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

CHAPTER 88: The Fate of the Offspring

Daisuke knelt down, his hand affectionately ruffling the canine's fur. "I need you to take them to Elmridge Village," he said, nodding towards the girls who offered sincere bows. "Guide them to April and the others safely. With your skills, I know you can do it."

The pup hesitated, weighing his options.

"I'll be fine," Daisuke reassured with a warm smile. "I promise to keep out of trouble until you get back."

"Arf!" Zephyr barked in agreement, his tail wagging vigorously.

"Attaboy!" Daisuke praised, his voice brimming with encouragement.

The girls' faces lit up with radiant smiles as they bowed again in gratitude. Gloria's own smile widened, her only lingering concern revolving around Zephyr's ability to safeguard the group from the perils lurking in the wilderness. Yet, she found solace in the fact that she had already witnessed firsthand the remarkable capabilities of the young wolf.

"As for the return trip," Daisuke whispered nervously as he secured a necklace around Zephyr's neck. "I know you hate it, but I'll reset your summoning at the end of the day. That should give you enough time to make the trip. Sounds good?"

"Grrr."

Daisuke offered an apologetic smile. "I know you're bummed out about the summoning, but just do it this once... for the kids, okay?"

The toddlers gazed up with wide, innocent eyes, and Zephyr broke into a sweat at the blinding intensity of their pleading stares. Feeling the weight of their expectation, the pup sighed, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation at Daisuke before reluctantly conceding to the request.

"Don't worry," Daisuke attempted to appease. "I'll have plenty of barbecue prepared in time for your return."

Zephyr's eyes sparkled with anticipation, steam spewing from his nostrils in excitement.

Internally, Daisuke couldn't help but smirk. Hook, line, and sinker!

Everyone regarded the canine awkwardly.

After saying their goodbyes, Daisuke and Gloria watched as the group vanished into the distance.

"Tantyu~" one of the toddlers chimed while waving.

"Do you think they'll be alright?" Gloria wondered aloud.

"This isn't the first time Zephyr's been entrusted with such an important task," Daisuke reassured her. "Let's trust in him. They'll be fine."

***

"I'm sure a man of your esteemed stature has already sampled most of the forbidden delights this world has to offer."

These words were uttered by Casimir—a familiar man of considerable girth for whom Reeza had been amassing an exorbitant amount of coin.

Across the table from him sat a guest exuding an air of eloquence, unmistakably of noble lineage. The scene was completed by their formidable escorts, standing sentinel-like at their sides, their expressions stoic and unreadable.

"But, personally," Casimir continued, "I doubt a youthful mind could fully comprehend the sophisticated needs of a man. However... imagine a female with the intellect of a grown woman and a physique radiating the allure of a forbidden fruit."

The noble's eyebrow lifted with interest, an amused smile curling his lips.

"What if one could truly have the best of both worlds?"

Following Casimir's words, a progression of several diminutive women quietly entered the room. They formed orderly lines before the two men, their demeanor serene and composed. Bathed and perfumed with incense, they were clad in their finest attire.

One among them, petite yet curvaceous, caught the nobleman's attention. Her face, whitened by cosmetics, was in beautiful contrast to her flowing pink locks and striking ruby-red eyes.

"Don't tell me—" the nobleman stuttered, his curiosity piqued.

"I expected nothing less from a man as well-traveled and knowledgeable as yourself," Casimir praised with a sly twist of his lips. "Your discerning eye is truly remarkable. As you've guessed, these are Florian women—a rare breed of demihumans found only in the remote countrysides of the eastern continent."

"Oh!" The man rose to his feet, his excitement palpable as he approached the women with the wonder of a child encountering a treasure trove for the first time. "I've never beheld such marvels! They're absolutely exquisite!"

Casimir's laughter rumbled through the room, his belly shaking with mirth. "We do aim to please," he replied humbly, though a smug grin couldn't help but creep across his face. "Many high-ranking dignitaries have savored the delights our establishment offers. In fact, they were so impressed that they've all agreed to invest in our enterprise."

"Is that so?" The man turned away from the women to meet Casimir's gaze, his expression a mix of curiosity and condescension. "Men of my stature are quite comfortable in terms of wealth, so what benefit would investing in this venture hold?"

"Before we delve into such... mundane matters," Casimir interjected smoothly, his voice a whisper of silk. "Why not select one of our courtesans to assist you in unwinding? After all, it was a long journey from the royal capital, wasn't it? Why don't you take this time to simply relax."

The man frowned. It was such a slight twist of his eyebrows that it was almost unrecognizable. He was fully aware of the serpent's attempt to curry favor—a ploy designed to undermine his vigilance. But despite his confidence that such tactics would not sway him, he found himself undeniably intrigued by the prospect of tasting the unique wine offered by the deplorable man.

"In that case," the nobleman agreed, his gaze lingering on the pink-haired woman's voluptuous curves and a flat-chested girl who exuded childlike innocence. "I'll choose these two."

Two of them? Casimir's eye twitched momentarily in irritation. But he kept his expression even, knowing he couldn't afford to antagonize his potential investor. Presumptuous bastard!

"It seems your travels have stirred quite the appetite," Casimir mused, his tone masking his simmering indignation. "Allow us to satisfy that hunger."

As the courtesans were ushered into a room fit for royalty, the nobleman's predatory aura lingered behind them. Their indifferent expressions concealed the turmoil within, their eyes betraying no emotion.