Arrival in Bellgard and the White Hawks
The landscape of Bellgard Dungeon City gradually came into view. The dungeon city, with its massive walls and densely packed buildings intertwined like a labyrinth, exuded a vibrant energy at first glance. From the harbor to the streets, adventurers and merchants bustled about, adding to the lively hum.
"Finally here," Varis murmured in awe.
He wasn't the only one struck by the sight unfolding before them. The other students who'd boarded the ship with them stared at the city with expressions of wonder.
"Finally here~"
As the Magic Cruiser docked at the airship harbor, passengers began disembarking one by one. Matching the academy students' pace, I moved forward slowly with my companions.
"A view that rivals the Royal Capital," Varis remarked suddenly.
The sounds of weapons being polished, haggling shouts, and carriage wheels rumbling over stone blended into a symphony everywhere.
"Sh-should we go, Arnold?"
At my side stood Senior Lucy, her face still flushed, wearing an awkward expression. On the opposite side, Eily fixed me with a cold glare. Behind us, Elisha and Melina, who'd witnessed the earlier scene, followed quietly.
The prickling stares at the back of my neck were annoying, but I decided to ignore them for now.
"Master, how do you plan to proceed with the schedule?" Eily asked in a low voice.
She stuck close to my side as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I took a light breath and replied.
"Dungeon exploration is set for two days from now, so we should gather information first."
I paused, taking in the full panorama of the city, then added, "And while we're at it, I'd like to look around and get a feel for the place."
Bellgard Dungeon City. According to the game's lore, this city housed an unconquered dungeon deep underground—the Deep Temple Dungeon. But the people here viewed it not as a threat, but as a source of economic prosperity. As a hub for countless adventurers, it brimmed with guilds and shops of every kind.
Merchant streets buzzed with trades of rare gear and herbs, while street food stalls wafted savory meat aromas. Travelers and dungeon raiders alike checked their equipment and chatted animatedly everywhere. The locals seemed to accept even the dungeon's dangers as part of daily life.
Of course, dungeons teemed with monsters and peril, but they also offered wealth and glory to explorers. That's why the academy used dungeon dives each year to test and hone students' skills.
"By the way, where are we staying for the next five days?" Eily asked, her brow furrowing slightly.
"Hostelry, right? Odd word."
Melina tilted her head, and Elisha crossed her arms in response.
"Yeah. It's the Ipild family's latest push into tourism."
Hostelry was much like a hotel from the real world, judging by the name.
"Providing private rooms for an entire grade? The upkeep must be insane," Varis muttered, puzzled.
I answered quietly, "Which means the rates are sky-high. But for visiting nobles, it's the best option around."
Just then, a massive building came into sight. The Ipild family's hostelry. Its pristine facade and opulent decorations made it clear this wasn't just any inn—it was designed for nobles' comfort. Staff at the main entrance greeted arrivals with polished courtesy, while passersby eyed the structure with curiosity.
"Money talks with these nobles. Their business methods are so novel, and their investments so bold."
"The Ipild family... yeah, top-ten nobles are on another level."
At that moment, a familiar name drifted past my ears. I halted abruptly, my gaze flickering.
"......"
"Arnold? What's up?"
Elisha, who'd been musing about top nobles, looked at me quizzically. I stared past her, lost in thought.
The Ipild family. This kingdom had ten founding noble houses alongside the king, wielding power and prestige rivaling royalty. Among them, the Ipilds—dukes with deep roots—held immense influence.
"...It's nothing."
And... one of Arnold's downfall routes involved ruin at their hands. The reason was vague, but the Ipilds harbored open hostility toward the Stenmans. Beyond mere wariness of his villainous reputation, they hounded him like a blood feud, seizing any chance to destroy him.
For Arnold, the "villain" of this game world, the Ipilds were among the most dangerous entities to avoid.
"Just had something on my mind."
I shook my head casually, feigning nonchalance. But with my villain label already drawing attention, operating under the Ipilds' sway here demanded extra caution.
"Huh, over there..."
Varis, ahead of us, suddenly stopped, his eyes locked on one spot. We all followed his gaze.
In the middle of the street strode a group with commanding presence. They wore robes blending white and gray, each emblazoned with the Ipild crest on the chest.
"Those outfits really stand out," Varis muttered.
I recognized them instantly. The White Hawks—the Ipild family's direct operatives. Elite agents wielding influence in politics and military alike, beyond mere intel gathering. They maintained city order while maximizing family gains, serving as the duke's eyes and ears, intervening directly when needed. Thus, White Hawk agents patrolled constantly, watching for suspicious activity.
"Ipild family operatives," I explained briefly, glancing their way.
With the whole city under Ipild domain, their presence was natural. But it wasn't welcome for me.
Better not get tangled up...
While I thought that, my companions watched with interest.
"Whoa, parading openly like that. You don't see this in the Royal Capital."
"Pretty unique~"
Elisha and Melina eyed them like a rare spectacle.
"Let's keep moving."
Thankfully, the protagonist's party in the game had no real ties to the White Hawks or Ipilds. And aside from my villain tag, I hadn't stirred trouble, so I figured we'd pass uneventfully.
"Hmm? Excuse me."
But that assumption shattered spectacularly. As we crossed paths, one stopped and called out in a calm yet intimidating tone.
"Is something the matter?"
The White Hawks' gazes swept over us, and a neatly dressed man approached. Varis instinctively stepped back half a pace; I watched their movements closely.
Do they recognize me?
Various possibilities raced through my mind as they passed Varis and fixed on me. The Ipilds openly opposed the Stenmans—if they knew who I was, this wouldn't end well.
"Miss?"
Miss?
"Me?"
But contrary to expectations, their attention wasn't on me. An awkward silence fell, and it turned out the White Hawk's gaze was on Eily.
"Yes."
"Do you need something?"
At their words, Eily pointed at herself in confusion. But the man nodded calmly, asking with utmost courtesy.
"May I have the honor of your name?"
"......Eily Kesher."
Eily gave her name with a puzzled look. The man murmured it a few times, closing his eyes as if committing it to memory.
"Understood."
A moment later, he drew a breath and nodded.
"Thank you for telling me."
And that was it.
"We won't keep you—our apologies."
They bowed politely to the end, then walked off as if nothing happened.
"......Master, did I do something wrong?"
Eily turned to me, dazed. Even I couldn't parse the situation. It wasn't in the game, after all.
"Nah, not really..."
We stared at their retreating backs in bewilderment. No hostility, yet too pointed for mere politeness.
"Doesn't seem bad from the vibe, but it's creepy," Senior Lucy muttered, arms crossed.
"Heard nobles in power sometimes scout concubine candidates like this?" Varis joked.
Silence blanketed the group. Nods of agreement rippled subtly.
"......No way, right?"
Eily waved her hands in panic, but the mood had shifted oddly.
Then Melina wiped her brow, looking weary.
"We should head to our lodging first. With all this luggage, I just want to drop it and rest."
The tension eased.
"Yeah, let's go."
Elisha took the lead, and we resumed walking.
It's suspicious, but no immediate issue...
Thoughts swirled in my head, but priority was preparing for our stay in the dungeon city.