It had been two months since Ray became Gamma. He had tried countless ways to repair his reputation, all while continuing to play the role of an elegant, villainous noble.
In his spare time, he learned how to cook.
Every morning, he ran around the flower garden. He walked around the estate greeting the workers, drank tea in the afternoon, and read books until he fell asleep at night.
Through this routine, he eventually learned the truth about his family. The Hall family was famous for its long history as rulers of the western territories. Gamma's father, Rainhard Hall, was an extremely influential figure, a refined and decisive leader who wielded dark elemental magic. He had played a crucial role during the interspecies war thirty years ago.
At that time, Rainhard had been only fifteen years old. Yet he led troops under royal command and became the most feared war general of the golden era.
Stories from the servants only reinforced how terrifyingly capable his father was. Even the current Emperor of the Empire had appointed Rainhard Hall as the ruler of the western region not out of trust, but fear. Fear that something disastrous might happen if Rainhard remained too close to the imperial capital.
No one could control Rainhard Hall. Not even a ruler with absolute authority. And that wasn't all.
Gamma's mother, the empire's jewel, was said to possess beauty beyond compare, rumored to be eternal. She showed not the slightest sign of aging since her prime.
Both of his parents were true nobles.
Pure-blooded aristocrats, untouched by common lineage. That was the reason Gamma Hall had grown into a proud and selfish child.
However, over the past two months, all of that had begun to sound like nothing more than rumors. The maids had started to interact with him, even if still somewhat awkwardly. The gardeners greeted him openly. Even the chefs now eagerly awaited the young master's visits to the kitchen—just to teach him how to cut vegetables.
And in one month, it would be Gamma Hall's birthday.Unlike previous years, for the first time, everyone in the mansion was actually looking forward to that day.
Meanwhile, far away from the Hall family mansion…
The very Gamma Hall who had become the talk of the estate was now wrapped in a worn, tattered cloak that concealed his entire body, his black hair and even his face.
He slipped away from the mansion through the edge of an artistically crafted fence. No adult could possibly pass through it, but for him, it was different. His small body was a perfect advantage in situations like this.
He kept walking, wandering through the city, until he stopped in silence, staring at rows of medieval-style houses.
In the end, I ran away because I was bored.
That's not my fault, right?
It's their fault for locking me in there.
I want to go out too, you know!
Grinning to himself, he looked around only to finally notice the hostile gazes directed at him.
Yeah, I know I look suspicious.
You think I care!? Hehehe.
I'll enjoy whatever your shops have to offer.
Please line up!
He resolved to spend all the allowance his father gave him this week. But just as he let out a villainous laugh, he let his guard down.
In that brief moment, the pouch stuffed with gold coins was easily snatched by a young boy, who parkoured effortlessly onto nearby rooftops before disappearing entirely.
The people around them pretended not to see anything, turning their gazes away.
Gamma could only sigh in resignation, abandoning his shopping plans and continuing to walk aimlessly.
Hm… what can I do now?
Guess I'll have to find something else.
Is there any fun place here?
An amusement park? A reading garden? Any kind of park will do.
Free entertainment! I need free entertainment!
But no matter how much he searched, all he found were food stalls, weapon shops, magical tools, and even a decrepit old street fortune-teller.
Damn it, where's the fun!?
It's nothing but residential areas.
Not even statues or fountains!
What a boring city!
Is this really the city my family manages!?
This is seriously so boring!
With overwhelming disappointment, he decided to return home.
The next day, he summoned the head butler under the excuse of an urgent matter.
The head butler, Richard, came before Gamma Hall in a tense atmosphere only to be confused by the very first words that left his master's mouth.
"Do you think this city is boring?"
Richard, not understanding at all, asked carefully, "May I ask why the young master would ask such a thing?"
"I simply feel that this city is extremely boring."
"E-Excuse me… could you explain why you feel that way, young master?"
"First, the city lacks trees that provide shade. It's unbearably hot to walk around.
Second, there's nothing to see but outdated residential buildings.
Third, we lack artists."
Richard suddenly realized something and asked in shock, "D-Don't tell me… you went into the city, young master!?"
Gamma froze. Sweat trickled down his face despite doing nothing strenuous.
This is bad…
If he finds out I broke house arrest and reports it to Father…
I'm dead.
Damn it… there's no turning back now.
Guess I'll use that technique!
Gamma put on a sorrowful expression, lowered his head, and spoke earnestly.
"Actually… two days ago, one of the maids said that this world felt very boring.
Then last week, one of the gardeners suddenly sighed deeply on his way home.
And even the chefs talked about the city while I was learning how to make fried rice."
Richard listened seriously, completely unaware that every word was a carefully crafted lie.
Meanwhile, Gamma laughed inwardly at how naturally he had become a masterful deceiver.
He continued,
"That's why I began thinking about doing something. But my words alone won't be enough. I need someone who can truly act on it. That's why I called you."
Richard finally understood what his young master was aiming for, yet hesitated.
"But, young master… with all due respect, I doubt I can handle all of that alone."
"You misunderstand me."
"Eh?"
"I'm not asking you to do it by yourself.
Find experts and bring them before me.
I will design everything according to my own vision."
Richard, now fully aware of his task, replied respectfully, "Please explain in detail, young master."
"First, I want you to find three types of professionals. An architect. A lumberjack.
And any kind of artist. Bring as many as possible before me. After that… leave everything to me," He finished with pride—his words crowned by a smile brimming with confidence.
ehehehehe, I will change this city to be fun using money. Thank you Rainhard Hall, I will use your money wisely for myself!