After waiting a few minutes, his father arrived at the site. The presence of the Baron made everyone stop to see what was going on.
Raze stepped forward, walked to the horse alone, and gave a deep bow to his father. The Baron's face twisted, turning dark as he saw that bow.
He came down from the horse and stood beside it for a few seconds, then walked forward, standing in front of his son.
"Raise your head."
Raze lifted his head, but he dared not look his father in the eyes. He wanted to pass the image that he still had fear and respect for the man, all part of a ploy.
"You went behind my back to develop on my land. Explain to me what got into you, boy?" his father asked.
'Bingo, you could have just dragged me home, but nooo, you had to ask for my reason, and now you've lost the game before it even started, father. Watch me play.' Raze thought, and then started speaking at a voice loud enough for most of them to hear, but it didn't sound like he was forcing it.
"I took a walk through the town, and I realized something. The town was heavily underdeveloped, with issues spanning from destroyed roads, destroyed sewage systems, houses, and every area of life.
Honestly, the condition of things was simply bad, and nothing had been done about it. So it led me to think, if things are this bad and the people have nothing to look forward to in this town, why would they stay? Wouldn't they just up and leave?
And after I asked around, I discovered that they have actually been leaving, or isn't that so, father?" he asked, and this time he looked his father in the eyes.
His father realized something wasn't right here, but they had gone past the stage where he could actually stop it, because before he could speak a word, Raze continued.
"So I saw a solution: the forest. It is filled with an enormous amount of resources that could be used to better the lives of everyone in the town and actually give them a reason to stay here.
Many more people in the town have to use chilly cold water when they bathe, and no one likes that, now do they? It tenses the muscles and makes relaxation almost impossible.
And for people that work daily to ensure that this very town doesn't collapse, they need some sort of relaxation. So I decided that on the outskirts of town, I would build a bathhouse," he said, and pointed at the building that was seventy percent done and already looking magnificent.
His father frowned. He looked at Raze with cold eyes. 'This kid, in only a few seconds he managed to force everyone to see the good in what he was doing. As of now there is no villain in his heroic movement, but whatever I say next might make me the villain.
I could force him back, but from the eagerness of the people here, they really believe in this bathhouse. It won't be a good move for me to do that. Tsk, this child… when did he get this way? He is backing me into a corner with words.' the Baron thought.
"And father, when it is done, it can even be named after you or the family, to show that your family gave the people a reason to smile," Raze said. He landed the final blow that was needed for his plan.
His father's grim expression lightened. 'He doesn't want the glory for what he has done? This kid. Not only did he set me up to be the villain if I try to stop him, he also set me up to be the hero if I allow it.
He covered all the bases to make sure that I couldn't stop him at all. I would benefit from not stopping him, and I would suffer from stopping him. Tsk.
I thought he was only good at reading. I guess it makes sense that someone that loves to take in information would be this smart. Good one, kid. A good ruler knows when he has been defeated.'
"Alright son, you have convinced me why this bathhouse is a good idea, so you can make it. I, the Baron, allow for its full construction."
'I am also pretty smart, kid. Only putting me as a nominal hero won't be enough, so I'll insert myself deeper with my own means.'
"And a feast will be held at the town square, celebrating its development and many future developments," the Baron said, and immediately everyone burst into cheers, celebrating the Baron.
'This sly old man, being the face of the bathhouse wasn't enough for you, you had to take more. Tsk. At least the bathhouse will continue, that was the end game.'
After that, the Baron left, Raze watching as his horse departed. 'I'm sure that man is suspicious of me now. I can't really be the son that he knows, but for the meantime, I'll act like I am.'
He turned around and saw the workers talking about how good the feast would be. His face twisted into his gang face; he pointed.
"What feast are you all talking about when you haven't even finished the damn building? Get back to work!" he yelled.
Everyone scurried back to what they were doing. In only two days he had built himself as the tough boss in their minds, but he never slacked on incentives.
'My father strategically made sure to give them something to look forward to, and that means I have to make sure the bathhouse comes to be, because that's the only way they'll get their reward.
Yes, he offered no help to the construction at all. He wants to see if I can pull it off under pressure. Well, nothing to worry about, such pressure isn't an issue." He turned to look at the bathhouse.
"By tomorrow, we'll be done."