The trip up the mountain was less eventful after the troll ambush, with the law of the jungle in full effect. The monsters of the mountain are now aware of their strength, cowering in wait for weaker prey to ambush instead. Her conversation with David had ended but Ariellia couldn't stop thinking about the matter. From what she knows of the game and the rules of magic it's clear to her now where Folami failed. When using fate magic, you exchange your fate for another. She stole Jasper's fate, marrying the person he should have married but then she got pregnant.
If David had married Jasper instead, he would have likely chosen a different sex at his differentiation ceremony. The duke would become a duchess in secret, and it would be David's role to bear the child. Jasper was never fated to be the one to get pregnant, so this glaring error made the laws governing magic aware to Folami's deception, causing a backlash and her inevitable death at childbirth. The tragic tale only makes Eren more curious about Ariellia's mother's ultimate goal. Why would she risk so much to marry David?
The duke's backstory was never mentioned in the game, his appearance ending with the disappearance of Rahnoff. It's only been through careful gossip with her maids and observation that she has been able to gain a better understanding of her father, a former party member of the expedition that defeated the last demon lord, famed spear master, and secret lover to Jasper. It makes no sense for such a high spec character with such an unusual backstory to be cast off right from the start.
At the same time, it finally makes sense why Jasper would spare no expense to help players on their journey back to the capital. Not only is it a family matter that needs to be resolved, helping the hero is also an act of revenge on his part for the King's henchmen killing his goddaughter and breaking his lover's heart. Ariellia frowns, feeling the twists and turns of this family drama could pass for a soap opera.
"Halt! Please take out your Identification token. All persons must be verified to gain access to Draghdom." A booming voice up ahead puts a stop to the duke's entourage.
While she was mauling over her family's twisted past, they had smoothly arrived at the front gates of Draghdom, the merchant city that never sleeps. If they had been able to ride up the mountain in the carriage bearing the duke's sigil there'd be no reason to bring up such a request. They wait in place for a minute or two while this formality is easily handled by Clad and a junior knight announcing the duke's presence. The guards at the gate nearly fall over themselves to clear the way for their group, bowing deeply as they pass.
Ariellia looks around in interest on top of Mori-fae as they slowly trot through the mostly empty streets. She's familiar with the layout from the game map, the city is like a large, layered cake wedged into the side of the mountain, each layer connected by a skybridge leading to the next, with beautiful waterfalls acting as an aqueduct system for the city. The bazaar styled markets and local shops are currently shuttered closed due to the timing of their arrival but by nightfall they will be crowded with people. The entire city would be lit up by the warm glow of mana stone lamps, brought to life by the noisy vendors hawking their goods at passing strangers. She feels her growing excitement just thinking about it. Seeing something on screen is completely different from seeing it in person.
They follow the main road to the higher terraces, her heart nearly jumping out of her chest when they have to cross the skybridges on horseback. In the game she'd never given the act much thought, controlling the hero to ride across it at full speed. Now that she is faced with the same situation, she tightly grips the reins, her knees nervously pressed to Mori-fae's sides till he begins to protest at her odd behavior as they cross the floating bridge. In her head she knows it's sturdy, built with magic reinforcement to hold a sizeable amount of weight, but her heart keeps racing as they make their way across the gaping gorge. She sighs with relief each time she makes it across.
They pass several skybridges before they reach the top terrace, inhabited solely by the mayor and his close cabinet members. She dismounts with the rest and hands Mori-fae's reins to the stable hand. A young goat beastman with a pleasant smile, though most of the city is asleep, it's common to see foreign races such as him who aren't followers of Selene choose to remain active during the day.
"Welcome to Draghdom miss. The mayor has been anticipating your arrival. Please let me help you put away your steed." he deeply bows.
"Thank you." It seems she'll never get used to people treating her with such deep deference.
"Come here my little moonshine, we likely won't be able to meet with mayor Takao till nightfall. For now, let's check out our accommodations." Duke Garrod offers his hand, escorting her into the mayor's residence.
"Once I've settled in can I take some of my maids to go look around the city father?" The item shop she wants to visit should be two terraces down from here. The owner is a mixed-race dwarf, and a follower of Helbright. His shop should be open even at this time.
David smiles, happy to see her curious nature didn't change even with her sudden loss of memory. "Sure dear, just be sure to bring Clad with you. Draghdom is full of foreigners and people of other kingdoms, it's not as safe as it looks."
"Yes, father."
She doesn't disregard his concern and rushes off with her maids to freshen up. They've been traveling for several days, in order to make a good first impression on the stubborn yet lecherous dwarf she needs to look her best. It's a glitch discovered by another player, if you go to the item shop with an all-female party the owner would give you a discount. On the other hand, if you went back to the shop with an all-male party, he would hike up the price instead. A mixed party of both females and males would only get the normal rate. She'll have to remember to tell Clad and the other males to wait outside while she shops.