tournament will help me identify that talent. The prizes are substantial, five hundred gold for first place in each division, hundred gold for positions two through ten. That's six thousand gold total, significant investment that some might consider excessive. But gold is replaceable. Talent is not. If this tournament allows me to find thirty warriors who can become the foundation of a proper knight order, the cost becomes irrelevant."

Movement rippled through the competitors' sections, warriors straightening as they processed the implications. This wasn't just about prize money. This was recruitment opportunity that could transform their futures.

"I'm not looking only at who reaches finals," Raze continued. "I'm evaluating everyone who competes. How you fight matters more than whether you win. Someone eliminated in early rounds might demonstrate qualities valuable for the knight order despite losing their match. Conversely, reaching finals through luck rather than skill won't guarantee recruitment."

He gestured toward Oziel, who stood nearby in position of authority.

"My Grandmaster will observe every match personally. His assessment carries more weight than tournament results. If he identifies you as recruitment candidate, you'll receive offer regardless of your final placement. The prizes reward competitive success. Recruitment rewards genuine capability."

The crowd's energy had shifted, anticipation mixing with recognition that they were witnessing something unusual. Young nobles typically gave perfunctory speeches emphasizing their own importance before allowing events to proceed. This was different, comprehensive explanation that treated the audience as intelligent participants rather than mere spectators.

"Beyond recruitment, this tournament serves another purpose," Raze said. "It demonstrates what this domain can accomplish when properly organized and adequately funded. Clearwater has never hosted event of this scale. The economic impact alone justifies the effort, gold flowing into local businesses at rate that exceeds typical months of commerce. But more importantly, it establishes precedent."

His voice strengthened, carrying authority that transcended his youth.

"I intend to govern actively rather than distantly. That means understanding each town's specific challenges, resolving disputes fairly, ensuring resources reach their intended purposes rather than disappearing into corrupt pockets. The round table gathering this afternoon brings together all fourteen town heads plus representatives from villages throughout our domain. We'll discuss priorities, address concerns, and establish framework for ongoing coordination."

He paused, recognizing this next part mattered enormously for how people would perceive his governance.

"Some might question whether someone of my age and background can handle these responsibilities competently. Fair concern, given I was nobody mere months ago. I don't claim to have all answers or perfect judgment. What I offer is commitment to learning, willingness to acknowledge mistakes, and determination to put this domain's needs ahead of personal convenience."

Raze's gaze tracked across the crowd, voice carrying conviction that came from genuine belief rather than rehearsed performance.

"Previous administration treated you as resources to be exploited. I treat you as people deserving competent governance. That's not revolutionary philosophy, it's basic recognition of what authority should mean. Power without responsibility is tyranny. Authority without accountability breeds corruption. I intend neither."

The silence was absolute now, three thousand people hanging on his words with attention suggesting they recognized this moment's significance.

"So compete today with everything you possess," Raze concluded. "Show me what this domain's warriors are capable of. Prove that talent exists throughout this territory waiting for opportunity to develop properly. And know that regardless of tournament results, your participation demonstrates courage worth acknowledging."

He raised his hand in gesture encompassing the entire arena.

"Welcome again to Clearwater. Let the tournament begin, and may the best warriors in each division claim the recognition they deserve."

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