Chapter 47

The operation of the underground casino is run by an organization similar to the Yakuza, known as the Neviss family.

There are several illegal gatherings, such as theft gangs, unlicensed doctors, slave traders, and violent organizations known as extortionists, and the Neviss family stands out among them as a powerful force.

The Academy City, where wealth, goods, and people from various countries converge, is overflowing with those who seek to make money, regardless of the means.

It's not surprising that some would focus on the students of the academy.

The Neviss family is one of them. They have taken in merchants who have been expelled by commercial guilds and have expanded into various businesses. Among these, the casino has been the most profitable.

The casino usually caters to nobles and merchants with connections, but in their quest for more profit, they began to explore ways to increase their clientele.

As a result, the spotlight turned to the students of the academy, many of whom come from noble backgrounds.

When Rox questioned one of the suspects, the man revealed this information.

"Thank you for your cooperation."

With these words, the man, who appeared to be around forty, nodded repeatedly while trembling.

Rox's cheek twitched, and he let out a dry laugh.

"Anyone would be scared if they saw a rock crushed in front of them... and if their head was grabbed by the same hand..."

Muttering something, Rox shuddered and hunched his shoulders.

While Rox's attitude was hard to understand, the gist of the case was clear.

"Most kids who sink into debt don't know what to do and will do anything if you sweet-talk them. Occasionally, there are fools who talk about using their power to shut down the casino, but nobles, who are nothing but pride, can't do that."

The man laughed, as if he had given up.

Indeed, most nobles would hesitate to tarnish their family's name. Especially the higher nobility.

As I thought this, Rox grabbed the man's neck and spoke in a low voice.

"Are you mocking the nobility, you scum? For the sake of their pride, they would cut off the heads of criminals like you."

The man's nose flared at the angry tone and bloodshot eyes.

"Even if I'm caught, it's the death penalty. If I know I'm going to die, I'm not afraid of anything. I'll tell you clearly, Prince. The nobility and royalty all look down on us commoners. Most of them think it's normal, but we won't stand for being treated like that."

Rox's eyes widened at the man's words. He pushed the man against the wall, still holding his neck.

"Don't look down on us!"

The man's eyes widened at Rox's threat. Rox, showing his anger but trying to control it, let go and glared at him.

"I don't look down on you just because you're commoners, and I don't intend to do anything to you. But I will punish anyone who commits a crime, regardless of their status. Understand that."

Rox's awkward response, but it was a passing grade. Clearly different from the Rox of the past.

I nodded slightly and looked at Rox's profile.

"Please step aside."

Rox obediently complied. The man looked at Rox's face, then at me.

"Wh-what is this? A royal... or are you a royal too...?"

I smiled faintly at the confused man.

"You're still bound by the conventions of status. I'm a commoner. To be precise, Rox is a student, and I am a teacher."

The man's eyes widened in shock, and he opened his mouth several times but couldn't speak.

"Now, lead the way to the casino. I'll tell you now, you can't escape from me."

I asked for his cooperation gently, but the man turned pale, swallowed, and nodded repeatedly.

"I'm here. I've brought the guests."

The man said this, and after a moment's pause, the door opened.

Light spilled through the gap, and we squinted in the dim alley.

The man entered first. I turned to confirm everyone's readiness. Rox was about to rush in, and the two men who looked like guards nodded at me.

Come to think of it, these two clearly weren't students. Were they originally Rox's guards?

No, that's not important now.

"Please focus on protecting Rox."

They nodded again. I smiled and turned to the open door.

Bathed in blinding light, I entered the building.

The scent of wood, iron, and fabric mixed with a sweet aroma tickled my nose. It didn't fit the image of a casino. Thinking about it, it was also unusually quiet.

As my eyes adjusted to the light, I looked around. It was a spacious store, like a general goods shop.

The exterior was stone, but the floor and walls inside were lined with wooden planks, and the shelves were neatly arranged and made of wood. Colorful fabrics hung from the walls and ceiling, creating a lively atmosphere.

The store offered a wide range of items, from lamps and dishes to pots and what looked like sweet pastries.

"Welcome! Welcome to the William Trading Company! We have everything from daily necessities to rare sweets made with sugar!"

A merchant in a robe appeared with a gentle smile. He was probably around thirty. He spread his hands and looked at us with a somewhat suspicious smile.

"Trading company? Wait, this is...! Hey, where did he go!?"

Rox finally noticed the man had disappeared. The guards also looked around.

"He ran straight to the back of the store just now."

Rox quickly turned to the back of the store.

"Damn! A valuable source of information! We'll chase after him immediately!"

"Right!"

As the three of them tried to push in, the merchant stopped them.

"Please, I apologize. Beyond that corridor are the warehouse and the staff break room. If you have any questions about our products, I can explain them. Please ask anything."

"Shut up! I don't need you! I'm going to search the back!"

The merchant smiled awkwardly at Rox's shout but didn't move. Even if he didn't recognize Rox, he should have known he was a noble by his demeanor. However, the merchant stood firm.

At that moment, a sound like wood hitting wood came from somewhere.

The merchant raised an eyebrow and took a step to the side.

"Very well. If you insist, I will show you. I don't want to be an enemy of the nobility."

Rox nodded hesitantly.

"Alright. Then show us. Don't hide anything."

Rox warned him, but he was completely in the merchant's hands.

"I understand," the merchant bowed respectfully, but he was probably sticking out his tongue as he did so.

"Please, this way."

The merchant led the way to the back of the store.

The shelves were arranged to hide the aisles, but I could see a single door on the side.

The merchant opened the door casually and turned to us.

"The staff break room is on the right, and the warehouse is on the left."

He moved to the side to reveal the area beyond the door.

In front of us was a narrow corridor with two closed doors.

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