Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part One]

CHAPTER 16: The Slave Trade

After his embarrassing display of ignorance regarding knowledge that was even rudimentary among commoners, Daisuke humbled himself and reassured Sylvia that she was in good company. In response, the girl's ears perked up with excitement and her bushy tail swished animatedly.

Meanwhile, April absolutely refused to loosen her grip on Daisuke's shirt let alone consider being placed into a separate room. When a dress landed on her head from Sylvia's frantic hunt for a suitable attire, she retrieved it and held it before her face.

"Wow—so pretty!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Daisuke observed her with a tender smile, noting the subtle flush that graced her cheeks for the first time since their departure from Dusthaven. He desperately wanted to preserve that glow.

"Lord Julian," Sylvia called nervously, even as her deft hands continued rummaging through the trunk. "I appreciate your leniency, but you should really be cautious about how you express your views on Beastkin around others. You could find yourself in a lot of trouble."

"...I'll be sure to keep that in mind," Daisuke replied, turning towards the bathroom. "I'll go ahead and take a bath first."

"I'll go too," April chimed in.

Sylvia was evidently far more shocked by those words than Daisuke. "L-Lady Aprilena... perhaps you should let Master Langley go first, then you can go afterwards?"

April pouted, her cheeks puffing up like a balloon. "No, I want us to go together!"

Sylvia looked around awkwardly, her cheeks flushing. "L-Lady Aprilena... at your age, boys and girls shouldn't be taking a bath together. Because... well, it's umm—"

"It's fine," Daisuke interjected, only to note as Sylvia sheepishly began undoing her bowtie before slowly rolling her stocking down the length of one creamy, outstretched leg.

Daisuke cringed. "Umm. What are you doing?"

"...O-Offering up myself in her place."

"...And why exactly would you need to do that?"

Sylvia pursed her lips meekly, her cleavage and collarbones flushed. "From what I've observed... human men are devils who only live to feed their deepest desires. Among all the other species, they are known to be the ones mostly consumed by greed and lust, mating with practically anything that moves."

Daisuke stood motionless, poker-faced. It was shameful, but he couldn't quite deny that horrible truth. "That may more or less be the case," he started to explain, "but humans generally don't mate with their siblings; it's taboo."

His conscience, depicted by a small chibi figure, averted its gaze with a guilty expression. Though... April and I aren't technically related.

"I'm going!" April declared again, throwing a tantrum as she clung to her pretend brother. "I don't want to be left here alone!"

Sylvia's lips quivered with disapproval, and Daisuke could see the genuine care and concern reflected in her gaze. Just before she could respond, he presented her with a question.

"Sylvia," he began, his tone serious and commanding, almost tangible in the room. "Can I trust you?"

His intensity caused the girl to swallow nervously before she replied, "Y-Yes! Of course!"

Daisuke's gaze narrowed to dangerous slits, his butterscotch eyes practically smoldering with intensity. With a steely expression, he delivered his warning: "If you betray me and endanger Aprilena's life, I'll do everything in my power to kill you."

The maid's hair bristled in response to the chilling threat, but she clenched her fists and nodded with solemn resolve. In response, Daisuke's hostility ebbed away and he relaxed his shoulders.

Crouching down, he met his makeshift sister at eye level and gently stroked her hair. "I'll freshen up and then head down for supper," he said softly. "I need you to stay here and lock the doors while I'm away. I'll bring you something to eat later, okay?"

April hugged her knees, tears welling in her eyes. It was clear she was more distressed about being alone than her rumbling stomach. "Big Brother, please don't leave me," she pleaded, her voice trembling with regret. "I'm sorry I acted without your permission."

She must be referring to the food run Brek organized. "I'm not mad about that," Daisuke reassured her gently.

"...You're not?"

"Of course not, silly," he replied with a small smile. "I just want you to stay safe." He glanced meaningfully at the attentive Beastkin beside them. "And while I'm away, Sylvia will be here with you."

"Th-That's right, Lady Aprilena!" the girl exclaimed, throwing herself on the ground beside the brooding child. "Why don't you lend me a hand with starting the fireplace? Afterwards, we can make sure you're all squeaky clean before Master Langley returns."

April glanced up at Daisuke, as if seeking his approval, and he responded with a reassuring nod and a warm smile.

"You lost Mr. Honeykins back in Dusthaven, right?" he asked softly. "I promise I'll find you another friend if you're a good girl and stay here."

"H-Hn! I'll do as you say."

"Atta girl," Daisuke praised with a gentle pat on her head.

Fear of monsters& the unknown: 53.8%