Reincarnated As A First Rate Villain: I Don't Know How To Play My Role

The hooves of the Velebrandt steed clopped softly against the cobblestone road, its rhythm blending with the hum of city life. Lucien sat upright now, his eyes wide as saucers while they slowly made their way through the bustling street. All around him, colors danced in his vision—banners fluttered from rooftops, embroidered signs hung proudly above shops, and the lively chatter of merchants and townsfolk filled the air with a melody unique to the Velebrandt estate.

Then, amidst the cacophony of his wonder, Lucien suddenly blinked.

"A... an airship?" he murmured to himself.

His gaze instinctively lifted upward.

There—high above the rooftops, nearly kissing the clouds—floated a massive blimp-shaped airship. It hovered gracefully like a whale in the sky, its sleek, reinforced frame supported by several rotating propellers at each side, their blades shimmering in the golden sunlight. The ship's hull bore the Velebrandt crest, shimmering with silver and crimson against the blue sky, and several smaller banners streamed from its body, fluttering with purpose.

Lucien's breath caught in his throat.

"So this world has reached that level of advancement...?"

He had imagined a world of knights and castles, swords and spells—but this? This was teetering on the edge of magitech, of something that danced between fantasy and steampunk wonder. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. For a brief moment, it almost felt like home. Almost.

Knight Rex, noticing his young charge's awestruck stare, simply smiled.

"You'll get used to it," he said, voice deep and amused.

They turned into a quieter street lined with polished storefronts and fine decor—reserved for those of noble lineage or overwhelming wealth. After a few more steps, they arrived before a grand establishment. Its doors were tall, made of fine wood polished to a gleaming sheen, and the windows revealed glimpses of tailored suits, dresses spun with threads of silver, and mannequins adorned with cloaks infused with runes. Embossed in gold above the entrance were the words: