GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 21.1: Access Pending

She finished chewing a bite before answering. "I thought I'd do some scouting around the merchant district. The results won't be in for a few days, and I want to check for possible jobs, just in case." Her fingers fidgeted with her fork. "Not that I'm expecting to fail, but... options are good."

I nodded, understanding her caution. Then a memory surfaced—a promise I'd made days ago during our journey. I leaned forward slightly.

"How about we take Hileya to training today?"

Hileya's head snapped up, her eyes widening. "Training...me?"

"Yes, you." I smiled. "I promised to teach you some self-defense, remember?"

Celia brightened. "Oh! That's actually a good idea. There's a public practice area right here in the backyard."

Hileya looked between us, uncertainty written across her face. "I'm not sure if I should—"

"Do you still have the dagger I gave you?" I asked.

She nodded hesitantly. "Yes, I've kept it safe in my quarters."

"Perfect. Bring it with you, and we'll start with the basics."

This would serve multiple purposes. Not only would I fulfill my promise to Hileya, but it would also give me a chance to explore some new aspects of my magic. The spell Landre had shown me opened up possibilities I was eager to try.

"Will I... need special clothing?" Hileya asked, clearly trying to imagine herself training alongside us.

Celia laughed lightly. "Just wear something you can move in. Nothing too restrictive."

"I'll meet you both at the front entrance in an hour," I said, finishing the last of my breakfast. "That should give us all enough time to prepare."

The private lodging boasted a modest training yard behind the main building. Shaded by tall trees, the area featured several practice dummies, and an open space covered with packed sand.

Hileya arrived moments after Celia and I, still in her full maid uniform—blue dress, white apron—looking entirely out of place.

"I apologize, Young Master," she bowed. "This is all I have. Maids aren't typically provided with training attire."

"Don't worry," I assured her. "We'll make do."

Celia, already warmed up in her loose training pants and tunic, eyed Hileya critically. "We'll get you something more practical eventually, but this will work for basics."

"First things first," I began, gesturing for Hileya to join us in the center of the yard. "We need to find a proper way for you to carry that dagger. Holding it in your hand all day isn't practical."

Hileya nodded, extending the sheathed weapon toward me. "I wasn't sure where to keep it without damaging my uniform. We're expected to maintain them in perfect condition."

"That's why we're going to make you a proper sheath holder," Celia said, producing a small bundle from her bag. She unwrapped it to reveal strips of leather, a buckle, and some cord. "I borrowed these from the equipment shed."

"Thigh holster?" I asked, remembering our earlier conversation on the road.

Celia nodded. "Mhm. Discreet, comfortable to move, and easy to reach."

Hileya looked between us with widening eyes. "Will it... be visible under my uniform?"

"Not if we position it correctly,"