Reborn as the Failed Lord with my Resource Gathering System. - Chapter 230

Chapter 230: Christmas special- [Part 3]
“Good.” Dorian said, his voice calm but laced with satisfaction. “What about the commoners?”

“The city guards have been instructed to hand out small tokens—bread, dried fruits, copper coins. Nothing extravagant, but enough to make them feel included.”

Now Dorian turned, meeting Maria’s gaze.

“Excellent work, Maria.”

She bowed slightly.

“It’s my duty, my lord.”

As she left, Seraphina entered, her arms crossed over her chest.

“The seamstresses are exhausted. Half of them collapsed from overwork today.”

Dorian raised an eyebrow.

“Did you pay them extra?”

“Triple.” Seraphina confirmed.

“Then they’ll be fine.” Dorian said dismissively, turning back to the view. “What about you? Are you ready for tomorrow?”

Seraphina stepped up beside him, following his gaze.

“I’m always ready. But I have to admit, even I’m impressed. You’ve turned this entire city into something out of a fairy tale.”

Dorian’s lips curled into a smirk.

“A profitable fairy tale.”

Seraphina snorted.

“Of course. I should’ve known.”

They stood in silence for a moment, watching as workers lit the first few lanterns for testing.

The city began to glow, warm and inviting against the cold winter sky.

“It’s beautiful.” Seraphina admitted quietly.

Dorian glanced at her, his smirk softening into something almost genuine.

“It is, isn’t it?”

….

Christmas Day: Morning

The first scream came just after dawn.

“IT’S CHRISTMAS!”

The shout echoed through the streets, waking neighbors who stumbled out of their homes in confusion.

But confusion quickly turned to wonder.

Snow had begun to fall overnight, blanketing the city in a soft white layer.

And sitting in front of every door, wrapped in colorful paper and tied with ribbons, were presents.

Children squealed with delight, tearing into their gifts to find wooden toys, sweet treats, and small trinkets.

Adults exchanged knowing glances, their hearts warmed by the unexpected generosity.

Even the nobles, accustomed to luxury, were surprised by the quality of their gifts.

Rare wines, finely crafted jewelry, enchanted items—all bearing a small note that read:

“Merry Christmas. From the Drakon Monarch.”

In the estate, Dorian stood in the entrance hall, surveying the mountain of presents that had been delivered to him and his wives.

The pile reached halfway up the staircase, an absurd collection of gratitude from the people.

“Well.” Ishtar said, stepping up beside him. “I’d say they like your holiday.”

Dorian chuckled.

“They should. It cost me a fortune to set up.”

“And how much do you estimate you’ll make back?” Ravina asked, joining them.

Dorian’s grin turned wicked.

“Five times what I spent. Maybe more.”

Yelena, carrying Flare in her arms, shook her head.

“You’re terrible, brother.”

“Terrible?” Dorian repeated, feigning offense. “I prefer the term ‘entrepreneurial genius.'”

Maria entered the hall, holding a scroll.

“My lord, the city is filling up fast. People from neighboring regions are arriving by the hundreds. The inns are fully booked.”

“Perfect.” Dorian said, rubbing his hands together. “Make sure the vendors increase their prices—subtly. We don’t want to seem greedy.”

Maria nodded and left to relay the orders.

Seraphina laughed.

“You really are shameless.”

“I’m a businessman.” Dorian corrected. “There’s a difference.”

Christmas Day: Evening

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the city transformed.

Every light, every lantern, every enchanted orb blazed to life at once.

The streets glowed gold and white, the snow reflecting the light and amplifying it tenfold.

From miles away, travelers stopped in their tracks, staring at the radiant city in awe.

In the city square, the stage Dorian had commissioned stood tall and proud.

Musicians played lively tunes, their melodies drifting through the air.

Dancers twirled and leaped, their movements synchronized and mesmerizing.

Jugglers tossed flaming torches into the air, drawing gasps from the crowd.

And at the center of it all, Dorian stood on stage, arms spread wide.

“Welcome, everyone, to the first ever Christmas celebration!”

The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices shaking the very ground.

Dorian grinned, soaking in the adoration.

“Tonight, we celebrate love, family, and generosity! Tonight, we make memories that will last a lifetime!”

More cheers.

More applause.

Dorian raised his hand, and the crowd fell silent.

“And now, to cap off this glorious night, I give you… the Event of Fireworks!”

He snapped his fingers.

The sky above exploded.

Brilliant red and gold flames burst across the darkness, twisting and spiraling into intricate shapes.

Dragons.

Stars.

Flowers.

Each explosion was met with awestruck gasps and joyful shouts.

Children pointed at the sky, their faces lit up with wonder.

Adults held their loved ones close, tears streaming down their cheeks.

And Dorian stood at the center of it all, watching his creation unfold.

Behind him, his wives gathered together, each wearing a different expression.

Ishtar smirked, clearly impressed.

Seraphina had tears in her eyes, overcome by the beauty of it all.

Maria stood stoic, but even she couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips.

Ravina nodded approvingly, her arms crossed.

And Yelena, holding Flare tightly, beamed with pride for her brother.

“He really did it.” Yelena whispered.

“Of course he did.” Ishtar replied. “He’s Dorian.”

The fireworks continued for nearly an hour, each explosion more spectacular than the last.

When the final burst faded into the night, the crowd erupted into applause so loud it could be heard across the entire dukedom.

Dorian took a bow.

Then another.

And another.

The legend of Christmas had begun.

But as the final embers of the fireworks drifted down like dying stars, Dorian felt it.

A presence.

Cold.

Unfamiliar.

Wrong.

His smile faltered for just a fraction of a second.

He turned his gaze toward the edge of the crowd, scanning the sea of faces.

And there, half-hidden in the shadows between two buildings, he saw them.

Two glowing eyes.

Watching.

Waiting.

Dorian’s hand instinctively moved toward his side, ready to summon his weapon.

But before he could react, the eyes vanished.

Gone as quickly as they had appeared.

He stood frozen, his mind racing.

Who the hell was that?

Behind him, Ishtar noticed his sudden tension.

“Husband? Is something wrong?”

Dorian forced his smile back into place and turned to face her.

“No. Nothing’s wrong.”

But deep down, he knew.

Someone had been watching.

And they weren’t here to celebrate.

…

[A/N]

The end, now back to our main plot.