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

CHAPTER 182: Breakfast with a Side of Politics

Despite herself, the princess found her gaze drifting away, a flush creeping up her neck. She longed to compliment him, but the words eluded her. Her nerves betrayed her, and all she could manage was a quiet, "Th-The melody helps me to relax when I'm anxious."

Daisuke took a moment to admire the lovely space that surrounded them. The bedchamber exuded an air of lavishness and grace, its walls painted in soft hues of lavender and gold, illuminated by the warm glow of a mana crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. The centerpiece of the room was an intricately carved canopy bed with plush, rose-pink bedding and a gilded headboard shaped like a royal crest. Flowing violet drapes framed the tall arched windows.

A luxurious rug, dyed in shades of lilac and pink, stretched across the polished marble floor, leading to an elegant seating area near the windows. Bouquets of fresh roses in ornate vases adorned the room, filling the air with a floral fragrance. Every corner of the chamber whispered refinement, from the golden accents on the furniture to the delicate embroidery on the curtains, making it a true haven befitting a princess.

"You have a very beautiful voice," Daisuke said softly, offering a gentle smile. "Have you ever thought about singing professionally?"

Lumielle's gaze dropped, her lips pressing into a taut line. "...My mother loved to sing," she murmured, her voice almost lost in thought. "I began imitating her over time. I think... continuing her legacy helps ease the guilt I feel about her death."

Daisuke's eyes widened a tad at her words, and his lips parted to speak, but he swallowed the words down and shifted his chain of thought. "If you ask me... I think you're the embodiment of your mother's legacy."

The princess's heart skipped a beat at the claim. Without even realizing it, she allowed the heartfelt words to permeate throughout her mind, heart, and soul. Then she closed her eyes with a soft sigh, composing herself. Closing the lid of the music box, she stood and faced Daisuke, her countenance now stern and resolute.

"You must be famished after yesterday's ordeal," she said with a wan smile. "Let's make our way to the dining room, shall we?"

"Before that," Daisuke interrupted, halting the girl in her tracks. "I'm curious... who're the lucky bastards the kingdom's set on demolishing?"

Lumielle raised an eyebrow expectantly, and Daisuke sighed, rolling his eyes. "I've heard whispers about a war. Who are we up against, and what's the motive?"

The princess turned back around, clearly not enthused about what she was about to say. "Wavecrest, once a humble port town, thrived rapidly thanks to its prime coastal location. With their swift economic rise, my father had plans to make them a tributary town, hoping to forge a mutually beneficial relationship."

Her eyes sharpened, a bitter edge creeping into her voice. "But after the king's illness, the narrative shifted completely. Now, the kingdom aims to seize full control of Wavecrest, driven by nothing but greed. They've demanded an outrageous tribute from the town and imposed crippling tariffs on exports, all to stifle their economy and provoke conflict."

"...Which basically instigated a war between the two territories," Daisuke deduced.

"Not exactly," Lumielle corrected flatly.

"What do you mean?"

"That was merely the propaganda fed to the people to justify the kingdom's actions."

"Then?"

"In response to the oppressive tariffs, Wavecrest halted all trade with Wonderelle and Lunarel, redirecting their exports elsewhere. Their economy quickly stabilized. And, of course, they outright refused to become a tributary to the kingdom."

"Sounds like my kind of town," Daisuke smirked.

"I'm sure you can guess what happened next," Lumielle replied.

Daisuke cupped his chin thoughtfully. "So the kingdom still wants to take control of the town to profit from its maritime industry. And since the citizens are already conditioned..."

"Exactly," Lumielle confirmed with a nod. "Since we're on the subject, I should mention that today will mostly be focused on learning court etiquette from Lynn. After that, we'll dive into current affairs and a bit of history so you're prepared to hold your own in conversations with nobility.

Espionage is important, but maintaining a low profile and avoiding suspicion is far more critical in the long run. But before any of that, let's get something to eat."

***

Eggs, bacon, sausages, bread, fruits—just a small glimpse of the feast laid out before him. Yet, it was hard to enjoy the meal when the maids were standing attentively against the walls, their eyes shining like lanterns as they observed Daisuke's every move.

Lumielle took the time to introduce each one by name, though it was Arabelle who left the strongest impression. As the senior servant, she commanded authority over the entire staff—with the notable exception of Lyndoria, of course.

Daisuke's gaze flickered over to Lyndoria, his expression faltering under the weight of her constant death stares. Though the girl wore a maid's uniform, her role was far more than that of a simple servant. She was Lumielle's personal attendant and secretary, trained in combat and tasked with ensuring that the princess's affairs ran smoothly. She worked in tandem with Arabelle to maintain Lumielle's quarters and duties.

"This is Sophia Lorraine Everwinter," Lumielle said warmly, gesturing toward the silver-haired woman beside her. "She's a close friend of mine and will be staying with us for a while. Please see to it that she's well cared for."