I'm The Wrong Guy In The Wrong World : It's An Otome Game?

"Apparently, rebuilding a reputation isn't as easy as faking a smile."

The sun had risen higher. After spending some time playing with Alira and hearing her carefree laughter, I finally said my goodbyes. There were still too many things I needed to do… and some of it was a lot more complicated than making cotton candy.

My steps took me to the eastern side of the mansion, to where Alric usually trained with his sword. As always, he stood straight with arms crossed, his gaze sharp and unwavering as I approached.

"Did you come to apologize, or to cause more problems?" he asked flatly, no small talk.

"I need money," I replied directly.

Alric raised an eyebrow. "Of course. Rey Lucien returns from the forest, and the first thing he does is ask for money."

"I swear I won't use it for gambling… or anything embarrassing," I said, half-joking. "There's something I want to make. Just a small thing—but it might be useful."

He stared at me for a while. His breath sounded heavy, but eventually, he reached into his coat and handed me a small pouch filled with a few gold coins.

"That's all I can give right now. You know our financial situation isn't great, right?"

I nodded. "Thanks. It's not a debt... think of it as an investment."

"…It better be."

—-

Some time later, a horse-drawn carriage had been prepared in the front courtyard. It didn't take long to reach town from the Lucien estate—about an hour of riding down cobbled roads.

Bernicia stood by the carriage door, her face emotionless. She still kept her distance, and her expression showed no signs of warmth, even though I knew she remained professional in her duties.

"Please get in, Young Master," she said without making eye contact.

I boarded first. Bernicia sat across from me in silence. The atmosphere inside the carriage felt… heavy. Even the ticking of my pocket watch echoed like thunder.

Outside, the sounds of reins flicking and hooves clopping reached us.

"All set!" came a spirited voice from the driver's seat.

I recognized that voice.

"Alex, is that you?" I called out through the small window.

"Yes, Young Master!" he answered with a cheerful laugh.

"Thanks for the help back then—when the bandits attacked!" the black-haired man said with a slightly messy look and a ridiculously sincere smile.

Help…? What nonsense is he talking about? All I did was sit behind a bush and watch him sword-fight like a theater actor—striking dramatic poses and over-the-top flair.

Apolo's voice chimed in, full of mockery.

"If I'd known this would happen, I should've thrown a rock at him that day," I muttered under my breath.

—-

In Lucien Town.

The town was simpler than I imagined. Old stone buildings with pointed roofs lined the main road, small shops opening onto a modest marketplace. It was lively, but not extravagant.

My first destination: the blacksmith's workshop.

One of the more prominent shops belonged to Old Frentis—a broad-shouldered, middle-aged man with arms as thick as tree trunks. His voice was gruff, though not as harsh as his appearance.

"So… you want to build a tool like this?" he asked, eyeing the parchment blueprint I handed him.

"Exactly," I said. "The system's simple. Just a spinning wheel, a hand crank, and a heater. I've adjusted the design for materials available here."

Frentis frowned. "You really think this weird thing can make… cloud sugar?"

"Trust me. It's sweet," I replied with a faint smile.

"Alright, I'll try my best to make it just as you asked. Should be done in three days," said the blacksmith, raising his thumb with surprising enthusiasm.

With that done, I wandered through nearby village shops. From a food stall, I bought some grilled chicken skewers with a mouthwatering aroma and casually strolled back toward the waiting carriage.

"This is for you, Alex," I said, handing him a skewer.

Alex blinked in surprise, then smiled and bowed slightly.

"Thank you, Young Master."

He looked genuinely stunned. Maybe he hadn't expected me to treat him.

"Consider it payment for being my personal driver today." I said, biting into my own skewer while sitting on the side of the carriage.

My eyes glanced toward Bernicia standing not far from me. The air between us was still awkward. But at least, if I could behave like a decent human being—not causing chaos like the old Rey—that was a good first step.

"And this… is for you, Bernicia."

I extended a skewer toward her.

She flinched slightly. There was a moment's pause before she reached out and accepted it.

"…Thank you," she said quietly, bowing her head without meeting my eyes.

Her expression was full of hesitation—I knew she still couldn't fully trust my change. And I didn't blame her.

I took a deep breath.

Recalling Rey's memories this morning—how horribly he had wronged Bernicia—only made one thing clearer…

Damn it, Rey… You were a real bastard. No wonder this girl is scarred. And now… I can only fix the wreckage you left behind.

After handing her the skewer, I stepped away, leaving the tension behind and continuing my walk through town.

Eventually, I stumbled upon a rundown building hidden between a food shop and a pottery stall. Its paint peeled, windows dusty, sign hanging crooked—but even from the outside, I could sense something… different.

I activated my cybernetic right eye. An overlay appeared, and slowly, a faint magical aura pulsed from within the building. Unusual. Quite strong, especially for such a small place.

"Hm… Interesting," I muttered, stepping closer.

As the doorbell softly chimed, a strange mix of dust, old ink, and something sulfuric filled my nose. Inside, piles of books and scrolls stacked to the ceiling. Behind a worn-out desk sat an old man in tattered wizard robes, flipping through a tome as if unaware of my presence.

But what intrigued me more… was something invisible standing in the corner. I could sense it—subtle magical fluctuations forming a human-like silhouette. Likely someone with camouflage magic or an advanced hiding skill.

I showed no reaction. Just strolled slowly through the book-laden aisles, letting my gaze wander over ancient titles. Some caught my attention.

"Basic Magic Texts… Fundamentals of Elemental Control… Oh?"

One book sat on the closest shelf: "Alchemist Theory and Artifact Foundations: Beginner Edition."

I pulled it out and flipped through a few pages.

"Nice."

I brought both books to the counter.

"Hey, old man. How much for these?"

I placed the books on the dusty wooden desk.

The wizard in rags finally looked up, his expression tired as he stared at me over stacks of yellowed papers and dried ink.

"Twenty gold coins," he said flatly, as if it were non-negotiable.

"Hah?"

I blinked. "That much? These are just beginner books."

He tapped the table with a finger. The knock was soft, but firm.

"Kid, if you bought these at the Magic Tower, they'd cost twice as much. This is the cheap price."

I narrowed my eyes, offering a dry smile.

"You're not trying to scam me, are you? Selling basic books for premium prices in a backwater town like this? A magic store in a place full of farmers and low-tier adventurers? Is this your new way of bleeding dry the young dreamers who want to be mages?"

The old man's brow furrowed deeply. His gaze turned sharp—like a grandpa who'd just been accused of stealing from the temple offering box.

"What nonsense are you spouting?!" he snapped. "Precisely because this is a quiet place, I'm selling cheaper than market value! And I never force anyone to buy!"

I sighed and clicked my tongue softly.

He had a point. For entry-level magic books, even ten gold would be considered cheap… especially given the aura I sensed from them. He didn't strike me as someone just out to profit.

"Alright," I said, folding my arms. "Ten gold for both. If you refuse, I'll just stay in this store until you change your mind."

I casually walked to an old sofa in the corner and flopped down. Yes, it was childish—but hey… a little drama doesn't hurt.

The old man covered his face with a hand and let out a long sigh.

"Fine… just take them."

"Good," I said with a satisfied smile. "You're a very wise old man."

I placed ten gold coins on the table and picked up the books. As I walked toward the door, my eyes flicked toward the corner of the room—where the hidden figure stood.

A slight smile curled on my lips. I knew their disguise. And now… they knew I knew.

Stepping outside, the sunlight welcomed me again. I strolled back toward the carriage. Bernicia was already seated inside, her face as calm as always. Meanwhile, Alex was whistling up on the driver's bench.

"Alex, let's go back."

I opened the carriage door and climbed in, two books in hand, and a dozen new plans in mind.

—-

Moments after Rey left the magic shop…

The faint shadow among the bookshelves slowly faded, replaced by the figure of a man in a long black robe with golden embroidery on the cuffs and collar. He walked calmly, then sat on the old sofa where Rey had lounged earlier.

"Master," he said in a calm voice. "I think… that boy noticed me."

The old shopkeeper turned with lazy eyes. His gaze narrowed.

"You mean… the arrogant brat who haggled like he owned the place?"

"Yes," the disciple continued. "Right before he left… he looked straight at me—and smiled."

Silence.

The old man tapped the table lightly with his nail, his expression shifting to something more serious.

"Hmph. Could just be your imagination."

He leaned back in his chair. "In a remote town like this, no way some random kid has perception sharp enough to detect camouflage magic that strong. But if he really did…"

A faint smirk curled on his lips.

"…I might consider taking him as my disciple."

His laugh was deep and low.

"Now then… back to our business."

He pulled an old book from the drawer beneath the table. The worn pages contained names, special notes, and magical symbols on every sheet—all written in dark red ink.

Anyone could mistake this old man for a simple book merchant…

But in truth, he was anything but ordinary.