Vina handed the crystal to Alfred and soon received a letter from her mother. An unknown benefactor had paid off her father's debt, and she didn't want to upset her mother with the method she had used to earn the money.
With the other dungeons in western Verania, there were no issues. We easily dealt with the opponents, and the treasure troves held all sorts of wonders. We encountered dungeons with paintings, antique furniture, and there was even a dungeon filled with coins, but none of them were in circulation. Vina had to work hard to select the most valuable coins from an impressive pile in the center of the room.
Gradually, trading became integrated into the group, and Asura avoided her, but she listened to her advice in the treasure chambers. Even Ragni started treating her better.
The time had come to head to Leran.
"Hmm. We've explored most of the major dungeons in this area, but there's one more place I'd like to visit," Vina said, unfolding a map before us.
"What is it? Dangerous? Complicated? With untold treasures?!" Katrina was inspired by our triumphs in the most insane endeavors.
"No, just interesting."
Everyone looked at the merchant, perplexed.
"This place is in the basement of the royal library in Varengard. Three guilds have already been there, and each told something different. We have no reason not to believe them, but their information differed not only between guilds but also among members of the same guild. It all boils down to this: as soon as they entered, they split into groups and found themselves in a place unlike anything they had seen before. And most importantly, there are no monsters or long corridors. All they did was solve riddles, and they had to do it within an hour, after which they gained access to the treasure chamber, where they spent the remaining time."
"Sounds strange. Are you sure this dungeon is a challenge?" Katrina asked.
"Well, it's on the map. But you'll have to demonstrate your cleverness there, not strength. Can you do it?"
We exchanged glances. I didn't notice much self-assurance on the faces of my fellow guild members.
"Who cares. We're going that way anyway. And we'll spend just a couple of hours on it," said Katrina with a wavering gesture.
Varengard was the capital of Verania, situated in the southwestern part of the country, two hours' ride from the border with Leran. It was a multi-level fortress located on a hill. The royal palace stood at the center of the city, surrounded by fortress walls. Beyond that were the quarters of the nobility, the working and trading districts, and, finally, the outer wall where the houses of peasants and the poor were located. The library and the main magic administration, one of the ministries directly under the king's authority, were situated in the northern part of the second circle. Not far from them were the headquarters of the royal guard and the treasury. The nobles had repeatedly attempted to move them behind the inner walls to clear the area for new estates, but the king valued efficient governance over the personal desires of the nobility.
"Katrina, don't you want to visit your home?" I noticed that Katrina looked as gloomy as if she had been thrown into the river right outside the city gates.
"It's not my home, it's my father's," Katrina replied quietly, bowing her head. "And I hardly ever saw him. Better for him not to know about my arrival."
"Well, as you wish. I see you two aren't on the best terms."
We continued our path through the city. Our attire opened all doors for us, although the guards halted us before the gates leading to the upper district.
"Apologies, the quarter is temporarily closed to outsiders," the guard stated in a cool voice, not even glancing in our direction.
"What?!" Vina erupted in indignation. "Look at our attire! We came here to take the trial, and you're telling us the quarter is closed temporarily! We can't afford to wait around while you decide to open up!"
"The quarter is temporarily closed. You should come back tomorrow," it seemed this guard not only had an iron helmet but also an iron head.
"How dare you?! Call your chief of guards! I won't stand for this!" Vina continued to berate the heartless guard.
Unable to withstand the onslaught of the feisty student, the guard called a young armsman and sent him to the barracks. I decided to pull Vina aside.
"What are you doing? If they throw us in prison, we'll lose even more time!"
"They can't do that. We're students of the Academy, and we abide by its laws. They may deny us entry, but they can't use force against us."
"Well, you..." I couldn't finish my sentence as Vina suddenly dashed back towards the door where a knight had emerged.
It was a woman, around twenty years old, with short chestnut hair, clad in heavy armor, and a longsword. The crosses on her armor indicated she was not just a knight but a paladin. I thought they weren't in the service of the king.
"What's all this commotion? Leave this place, or I'll have you thrown into the dungeon!" She eyed Vina with disdain.
"You have no right! We don't obey your laws, and besides, you're obstructing the Academy's activities! What could be so important that the entire quarter is closed?" Vina retorted.
"I'm not going to answer to some upstart. Of course, I can't imprison Academy students, but the way you're persistently trying to get inside makes me doubt your origin. Perhaps detaining you until we figure things out will be appropriate. Determining your identity may take us just a little fortnight," the paladin skillfully parried Vina's objections, seemingly aware of our haste.
"We made a considerable detour to get here! Who will reimburse us for half a day's journey?!" Vina exclaimed.
"Not my problem," the knight girl smirked, "Take your friends and leave."
The paladin glanced over us; it appeared we weren't the first group of students she had dealt with. But then her gaze fell upon Katrina.
"P-Princess?! You're here?" The knight's fervor quickly subsided. The guards at the entrance nervously exchanged glances.
The captain of the guard stepped forward and knelt before the princess.
"Forgive my rudeness. I didn't know it was you. I will immediately report your arrival to your father."
"Hold on!" Katrina gestured, gently raising her hand to her mouth. "I would prefer my father not know about my arrival. I came with my guild to participate in the 'Treasure Hunt.' One of the dungeons is located in the central library. Could you let us through, please?"
"Of course, Your Highness. Your companions will need to sign the visitor's book, and I will escort you to the library. Right now, the quarter is preparing for the noble's assembly, so please don't stray far from me."
One by one, we approached the visitor's book and left our signatures. The captain scrutinized the names of all our companions.
"Ragnalia, daughter of Ignis, what a wild name. Don't you have a proper surname?" This name certainly raised suspicions.
"I have a proper name," Ragni retorted, raising her hair and showing her horns demonstratively.
"Demon!" the paladin exclaimed, reaching for her sword.
"Victoria, please calm down. She's not a demon!" the princess intervened just in time. "She's a black dragon, and moreover, she's from the royal family. Don't jump to conclusions."
"Apologies, my temple habits got the best of me."
"Yeah, whatever. Our little princess had some issues with my identification too," Katrina blushed, recalling their first encounter.
"Don't speak so familiarly with the princess!"
"Okay, okay. As you wish."
Ragni nonchalantly tossed her hands behind her head and walked towards the door.
With a touch of arrogance, Seleria approached the book. After writing her name and surname, she awaited the captain to greet the princess properly. The captain examined her name and snorted, "Some familiar name, go ahead, don't linger."
Disheartened, Seleria followed us.
"Captain, what's happening here?" While walking through the streets, Katrina decided to inquire about all the commotion.
"The annual gathering of noble families is taking place. This year, distinguished families from Leran and Nordrune have also arrived. In honor of the event, your father decided to host a grand celebration to showcase the prosperity of his kingdom. The celebration will culminate at the Academy, where many nobles will participate in your 'Treasure Hunt'. After all, children from many noble families take part in it. Even the kings of the three kingdoms will participate, and if you try, you might be able to sell some treasure to them for an exorbitant price."
Indeed, there were many people in fancy costumes on the streets. They all seemed slightly disdainful, observing the peculiar group of passersby. Among the guests, I noticed a man with a beard and long red hair, clad in probably the most expensive attire adorned with gold embroidery and precious stones, with a crown adorned with large rubies on his head. Spotting us, he waved to Seleria. Trying not to attract attention, the blushing princess shyly waved back and hurried out of his sight. It seemed her father was also at the event. Of course, the security measures at such an event must be unprecedented, but this might work to our advantage.
"Captain, do you deny entry to everyone like this?" I decided to clarify.
"What do you mean, everyone?! Only those without invitations or connections in high circles."
I exchanged glances with Vina. If only three guilds had visited the dungeon, the others might not even get a chance if they don't have acquaintances among important ministers.
"But what if someone from another group of students is from a noble family?"
"Well, if they can prove it, we'll let them in. I only let you in out of respect for the princess. Don't think I'm this kind to everyone."
Just what we need, her extreme dedication will work in our favor. I don't know what awaits us in the dungeon, but we already have an advantage.
"And here I thought nobody knew about the princess besides the king? How did you recognize her?"
"Oh, no, I'm not that familiar with the princess," the captain seemed slightly embarrassed. "I guarded her for quite some time, but we never met personally. The first time I saw Princess Katrina was half a year ago when she came to visit her father in the castle after a long time. I was her personal guard throughout her stay in the castle, and then I escorted her to the Academy."
"Yes. I enjoyed talking to Victoria. She was one of the few who knew everything about me. I always enjoyed spending time with her."
The lady-knight was slightly embarrassed.
"No, princess, it was an honor for me. I hope you're having a good time at the Academy. Your last visit to the king didn't end well."
"Everything's fine. I made a lot of friends there and even started my own guild. These are all my friends, they're reliable companions."
The paladin glanced at our group.
"Are you sure, princess, that you don't need my protection?"
"Don't worry, Vina. My friends are the most reliable companions, and I can defend myself," the princess proudly tapped her chest, and the captain's expression became somewhat melancholic.
"I'm glad for you. After the dungeon, do you have a place to stay?"
We exchanged glances and looked at Katrina. She was the only one who had a home in the city.
"No, I wouldn't want to bother my father. So we'll probably rent rooms in an inn."
"Don't worry about that. Princess, I received a good house in the middle district for my loyal service. If you don't mind such simplicity, you can stay with me. There's enough space for everyone," Victoria smiled, then, just to be sure, she counted our group and triumphantly clenched her fist.
"Thank you so much. We'd be happy to accept your invitation."