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

CHAPTER 187: Odd Vibes - Reunion with the Kaelmonts

Silvestia was congratulated on her recovery and Fay, upon becoming a part of the family. Soon, their hands were filled with small gifts—fragrant herbs, sweet candied fruits, and meat kebabs—all tokens of appreciation for their parents' kindness.

Fay paused, her eyes gleaming at the thought of being regarded as a part of the family.

"Fay!" Silvestia called with an infectious smile, her satchel practically stuffed with goodies. "What're you waiting for, silly? Let's go!"

Both girls exchanged delighted glances before frolicking ahead. The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering spices blended with the chatter of merchants calling out their wares. Groups of adventurers carrying impressive weapons effortlessly sauntered through the crowd, like oil refusing to fuse with water.

"It's terribly cold," murmured a shivering old woman. "If only a considerate young soul would spare a moment of their time to chop firewood for this feeble old woman."

At the elder's request, a long line of Fallen eagerly offered her the precious commodity. Silvestia and Fay exchanged amused glances as they eyed the growing mountain of firewood already piled behind her.

"I'm starting to think she actually likes being cold," Silvestia muttered.

Fay giggled.

Finally, they arrived at their destination—the glassmith's store, where shimmering displays of handcrafted wonders awaited them.

But that wasn't all.

Lugene Kaelmont froze in place as if she had seen a ghost. Sensing her shock, Silvestia's gaze instinctively met hers, drawn like a magnet. Rue Kaelmont and Fay quickly picked up on the unspoken connection. Without a word, Lugene shot her husband a flabbergasted look. Wide-eyed, the man held his wife's gaze for a moment before shifting his attention back to Silvestia. As his fingers curled slightly, the girl suddenly darted toward Lugene and wrapped her arms around her in a tight embrace.

Rue's frown flickered for the briefest moment—then he exhaled.

"I've missed you both so much!" Silvestia exclaimed, pulling her head from the woman's bosom to find her eyes. Then she shifted her gaze to Rue. "Both of you."

"Silvestia! Oh, my goddess!" Lugene gasped, overcome with emotion as she pulled the girl close. "You're awake! You're finally awake!"

"Silvestia tilted her head back, her eyes shimmering. "H-Hn!" she nodded gleefully. "Sorry I didn't let you know sooner; there's a big gap in my memory so mom and dad didn't want me leaving home at all."

"...I can understand that," Rue said softly, his smile warm with empathy. "If I were in their place, I'd have done the same until I knew you were truly okay."

Lugene nodded, her lips curling into a bright smile. "I feel the same," she uttered, then her gaze lifted with an almost calculative flare, capturing the other girl within its grasp. "Fay, my dear... we meet again."

The girl bowed her head politely. "Mrs. Kaelmont, it's nice to see you."

Rue's gaze softened as he spoke. "Fay, it's a pleasure to finally put a face to the name. Lugene has spoken so highly of you. I'm looking forward to working with you."

"Likewise," Fay responded, bowing once more.

"So, where are you two headed off to?" Lugene asked, her eyes scanning the items peeking from the girls' satchels.

"An errand."

"We came to buy glass vials."

Fay and Silvestia gestured at the store off to the left side of the thoroughfare.

"In that case, we'll leave you to it," Lugene responded sweetly. "We wouldn't want to take up too much of your time and have Lefahne and Zurrel worry."

"That's right," Rue agreed with a gentle nod. "We can catch up whenever you visit the store."

"I'll have your favorite cookies ready," Lugene promised, her serene gaze falling onto the other girl. "And of course, Fay is more than welcome to join us as well."

"Yay!" Silvestia cheered enthusiastically.

"Thank you so much," Fay said softly, bowing her head in gratitude.

"Well then, until next time," Rue said, giving a final glance before turning to leave.

"Bye~" Lugene waved cheerfully.

"C'mon, Fay," Silvestia exclaimed, grabbing her arm. "Let's go!"

***

"Well, you're a face I haven't seen in a while," greeted a young boy across the counter, a pair of glasses with stainless glass lenses perched atop his head. "Have you finally returned to confess your love for me?"

"You wish," Silvestia shot back, rolling her eyes.

"And you, Sweetie pie?" The boy leaned over the counter, trying to peer under Fay's hood. "What's your name?"

"None of your beeswax!" Silvestia snapped, jamming her fingers into his nostrils. "And what's with those dumb glasses, anyway?"

The boy's hands shot up in surrender, his gaze drifting into the distance like a wistful poet. "Oftentimes, when the world fades to gray like a moonless night, I find it easier to bear when seen through a different hue."

"Right~" Silvestia drawled, giving him a shove that sent him toppling backward.

Fay winced as he crashed to the floor behind the counter. "A-Are you okay?"

"Heartbroken and bruised, but couldn't be better," the boy murmured as he peeled himself up off the ground and rested his weight against the counter. In his hand were a feathered pen and piece of parchment. "So, what can I get you cheerful folks today?"

"Thirty-five vials and fifteen glass jars," Silvestia ordered flatly.

"And as always," the boy began with a tired sigh, "while you're off having your adventures, shall I tuck them away in a corner until you're ready to grab them?"

"That's right," Silvestia beamed, clearly satisfied.

"Sure-sure," the boy muttered under his breath. "And you punish me for my interpretation of a good time. How mature."

"What was that?" Silvestia hissed, her fingers curling into a murderous fist.

"Hieeeeek!" the boy squealed and shrank back.

Fay restrained her from behind with a sheepish smile. "Thank you so much... um..."

"G-Glen," the boy squeaked, still trembling.

"Glen, we'll see you later," Fay said with a polite nod while guiding her abusive friend away.

Silvestia shot a final glare over her shoulder, her voice low with menace. "You're so dead, Shrimps-kay! Enjoy life while you can!"

Glen watched them leave. "Phew," he sighed in relief. "Silvie... this is how she expresses her undying love for me. I'm definitely gonna make her my wife one day.