In the late afternoon, one day before Gamma's birthday. Three noble carriages bearing the crest of the Hall family passed through the border of the Hall territory. Slowly but surely, the people nearby began to notice them, and soon cheers erupted as they realized that their lord had finally returned together with his wife.
The leading carriage carried goods: armor, supplies, and large sums of money.
The carriage in the middle carried Rainhard's wife, Violette Hall. With her silver hair and a beautiful face that seemed untouched by time even after two decades, she had become a symbol of beauty itself. She was known for her fondness for the color green; she even possessed a piece of jewelry, an artifact, that was always green, perfectly matching her emerald-colored eyes. At that moment, she looked genuinely delighted as she waved and greeted her people.
Meanwhile, Rainhard Hall, riding in the rearmost carriage, observed the condition of his city with a serious expression. The people who noticed him did not feel fear, but awe. They were already accustomed to his demeanor and knew well how deeply he cared for his territory. Even now, he was troubled by several issues concerning the state of his land.
Feeling that he was not clever enough to resolve these matters alone, Rainhard took out an artifact that looked like nothing more than a small stone. It was a communication artifact known as "Northern Symphony." By itself, the artifact was useless unless paired with its twin, "Southern Symphony." His wife possessed the matching artifact, which was why he chose to use it now.
Rainhard poured mana into the stone until it began to glow, then spoke softly, "My wife, do you see it as well? The difference."
"Oh? You noticed too? I thought you were only thinking about those muscles of yours."
Rainhard let out a small laugh. "I know I'm not very competent when it comes to governing a territory. But at the very least, I care about this land."
"I know, dear. That's exactly why I handle the paperwork while you're busy flexing those big muscles of yours."
"Is it just me, or are you sulking right now?"
"It's just your imagination. I'm always like this."
"That somehow hurts even more to hear!"
"Alright, enough joking. You're right. There is a difference. It seems someone is secretly planning something behind our backs."
Rainhard fell silent for a moment, then asked, "The princess?"
"Why would she do something in secret?"
"Perhaps she still doesn't fully trust us."
"Hm… that does make sense."
"But maybe we should just leave it be. The people look happy, after all. Perhaps we're just overthinking things. It might simply be a large project initiated by the citizens themselves."
Violette smiled. "You're right. And it does look impressive. Their coordination is remarkably organized. I wonder what they're trying to build. Still, why are they covering everything with cloth?"
"Maybe it's a surprise?" Rainhard replied.
"Another festival? Didn't someone just conquer a high-level labyrinth a few months ago?"
"Well, no one really knows what fate has in store, do they?"
Violette gave a bitter smile and spoke softly, "Fate… hmm. You're right."
Sensing the change in her tone, Rainhard frowned, sadness flickering across his face "You're… still feeling guilty, aren't you?"
"…"
Their conversation ended there, just as they finally arrived at their residence, the grandest and most luxurious mansion in the territory. The honorable Hall family mansion, home of the western region's ruling nobles.
They were welcomed by everyone in the mansion, including all of their children. At last, after several long months, the family was reunited in full, just in time for Gamma Hall's ninth birthday.
Rainhard descended from his carriage, his large frame draped in a black cloak. His hair, mustache, and thin beard framed a face that looked aged, yet strong and resolute. He walked over to his wife's carriage and helped her down. Together, they stood before their children, who had been waiting at the mansion's entrance.
All the soldiers bowed. All the servants paid their respects. This was what nobles received from their people, and the two of them were already accustomed to it.
Meanwhile, Gamma Hall, seeing his parents for the first time, finally felt satisfied, finally able to clearly see the faces of the people who had given him life.
Violette immediately noticed Gamma and smiled warmly when their eyes met. Rainhard, on the other hand, briefly lowered his head when he noticed Beatrice's presence, a subtle gesture of respect meant to go unnoticed by those around them.
After exchanging greetings for a few moments, they entered the mansion and spent an hour talking together in the family room before eventually returning to their own activities until dinner time.
A few minutes before dinner, Gamma, who had just finished reading a book with Beatrice in the library, left the room first, leaving Beatrice behind, still eager to continue reading.
However, the moment Gamma stepped out of the library, he froze. His father had been watching him all along.
"F-Father? What's wrong?"
Rainhard observed him silently for a moment before suddenly asking, "You're close to Beatrice, aren't you?"
"Does it look that way?" Gamma replied, "I thought things were still awkward between us."
"It is awkward," Rainhard said. "it's just... I don't think that will happen. What changed?"
"Honestly, I don't know. She suddenly apologized, and somehow she's been sticking around me since this afternoon."
Rainhard murmured, "Hm… so the princess has already realized it."
"Huh? Did you say something, Father?"
"No, it's nothing. More importantly, how is your health?"
"I'm fine! Why are you asking that all of a sudden?"
As if realizing something, Rainhard turned and began walking away, "Follow me."
Confused, Gamma had no choice but to obey. They left the mansion and headed toward the flower garden, sitting down at a tea table in the center of it.
They stared at each other in silence, making Gamma increasingly uncomfortable, until he finally spoke, "Why did you bring me here?"
Rainhard seemed to think for a moment before asking calmly, "Who are you?"
The question sent a shock through Gamma's body. Panic surged within him, but he forced himself to remain calm.
"What do you mean, Father?"
"From the moment I saw you today, I felt something was off. If you truly are Gamma, tell me, what do you think of this flower garden?"
Gamma looked around, not because he saw anything unusual, but because he needed time to steady his racing heart.
Damn it! I forgot! I'm supposed to be the villain in this world! I acted like a decent person without even realizing it, smiling and greeting everyone. A villain wouldn't behave like that! I even talked to them like a warm, loving family!
Rainhard continued, "Gamma has always been cheerful. But he's also cruel, mischievous, and selfish toward anyone outside the family. Yet I received reports that you've been secretly overseeing a large project in the city, and that you often help the mansion workers with their tasks. So tell me… who are you really?"
Oh… so it's not about me smiling. It's because I helped people? Damn it! What am I supposed to say? I'm the one who's been staying in the mansion these past months...
"Perhaps you've mistaken someone else. There's no way I would help commoners."
"But Richard wouldn't mistake his master's face."
Gamma's panic only grew.
Damn you, Richard! First you ruined my chance to show off, and now you're sending me straight to my death!? Do you want my head chopped off that badly!?
Rainhard lowered his head, thinking deeply, then suddenly asked, "Did you find a crack?"
Gamma blinked in confusion. "A crack? What do you mean?"
I seriously have no idea. First Beatrice, now you? What's wrong with changing anyway? Is a villain not allowed to become a good person? That's right! there's nothing wrong with changing! Wouldn't he be proud of that?
"I don't know what a crack you're talking about. I just… don't want things to stay like this forever."
Rainhard stiffened. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. This is the path I chose."
Rainhard lowered his gaze, staring at the ground, his thoughts visibly in turmoil. Seeing that reaction only made Gamma more confused.
Moments later, Rainhard stood up, placed a firm hand on Gamma's shoulder, and said,
"I'll support you. Tell me if it happens again."
With that, he left Gamma alone in the garden.
Meanwhile Gamma screamed in his heart.
What are you people even talking about!? Can't you explain things properly instead of jumping to conclusions and leaving me behind without an explanation!? I feel completely lost here you know!?
After that, Gamma headed toward the dining room, irritation boiling over as he walked.