Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 140: Revelry Beneath the Canopies

"Gods be praised! I haven't seen you in so long!" Gretchen lamented with a blush, her trusty ladle strapped to her apron. "I feared you were struck down by a monster in a dungeon. I'm so relieved you're—"

"Haxks!" a young girl wearing a similar apron called out excitedly, skidding to a stop in front of the giant innkeeper. She puffed out her chest with bold enthusiasm and beamed. "It's such a pleasure to finally meet you!" she said eagerly. "I'm Eena, Cleave's daughter—the butcher over at the Adventurers' Guild. Papa's told me all about your incredible feats and says you'd make an amazing husband."

In no time flat, the male population turned their collective death stares on Daisuke.

"H-Husband?!" Gretchen gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief, a flash of jealousy flickering behind them. Without warning, she slammed a hefty hand onto Eena's back, pushing her aside. "What in the gods' name are you talking about? Go on, get back to work! I don't pay you to stand around making wild claims—there's a stew waiting to burn in the kitchen!"

The female patrons, with knowing smirks and twinkling eyes, watched the unfolding spectacle with a mix of amusement and approval. Their attention was as much on the drama as it was on the food and drink before them.

The men, on the other hand, exchanged quick glances, their eyes flickering from the squabbling women to Daisuke. The envy in their glares were almost a physical entity in the room, their resentful whispers just barely audible over the clink of tankards.

Unfortunately, not one soul bothered to glance at Gretchen—her presence barely a blip on their radar. Every gaze was fixed instead on the young girl who had only recently joined the establishment, her presence captivating the room and pulling the attention of every onlooker like a magnet.

"Haxks," Gretchen called in a voice surprisingly sweet for someone of her orcish stature. "It seems you've had quite the day. Let me get some warm water ready for you to bathe, and I'll have a hearty meal waiting when you're finished."

"You're reaching... well beyond your means, you old hag," Eena huffed, her voice dripping with defiance as she resisted the woman's almighty push with all her strength. "I just turned fifteen—Haxks deserves someone young and fertile to bear his children, not a shriveled relic like you! How old are you, anyway? A hundred?"

Gretchen snarled, the verbal attack stinging like a vicious Honeywasp. "And how do you expect to nurse Haxks's children with that washboard of a chest?" she retorted, slamming one of her ample breasts against the wall to squash a spider. "He needs something with more substance and utility."

"Eww! Gross!" Eena recoiled, her face turning pale. "Sure, yours might be bigger, but do they even work? You'll probably need a herd of Minitaur just to feed your kids!"

Both women snarled at one another, deadly static clashing between them.

Daisuke watched the chaos unfold with a poker face. All I wanted was a bath and a hot meal...

"Rawrwu~"

***

Daisuke found himself reluctantly returning to Harrington Threads. Unsurprisingly, the storekeeper failed to recognize his face, offering only the most minimal hospitality based on his customer's unassuming appearance.

But, as before, the moment a rather morbidly obese Wallet-kun made its appearance, the man's attitude shifted with remarkable speed. Suddenly, every courtesy was extended, his eyes gleaming with the kind of fervor only gold could ignite.

After purchasing a semi-formal outfit, Daisuke arrived in front of the guild to meet Thalia at the agreed time—and almost didn't recognize her.

"You're here," she murmured barely above a whisper while fidgeting nervously with her fingers. Under Daisuke's steady gaze, her cheeks flushed, and she felt extremely self-conscious.