The illegal casino was operated by a yakuza-like organization called the Nevis family.
There were several illegal groups, such as thieves, unlicensed doctors, slave traders, and violent organizations known as extortionists. Among these, the Nevis family stood out as a dominant force.
The academy city, where goods, wealth, and people from various countries flowed in, was filled with those who sought ways to make money, regardless of morality.
It was no surprise that some would target the students of the academy.
The Nevis family was one of them. They took in merchants expelled from commercial guilds and engaged in various businesses. Their most profitable business was the casino.
This casino's customers were usually nobles and merchants with whom they had connections. But in their pursuit of greater profits, they sought ways to increase the number of customers.
As a result, they turned their attention to the students of the academy, many of whom come from royal and noble descent.
When Rox interrogated the man he suspected, the man revealed this information.
"Thank you for your cooperation."
The man, who looked around forty years old, trembled and nodded repeatedly.
Rox's face twitched with a dry laugh as he muttered, "… Well, anyone would be scared if a rock was crushed in front of them… and then having their head grabbed with that hand…"
He shivered and shrank back.
His attitude was puzzling, but the outline of the incident became clear.
"Most of the kids drowning in debt don't know what to do, and they’ll do anything if you sweet-talk them. Sometimes a fool thinks he can destroy the casino with his power, but nobles, with their pride, wouldn’t do something like that." The man laughed, seemingly resigned.
I see. Indeed, considering the disgrace it would bring to their family name, ordinary nobles would hesitate, especially high-ranking nobles.
As I pondered this, Rox grabbed the man's neck and said in a deep voice, "… Are you underestimating nobles, scum? For the sake of their pride, they would cut off the heads of criminals like you."
The man snorted, his voice tinged with anger, his eyes bloodshot. "If I'm caught, it's the death penalty anyway. Since I know I'm going to die, what’s there to fear? Let me tell you this clearly, prince. The royalty and nobles look down on us commoners. Most of them think it's normal, but we are sick of being treated like that."
The man's words, spat out with disdain, made Rox's eyes narrow. Still holding the man's neck, he shoved him against the wall with force. "Don't mock us!"
The man widened his eyes in fear. Rox, despite his anger, managed to restrain himself, letting him go and glaring at him.
"I do not intend to harm you just because you are a commoner, nor do I look down on you. But criminals will be punished regardless of their status. Understand that."
Rox's awkward reply was passable. He was clearly different from the Rox of the past.
I nodded lightly and looked at Rox from the side. "Please step back."
Rox obediently followed my instructions.
The man turned to me. "… Wh-what? Royalty… No, could it be that you are also royalty?"
I smiled faintly at the confused man. "You are also trapped by the common perceptions of status. I am a commoner. However, in terms of titles, Rox-kun is a student, and I am a teacher."
The man's eyes widened in shock. His mouth moved but was unable to speak.
"… Now, you will lead us to the casino. Just so you know, you can’t escape from me, okay?"
Though I kindly requested his cooperation, the man turned paler, gulped hard, and nodded repeatedly.
―――
"It's me. I've brought guests."
A moment after the man spoke, the door opened.
Light seeped through the door, making us squint in the dim alley.
The man entered through the door first. I turned to confirm everyone's intentions. Rox seemed ready to charge in, and the two men who appeared to be guards nodded at me.
I realized that these two were not students. Perhaps they were Rox's guards.
No, that could wait.
"You two, focus on protecting Rox-kun."
The two nodded again. Smiling, I turned toward the open door.
Entering the building, we were greeted by a dazzling light.
The scent of wood, iron, and cloth mixed with a sweet aroma wafted into my nose. It didn't feel like a casino as I imagined. Come to think of it, it wasn't making much noise either.
As my eyes adjusted to the light, I looked around. The place resembled a large general store.
The exterior was stone, but the interior floors and walls were wooden planks, with neatly arranged wooden shelves. Brightly colored fabrics hung from the walls and ceiling, creating a lively atmosphere.
There were a wide variety of products on display, including lamps, dishes, and jars, some of which seemed to be sweet treats.
"Welcome! This is the William Trading Company! We offer a wide variety of items, from daily necessities to rare sweets made with sugar!" A robed merchant appeared with a gentle smile. He looked around thirty years old, with an insincere smile and outstretched arms.
"… A trading company? Wait a minute, this place is…?! Hey, where did that guy go?!" Rox finally realized the man had disappeared. The guards looked around.
"He ran straight to the back of the store a while ago," I answered.
Rox quickly looked toward the back of the store. "Damn! That's our valuable source of information! We must chase him immediately!"
"Yes, sir!"
The three tried to rush in, but the merchant stopped them.
"Ah, I'm sorry. Beyond that corridor is the warehouse and employees' restroom. If you need any information about the products, I can assist you."
"Shut up! We don't need you! We're searching the back!" Rox shouted.
But the merchant, with a troubled smile, still did not budge. Even if he didn't recognize Rox, he should know by his demeanor that he was dealing with nobility. However, the merchant refused to move.
At that moment, the sound of wood colliding echoed from somewhere.
Upon hearing the sound, the merchant raised an eyebrow and stepped aside. "… Very well. If you insist, I will guide you. I have no desire to oppose nobles."
The merchant's words confused Rox, but he still nodded.
"A-alright. Then lead the way. Don't hide anything," Rox warned sternly, but it was clear he was playing into the merchant's hands.
"Understood." The merchant bowed deeply but probably stuck his tongue out while doing so.
"This way, please." The merchant walked ahead, leading us to the back of the store.
The shelves were arranged to hide the passage, but a single door was visible on the side.
The merchant opened the door casually and looked back at us. "The employees' restroom is on the right. The warehouse is on the left."
He stepped aside to show the interior.
In front of us was a narrow corridor with two closed doors.