Dinner finally began. For the first time in months, all members of the Hall family gathered at the same dining table.
Maids arrived alongside the chefs in an orderly procession, pushing dozens of iron carts piled high with abundant dishes.
As the servants carried out their duties, the entire noble family watched in silence as a sign of respect. This was their way of honoring the food, and the people who had prepared and served it with such hard work.
Gamma Hall, who had studied noble etiquette beforehand, smiled quietly. At last, he was able to behave like a proper noble in this world. What he did not realize was that everyone, servants included, was secretly watching him as he smiled.
The maids and chefs smiled with pride. His two older siblings smiled as well, though questions lingered behind their expressions. Even Beatrice smiled, genuinely pleased.
Everyone smiled except two people, his father, who stared at him with a serious gaze, and his mother, who tried hard to conceal her true expression.
Once the servants had finished placing the dishes on the table, they bowed and exited in neat order.
A brief silence followed, lasting several seconds, before Rainhard Hall finally spoke, "Eat. Finish everything on your plates. Leave not a single bite behind. That is what it means to respect food."
Everyone began eating with the elegance expected of nobles. First, they carefully cut a small portion of meat using the knife in their right hand and placed it neatly on their plate. When it was time to eat, they cut that piece again into a bite-sized portion and lifted it with a fork held in their left hand.
Everyone performed the ritual smoothly except one person, Gamma. Not because he couldn't do it, but because his mind was growing impatient.
Damn it! Even eating is complicated. Using your hands would be so much easier. Being a noble is such a pain… though, I have to admit, the food is delicious!
Harrington, who happened to notice Alice, his own younger sister eating, commented casually, "Alice, I didn't expect you to actually understand table manners."
Alice, offended by his remark, shot back in an irritated tone, "What do you mean by that? You're saying I'm some kind of shameless woman, aren't you?"
"Not that bad," Harrington replied. "I just see you as a gorilla holding a magic staff."
Alice immediately stood up and grabbed Harrington by the collar, lifting him from his seat.
"Are you picking a fight with me, brother?"
"Hey, calm down, my beloved little sister. I may be smarter than you, but I'm far weaker when it comes to combat."
Rainhard, instead of stopping them, let out a small laugh, "You've both grown up so quickly. Alice, who used to be quiet and spent all her time reading books, is now infamous as a troublemaker in the academy. And Harrington, who once dreamed passionately of becoming a hero, has turned into a calculating man who now ranks first in his second year at the academy. Both of you far exceeded my expectations."
Harrington stood respectfully and replied, "This is all thanks to Mother's wisdom, which guided me into becoming a man worthy of pride."
Violette smiled upon hearing the praise.
Meanwhile, Alice declared proudly, "That just means I'm talented. My achievements prove it."
Rainhard laughed even louder.
"That's my daughter. Just make sure your mischief matches your accomplishments. Remember, I won't help you at all now that you've chosen to attend the academy."
"I chose this path from the beginning," Harrington replied calmly.
"I'm not mischievous," Alice added defensively.
Curious about her daughter's life, Violette asked,"Then what exactly have you done at the academy? I've heard even the headmaster is tired of dealing with you."
Alice thought for a moment, while Harrington sat back down and listened.
"I don't think I've done anything that deserves scolding?" Alice said slowly. "Besides, I don't understand why the headmaster keeps suspending me for such strange reasons."
"Strange reasons?" Violette pressed.
"Umm… accidentally burning a spellbook. Accidentally destroying several buildings in the western part of the academy. Accidentally turning a hot spring into a cold bath. Accidentally creating a broadcast spell that, by pure accident, displayed my friend's adult video. And then… hmm… there are plenty more weird reasons," Alice replied, looking genuinely confused.
Violette slammed her hand on the table.
"What part of that is 'weird'!? You're the weird one! After this, I want to speak with you, alone,in my room!"
"b-But—!" Alice froze in terror.
"You don't mind it being just the two of us, do you? It's fine. I am simply wants to spoil her daughter after all this time," Violette said with a devilish smile.
Alice immediately bolted out of the dining room, screaming, "Nooooo! I don't want another all-night lecture!"
Violette chased after her, shouting,
"Hey! Stop right there! Don't run through the halls like an animal! How many times have I told you to finish your food before leaving the table!? Come back here, you little brat!"
That night, the servants were unexpectedly treated to free entertainment. a mother and daughter playing an intense game of chase throughout the mansion.
Meanwhile, Rainhard, Beatrice, and Harrington remained seated in the dining room, watching in silence as if they were already used to such scenes. Everyone except Gamma, who was utterly shocked.
This family is pretty insane.
Suddenly, Beatrice spoke up.
"Rainhard, your family is quite crazy."
Gamma felt oddly proud hearing that. At last, someone shared the same opinion as him.
Rainhard stiffened in panic, while Harrington immediately caught the oddity and asked in a serious tone, "Beatrice, you just called Father by his name. Care to explain that?"
Beatrice froze, realizing her mistake.
Damn it, I forgot only Rainhard knows my true identity!
Gamma, though confused, began to understand the situation.
Harrington's right. That was strange.
Rainhard suddenly laughed, "It seems this daughter of mine still hasn't fully mastered proper etiquette."
Harrington sighed, accepting the explanation,"It seems Father is right. In that case, I'll find a suitable tutor for you, Beatrice. I'd hate for you to cause trouble in the capital with manners like that."
Beatrice forced a bitter smile,"Thank you for your concern, big brother."
"No problem, my little sister. Just be more careful next time," Harrington replied before returning to his meal.
Beatrice let out a quiet sigh of relief and secretly gave Rainhard a thumbs-up in gratitude. Rainhard returned the gesture, as if he understood.
Meanwhile, Gamma, seated beside Beatrice, stared at them with deep suspicion.
Am I the only one who feels like something's off here? No matter how I look at it, this is really strange. It's like Beatrice made a mistake and Father helped cover it up. Maybe it's just my imagination… but honestly, I think I'm right. And what was with that thumbs-up just now? Do they really think I didn't see it?
"By the way, Gamma, I heard you're working on a rather large project. Would you care to explain what it is you're doing?" Rainhard asked.
Hearing that, Harrington immediately stood up from his seat.
"What's wrong, Harrington? Are you already full?" Rainhard asked.
"Yes, Father. I'd like to excuse myself and rest in my room," Harrington said before leaving the dining hall.
Rainhard let out a quiet sigh as he watched him go.
"It seems he's still thinking about it."
Beatrice, curious, asked, "What's wrong with him?"
"You should be asking Gamma, not me," Rainhard replied.
Beatrice immediately turned her gaze toward Gamma beside her. Gamma, completely confused, could only shake his head.
"Gamma, how long do you plan to keep pretending?" Rainhard said calmly.
"That's not my intention, Father. I simply don't understand what you mean."
"Don't think I'm unaware of what you've been doing all this time. You did it on purpose, didn't you?"
Beatrice suddenly spoke up,
"That's true. I know as well. You've been hiding many things on your own, Gamma. It would be better if you were honest sometimes with others, and with yourself. Especially now, when it's pointless. Everyone in this room already knows the truth."
Rainhard looked at her in surprise, "When did you find out?"
"Recently," Beatrice replied.
"Oh, then that's good," Rainhard said with a pleased smile, "Could you support Gamma when I'm not by his side?"
"Of course. With pleasure. After all, he's my beloved older brother," Beatrice answered with a wide smile.
As the two of them continued talking about things Gamma couldn't understand, Gamma could only watch the conversation between these two strange people, his mind working desperately to grasp what was really going on.
Honestly, I'm sick of all this. First you came at me one by one, and now you're working together to blow my mind! I should really ask the real Gamma about this later. For now, I need to act like I understand or I'll be exposed! Please let this work…
Gamma forced his expression to remain neutral, then sighed, "It seems you're right. I'm tired of doing this as well."
At once, Beatrice and Rainhard fell silent, exchanging glances.
Why are you two suddenly quiet!? Did I mess up? Come on, ask something! I'm ready! No...wait... If this continues, I'll just get cornered. I need to turn the tables!
"Rather than talking about me," Gamma continued, "wouldn't it be better if you two practiced your acting a bit more? You don't look like a father and daughter at all."
Beatrice and rainhard, Both of them froze in shock.
Rainhard smiled, "It really is impossible to hide anything from you. How did you know?"
Beatrice nodded and added,"Your memories were manipulated, weren't they? Did it fail?"
Gamma stiffened when he heard that.
Manipulated? What did you do to me? No… not me, the real Gamma. What actually happened in the past!? And you really are hiding something? You're not father and daughter? Then who are you!? Seriously, these two are killing my brain!
"I don't know the truth," Gamma said carefully, "I just noticed too many inconsistencies. If you don't mind, tell me what's really going on. Maybe I can help."
Rainhard looked at Beatrice. She nodded and say, "I don't mind. I trust Gamma."
Rainhard smiled gently, "Very well. I'll tell you the real truth, but not here. It's too dangerous and risky."
"That's the right decision. The soundproof artifact has already returned to the capital along with the letter I sent to someone," Beatrice added.
"That's fine," Gamma replied.
Yeah boy! I managed to change the topic. But this sounds like something truly dangerous. Honestly, I wish I didn't have to hear it. Someone once said that sometimes it's better not to know anything at all, I think I finally understand that now. It seems I've realized that my life path is going to be extremely dangerous.
Gamma smiled as he continued his dinner.
But maybe that's the price of being alive. At the very least, I can live and move freely as I wish.
"Oh, right! I just remembered," Rainhard said suddenly. "That explains why something felt off earlier. About your project, Gamma, could you explain it to me?"
Gamma clicked his tongue inwardly.
Damn it, he remember that!?
"I'll explain it after my birthday."
Rainhard thought for a moment, then seemed to realize something, "I see. Then for your birthday this year, you may ask me for anything. I'll grant your wish, no matter what it is."
Gamma smiled, "Are you sure? What if I ask for many wives?"
Beatrice immediately choked on her food and hurriedly grabbed her drink. Gamma and Rainhard both held back their laughter.
Beatrice, embarrassed, tried to act composed, "Please… just continue, ignore me..."
Rainhard looked at Gamma again.
"I'd allow it if that's what you truly want. There's no rule that a man may only have one wife. But that's not what you really want, is it?"
"You're right. Besides, even if you allowed it, I doubt even one person would want marry with me."
Rainhard laughed, "You're quite funny."
No, I'm not joking! I seriously have zero experience with women!
Feeling mocked, Gamma grew irritated, though he restrained himself.
"Just how important is this project to you, that you'd need my help?"
That question finally made everything clear to Gamma.
I see. Rainhard wants to help with the project. But what if I told him it was all a misunderstanding? From the start, it wasn't even that big! I just wanted the city to be comfortable to walk around in, that's all! Seriously! But somehow it grew out of control. I didn't even know anyone would want to cooperate with such a ridiculous project that didn't even have a clear purpose!
Cold sweat ran down Gamma's back.
If those professionals find out I was actually trying to make them fail, my reputation will be completely ruined!
Suddenly, an idea struck him as he looked at Rainhard.
Wait… Rainhard is famous for his decisiveness and leadership. Maybe he can turn my foolish idea into something innovative? This is my chance to escape responsibility and hand everything over to him!
Gamma smiled and finally said,
"It's very important. However, I'm actually working on something else. That's why I want you to take control of the project. To be honest, the allowance I receive every week isn't enough to cover the wages of the hardworking workers. You understand what I mean, right?"
Rainhard thought for a moment, then smiled,"Very well."
Gamma blinked in surprise, "That fast? Are you sure?"
"You're doing something else behind the scenes, aren't you? Besides, I already promised to help you. I'll do it."
Suddenly, Beatrice slammed the table.
"I have no idea what you two are talking about, but I feel left out. I'll help too. Give me the details."
"For now, just eat," Gamma said with a wide smile. "After my birthday, I'll explain everything."
With this, I've gained two powerful allies! A great regional leader, and a strange person who somehow infiltrated my family, but seems incredibly capable since Rainhard trusts her. Probably. Either way, this is good for me! Hahahaha!
Gamma was delighted with the outcome of this strange conversation, so happy that he couldn't stop smiling. However, he had no idea that he wouldn't be sleeping peacefully that night.