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

CHAPTER 231: The Truth About the Zepharion Church

"The Arcanium Kingdom is still in its infancy," Lumielle informed. "We don't have many nobles, which makes it easier to keep track of most of them.

The grand chancellor has served the king faithfully for years—cold, calculating, and, at times, insufferable—but his loyalty is undeniable, and it's clear in his transparency. Lord Vaerythos, on the other hand... he's always been far more ambitious, and rather unhinged at times."

She paused, her expression heavy with thought. "Since I'm familiar with most of the aristocrats, I've always assumed the mastermind would be of lower station, or someone who wasn't even within the palace walls at all. But... unless we manage to extract information from a corrupt loyalist or from Lord Vaerythos himself, it's likely we'll never uncover the full truth."

"In that case," Lyndoria interjected, "since we have concrete proof that Lord Vaerythos has made attempts on the king's life, shouldn't we make his capture the priority?"

"No," Daisuke replied firmly. "We should still go after Zerbst first. His name is annoying to pronounce, but he's definitely the easier target. The Marquess has a higher rank and, with it, tighter security. We'll get one shot at him—so it needs to count."

"But, Sophia!" Lumielle burst out, panic rising in her voice. "What about my father? If they replace the doctor, he'll be poisoned!"

"She's right!" Lyndoria snapped, her voice just as passionate. "We can't just stand by. We have to consider rescuing him. At this rate..."

Daisuke's eyes narrowed, unsure how to phrase what needed to be said. "...I understand how you feel, but if we move too soon, everything falls apart. Those bastards will twist the narrative—we'd be handing them the perfect excuse to kill the king and pin the blame on his so-called kidnappers."

"...Then what are we supposed to do?" Lumielle cried, desperation cracking her voice.

Lyndoria bristled, her eyes blazing with fury. "Are you seriously suggesting we just stand by and let the king die?"

"Of course not," Daisuke replied calmly. "I'm saying we'll intervene when the time is right. We'll intercept the next doctor they send and have Midnight administer antidotes if it comes to that. But for now, we need to move before this entire situation slips beyond our grasp."

Suddenly, his golden eyes snapped toward the stairwell. "You can stop lurking now," he demanded sternly, projecting his voice. "Try all you want, but you won't escape my notice."

At the sharp command, Prince Reneal reluctantly emerged from behind the wall, his steps tentative. He shuffled toward the lobby where the others sat, eyes lowered, unable to meet their gaze.

"Spying?" Lyndoria sneered, crossing her arms. "You may be the princess's older brother, but you've got some nerve sneaking around and eavesdropping."

Lumielle watched him expectantly.

"Now that you're a little bit more informed," Daisuke began, his gaze appraising, "...what will you do now?"

Reneal swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on the lovely and mysterious woman before him—someone he was beginning to realize held far more merit than he'd ever known.

Her strength, her poise... and those profound words had stirred something unfamiliar within him. She had awakened a flicker of purpose in a heart long untouched by duty.

A faint blush crept across his cheeks. "The king... is also my father," he said quietly. "And this place... it's my home, my haven, my paradise. I won't let them destroy it. I want to help. Just... tell me what I need to do."

Lumielle's eyes widened in surprise as her brother clenched his fists at his sides, his gaze burning with a rare determination to take responsibility, to step out of his comfort zone.

He had changed.

But why?

"...You," Lyndoria hissed, glaring at Daisuke. "You must've known he was there. Why did you let him hear everything?"

"...Because he's Lumielle's precious older brother," came the simple response. "And whether we like it or not, his life will be in danger too. Besides, I thought it best to have another ally since things are about to get messy."

"And how are you so sure he can be trusted?"

"A hunch," he answered with a shrug.

Lyndoria grinded her teeth then sighed.

Daisuke turned his attention back to Reneal, noting how the prince's sheepish gaze bounced between Zephyr and Midnight—clearly a fondness for cute things ran in the family.

He doubted Reneal would be of much help; more likely, he'd be a burden. But when someone was trying that hard to change, it wasn't wise to shut them down. Besides, a little danger might be exactly what the timid prince needed to finally grow.

"Okay, here's what we'll do," Daisuke began, commanding everyone's undivided attention. "Tomorrow, Reneal and I will attend the charity event to investigate. Meanwhile, Lumielle and Lynn will stay behind—not only to strategize how to rally the nobles for our plan, but also to locate Zerbst so we can mark and track him."

He gave a nod toward the blepping canine. "Zephyr will serve as your protector."

"Arf," the pup barked in loyal affirmation.

Reneal beamed at him.

"As for Midnight," Daisuke continued, his gaze shifting toward the sleek feline. "You've been at it for several days now. Take the night off and rest until tomorrow."

His voice lowered slightly. "You mentioned an apothecary tied to both the church and the Mhaledictus. I want you to keep an eye on them once you're back on your paws."

"Meow~" the feline purred lazily before easing into a long, luxurious stretch. He kneaded one ear with a paw, then gave it a delicate lick. Without another sound, the Djinn slowly began to sink into his master's shadow, melting into the darkness until he vanished completely.

Reneal's eyes sparkled.

"We've got a big day ahead of us," Daisuke concluded. "Let's get some rest."

""Right.""

Everyone nodded in unison.