Chapter 78: Williard Smith?

As Wil asked whether there was any bounty of him or not, Silver replied with a smile, "actually, Young Master doesn't exist yet."

"Huh? What does that mean?"

Looking at Wil's confused face, Silver gave a detailed explanation, "I'm not sure whether you are ready to know this or not. So, I'll explain it to you on the surface.

You see our Yarlford city doesn't look as it seems. Before you arrive here, you saw that the guards inside the compound increased from usual 50-100 to three times, right?"

As Wil nodded, Silver continued with his explanation, "that's just for the sake of appearances. Our real security lies in our city, itself.

Ever wondered why there isn't an extremely low crime rate in our Yarlford city?

Ever wondered why no one dared to even attempt to kidnap you much less an ambush even though you used to have little security?

It's not just because of Lord Philip's name. 

We have eyes and ears on every inch in the city. Whether it's the police, fireman, a simple IT employee, lawyer, doctor, teacher, or even a prostitute, etc… we have people everywhere.

One word from us, whether it's the enemy in the street or a betrayer in the city can never escape out of the city. They can be killed by anyone at any time.

That's how your identity has been kept secret from the entire world.

Of course, it's inevitable that once you graduate from university and turn 21 years old, your identity will be revealed as Williard Smith… Ah…"

Silver immediately shut up his mouth and became silent. 

"Huh? What did you say?" Wil looked at him with a frown.

Silver coughed and tried to divert the topic, "anyway, Chun Yongmin's father invited me to their house for dinner today. I will make sure to extract all the information from him this time, young master. If you'll excuse me..."

Just as he stood up, Wil spoke seriously, "I'm sure they won't mind waiting 15 minutes more. Can you please get back to the topic? If I heard you correctly, you said my identity will be revealed as Williard Smith, not as Williard Ravens…"

Silver sighed, "Please don't talk about this topic with your father. Lord Philip was the one who was supposed to tell you.

As you already know your father wants you to take over as the new chairman of Scarlet group after your graduation. Who do you think is the old chairman? No, it's accurate to say, chairwoman…"

"You mean…"

Silver nodded, "yes, your late mother, Scarlet Smith. So, to make your identity more secure, your surname will be changed to Smith. Even on your college graduation certificate, it'll be written as Williard Smith. Once, you finish your graduation, you'll be CEO as well as the chairman of the Scarlet group. 

I hope you will not talk about this until lord Philip talks with you. He'll be angered if he knows I told you."

Wil nodded in understanding and send Silver away.

After he was alone once again, Wil lies down on the bed, "Sigh... what a fate. After dad died, I changed my identity to Williard Smith using mom's surname but who could've guessed that I have to live with the same surname even if I didn't run away.

Then again, 50 Billion dollars bounty? That's 500 Billion credits.

Just how much money do these mafia groups have in secret, anyway? Even in 2025, the richest guy only has 182 Billion dollars worth of property.

Well, I guess it is expected. It's not hard-earned money anyway. After all, most of their money comes from casinos and the rest were the taxes these businessmen pay as a contribution.

Hmm, casinos… Now that I think about casinos, I have seen a couple of casinos in the game in my previous life.

Should I build one at East Ocean city?

But, it's a risk though. Unlike in real life, the system doesn't allow cheating and I might really face losses if someone hits a jackpot. Well, it's worth trying though. If it doesn't work, I can just demolish it and build another one.

How about making a list and see what is left to do…"

He quickly sat on the bed and opened the laptop.

Then, he started writing a checklist.

Gaming Company: Done

Silvershapers: Done

Idol group and actors: Not yet

Architects: Not yet

Fashion Designers: Not yet

East Ocean city: Not yet

Investment in-game: Done

Heibei Corporation: Not yet

Saving Dad: Not yet

Sierra: ???

As Wil realized what he has typed unknowingly while going with the flow, he immediately let his thoughts astray while the memory of a pretty girl appeared in his mind.

"Thanks, Wil. Because of you, I completed my assignment in time…"

He quickly erased the word as he mumbled, "it's already been 2 years since I last saw her and yet…

Sigh… it's really tough to forget your first love even if you went back in time. Forget it, I have already moved on. Anyway, let's continue. Hmm, what else there is to do…

Nah, let's stop here. There are too many things I have yet to finish. I can think of other goals after these. Let's make a list of what to build in East Ocean City, instead.

Let's see... I have 53 plots of land. Each plot in the city is 1000 sq.m. So, that's 53000 sq.m. I guess it'll be more than enough. All I need to do is to find the best Architect to plan.

Laboratory for Alchemists 

Smithies for Blacksmiths

Restaurants with multiple kitchens for chefs

Weapon store

Potions store

A separate store for materials like augment stones, scrolls, etc… 

An entertainment agency for artists

Work area for fashion designers

Shopping mall 

Private Battle Arena 

Private Auction House

Private Bank

A high-class hotel with rooms having the same effects as royal guest rooms

Private Library

While writing a long list of what he planned to build, Wil yawned, "let's just resume it tomorrow. We have a lot of time." He immediately closed the laptop and slept.

The next day, at 8 a.m., Wil logged in.

*Welcome to War Online*

As soon as he logged in, Wil received a text from Aster.

Shadow Blade: Young master, looks like guilds of "Resistance" somehow found about our move and decided to become more active. A big-scale fight just finished between Ouroboros and Paradise for the wild boss.

Shadow Blade: Our allies are asking whether Scarlet left Imperials too and decided to settle elsewhere…

Reading the message from Aster, Wil sighed, "if only I became the Mayor of the city, I would have already kicked them out of the city by now. Well, let's go with plan B, then."

Time Traveler: Since they asked for it, then fine, we'll go to war. Call everyone for a meeting in an hour. I'll tell you about the meeting place in a few minutes.

After sending a reply, Wil started walking towards his mansion to check whether the work is finished or not.

Reaching the gate, Wil saw two gatekeepers around his level.

As he took charge as the mayor, his appearance and name have been integrated into the minds of the native residents of the town i.e. NPCs.

So, the gatekeepers quickly recognized him and greeted him before opening the gate without Wil having to show his mayor's badge.

Entering the compound, he saw a gardener planting the flowers. Ignoring him, Wil entered the Mansion and saw it was sparkly clean and everything is arranged properly.

*Ding. You entered a no-combat zone.

Wil bitterly smiled, "I guess even I can't attack anyone in my house."

As he glanced around, he mumbled, "strange. How come there's no one here?"

"Hello, anyone here?"

As Wil spoke a bit loudly, suddenly, a servant wearing an apron and a chef hat rushed from the kitchen.

As she hurriedly bowed, the lady spoke, "greetings master. My name is Ciara. I'm in charge of cooking. Is there anything you would like to eat to drink?"

Wil replied, "Just any fruit juice would do. By the way, where is Borris?"

Ciara replied, "He's upstairs to check on Dessie. Uhh, she's in charge of chores. It's been more than one hour though."

Just then, a notification sound rang in his ears.

*Ding. Your servant Dessie and Steward Borris are missing

*Ding. You received a Quest

Description: As a part of her job, Dessie went to the 2nd floor to clean but failed to return. Steward Borris went to check up on her and he went missing too. Investigate the mystery.

Reward: 10k exp, 12 silver.

Accept?

"Eh?"