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

CHAPTER 225: The Siren's Lair

Crawling quickly through the cramped space, Daisuke hissed, "You again?"

Milton smirked as he led them toward an exit. "What, not happy to see me?"

Lyndoria scoffed. "Who are you? And why are you helping us?"

A muscle twitched in his jaw. "I hate how this place is being run lately. It needs a reform, or just to be burnt to the ground."

Daisuke narrowed his eyes. "That's a dangerous stance to take."

Milton snorted. "Job security used to be a given in this place—now that's changed and I don't like it. Is it so wrong to have an opinion?"

"...I guess not."

He glanced over his shoulder. "Besides, isn't that why you're here?"

Daisuke studied him. "...And what makes you think that?"

"I was eavesdropping while you spoke with Valoria." His expression darkened. "And I saw the look in your eyes. A noble wouldn't have that intense aura—only a warrior does."

Daisuke exhaled. "That's... inconvenient," he murmured, then decided there was no harm in a bit of truth. "To be completely honest, we're trying to flush out corruption in the kingdom. We suspect the brothel owners are involved."

Lumielle cast him an anxious glance, but it was Lyndoria who voiced her concern. "Was it really wise to reveal that?" she questioned, her sharp gaze brimming with accusation.

"There's a time and place for everything," Daisuke replied evenly. "And right now, this is both. The guy just saved us from a massive headache—the least we can do is show him the value of what he's done."

Milton's brows furrowed as he paved the path ahead. "If you really want to expose this corruption, you need to go higher up the food chain."

"Who?"

"...Lord Zerbst," he uttered, his voice dripping with distaste. "He owns a private club where the city's most powerful and depraved men gather. They drink, they indulge, and most importantly—they talk."

"Where?"

"Unfortunately, that's all I know," he said, then once they were safely outside, he stepped back. "Well, good luck. Try not to die."

Daisuke smirked. "Gee, thanks."

Milton turned to leave but paused, casting them a sidelong glance. "I don't know you... but my gut tells me you're worth trusting. And I have to admit, I'm impressed by the lengths you're willing to go for information. That's why I've decided to put all my chips in with you. So, believe me when I say—I wish you luck."

He turned to Lumielle and bowed. "Princess."

"..."

Everyone fell into stunned silence.

Milton smirked. "You're no common woman, nor a prostitute. The gleam in your eyes says otherwise."

And with that, he walked away.

Daisuke scratched his cheek awkwardly. "...Well, I have to admit, he's a pretty perceptive guy."

"Sure," Lyndoria scoffed, taking off her hat. "But can we really trust him?"

Zephyr's tiny head popped out from Daisuke's shirt, his eyes rolling dramatically as if questioning Lyndoria's capacity to trust anyone at this point.

Lyndoria shot him a sharp glare, to which the pup responded by sticking out his tongue tauntingly.

"Lynn does have a point," Lumielle chimed in softly. "Can we truly trust this man?"

Daisuke shrugged nonchalantly. "Trust? I honestly don't know. But I can say with confidence that he was telling the truth."