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

CHAPTER 252: Retaliation - From Decree to Prisoners

One of the guards approached a silver-haired woman. The sly grin curling his lips made it apparent he was hoping to achieve a tad more than his job description.

"Don't move," he ordered, slipping his sword back into its sheath.

A lecherous glint lit his eyes as he looked her over, drinking in every detail. Then, with far too much enthusiasm, he crouched and tapped at her ankles—his hands lingering too long as they slid slowly up the length of her legs. He paused at the back of her thighs, fingers pressing just enough to feel the curve of her rear.

Suppressing a smug chuckle, he finally stepped back. "Arms up."

As she obeyed, a flush crept across his face, eyes fixating on the way her breasts subtly shifted with the motion. His gaze drifted—from the line of her cleavage to her armpits, then to the delicate curve of her shoulders—each detail feeding his crude fascination.

"Your hair, eye color, and youth match the description," he murmured before brazenly cupping the soft mound of one breast. Then squeezed. "Ah, it's warm—otto!"

The bastard quickly stepped back when her face twisted into a fierce snarl.

"...Th-the only difference is that you're a woman, and quite a feisty one at that," he muttered, turning to leave after being certain she wasn't wearing a disguise.

Daisuke lowered his arms and exhaled, searing the soldier's vile face into memory as the man walked off. It took every ounce of his willpower to refrain from pounding the pervert into paste. But now wasn't the time to blow his cover—he couldn't afford to jeopardize the plan.

As the soldiers frantically combed the venue for a boy with silver hair and orange-brown eyes, he couldn't help but wonder. They clearly knew exactly who they were after—Haxks Starfrost. But Hynes had no idea he was here, much less tied to Lumielle.

So how did the soldiers—or more precisely, the Mhaledictus—know who to target? Was it Adrian? Or Ranger? Still, what were the odds of either man being in the capital?

Leopold's trembling gaze stayed glued to his feet, his thoughts spiraling as he replayed everything that had unfolded in the mental realm. He'd been so focused on a single man and his vile deeds that he failed to grasp the depth of the rot spreading through the palace.

The king—poisoned by a traitor. Members of the royal court—collaborating with the Mhaledictus. It sounded unthinkable, and yet, it explained the chill that had settled over the palace in recent months. The heaviness. The silence. The dread.

As if compelled by the gods themselves, Leopold lifted his gaze—and there, directly in his line of sight, stood Ignatius Pembroke. Surrounded by his peers, yet stripped of his usual arrogance. There was no carefree laughter this time. No smug grin. Only the frantic chattering of teeth and eyes flicking about like a cornered tranquilid.

Those weren't the eyes of an innocent man. And as Leopold mulled over the sins that might have driven him to such despair, his own expression twisted as a dark and chilling thought took root.

"Grand Chancellor Cassius," Reneal called out as he approached, no trace of hesitation or cowardice in his demeanor. "What do you plan to do with my sister?"

Cassius shifted his gaze—from Lyndoria, just escorted forward by a soldier, to Lumielle, whose eyes gleamed with thinly veiled contempt.

"If the king has truly recovered enough to speak," he replied coolly, "then I'll raise the matter with him directly. If not... I'll bring it before the council."

Reneal frowned, his lips pressed into a firm, confident line. "I expect to be kept informed on this matter—and present at the meeting."

Cassius schooled his features into a mask of polite indifference. "But of course... I'll see to it that you're—"

"I'm not finished," Reneal interjected sharply. "Once matters here are settled, I want a private word regarding my father's condition. If he has been drugged, then it's evident your security protocols have failed."

A muscle twitched in Cassius's jaw, but he held both his tongue and his composure and dipped into a shallow bow. "Your Highness."

Stynx's anger simmered as he watched the unfolding scene. Just yesterday, Reneal would have been paralyzed by the pressure of such an affair, his presence only earning sneers and dismissive glances from the aristocrats. His words would have been worthless in their eyes, ignored or mocked.

But now, after his courageous actions earlier that day, the prince had transformed. He stood tall, unwavering, commanding respect—even from the Grand Chancellor, who, despite his disdain, was forced to lower his pride and acknowledge the prince's words. Even if it meant losing favor with the crowd.

Stynx clicked his tongue in displeasure. Dammit! I can't let it end like this. I have to say something—do something right this instant, or I may never get another chance to prove myself.

Just then, the bastard prince caught the defiant curve of Lumielle's lips and the ever-stoic expression worn by her assistant. But something was off. A third figure—one who had lately become a constant beside them—was missing. The silver-haired wench who had wormed her way into their lives. The insufferable thorn in his side.

A glint sparked in his eye as realization struck. At last, a crack of opportunity he could sink his claws into, however miniscule.

Without hesitation or shame, he stepped up to Vaerythos and leaned in. "My Lord," he whispered, just loud enough to be heard. "Shouldn't we order the soldiers to find Sophia as well? The woman who allegedly funded the dark guild? If we can squeeze the truth from her..."

Hynes narrowed his eyes at the exchange and quietly activated a skill that heightened his senses—especially his hearing.

Suddenly, "Soldiers!" Vaerythos barked, sweeping his arm like a blade. "Long silver hair, orange-brown eyes—Sophia Everwinter. Find her at once! It's imperative she's taken into custody immediately!"

"Sir!" The soldiers saluted before disposing themselves to the deed.

Stynx grinned.

Hynes and Leopold frowned.

Lyndoria glanced in the general direction where she had last seen Haxks Starfrost, but he had already disappeared. She wasn't quite sure whether to be relieved or concerned. But when she shifted her attention to Lumielle to offer comfort, the princess's expression was mostly unperturbed.

She allowed a small smile. I guess I was worried for nothing.

Without a word, Vaerythos craned his head toward Stynx, bloodshot eyes wide and unblinking. "Kill Lumielle," he demanded. "If you want to redeem yourself, get rid of both her and Everwinter."

Hynes' breath caught in his throat.