Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 168: Pseudo-synthesis - The Chrysobee

Daisuke thoughtfully averted his gaze with an awkward smile, a forefinger scratching his cheek in embarrassment.

Before composure or decorum could take root, a startled scream tore from Lumielle's throat and she hugged her body and squeezed her thighs in a futile attempt to conceal herself. But it was far too late—his curious gaze had already scoured and defiled her sacred body.

Irked and frustrated by her own unbecoming response, the princess unfurled her fingers and raised her hand. But just before her palm could connect with his face, Daisuke caught her wrist in a firm grip, his butterscotch eyes hard and unwavering.

"Is this how you thank someone who just saved your ass?"

"My what?" Lumielle scoffed, yanking her hand free. "Your words are so unrefined and vulgar. But I suppose it's what to expect from a man, and a commoner no less."

Daisuke's expression darkened, his eyes burning dangerously. The princess flinched back nervously, her lips pressing to a thin line, her bravado dissolving as his presence gradually began taking on a looming edge. But instead of playing the role of the villain and proving her right, Daisuke opted for diplomacy.

"Listen, I seriously don't know what you're trying to prove, but you seem to have forgotten that we're on the same side here. This isn't a competition. You asked for my help, so instead of treating me like crap and pushing me away, allow me to help you. Wasn't that the deal?"

Daisuke sighed noisily when she stubbornly cocked her head to the side and started shivering ungracefully. Without a word, he fished a long-sleeved dress, tall boots, and a thick cloak from his inventory. With a hint of spite, he chucked them into her arms.

"Put those on," he murmured with a sidelong glance. "I'd rather not be hunted down by Lynn and the royal guard if you get done in by hyperthermia."

Lumielle frowned accusingly, her face a bit pale. "Do you mind explaining to me why you have a woman's garb in your possession? Are you... some kind of sick pervert?"

"O-Of course not!" Daisuke defended, his back turned. "I just like to be prepared, alright. It's precisely due to that mentality why you're about to avoid turning into a human popsicle, or would you prefer braving the cold with your butt hanging out?"

"Hmph," Lumielle responded coldly. "Sounds exactly like someone a pervert would say."

Daisuke exhaled noisily. "You know what, just forget it."

As the princess hastily donned the garments while keeping a close eye on the pervert that was evidently in denial, she couldn't help but marvel at the fact that he possessed an ability similar to the space-time functionality of a magic bag. It was indeed an impressive achievement, but there was absolutely no way that she would ever offer him a compliment for it.

"By the way," Daisuke began once the girl was fully dressed. "You never did tell me why we're going to see this Sinister Granny woman whose name I seriously have an issue with."

"Why else," Lumielle said casually. "We're going to have her turn you into a woman."

Daisuke nodded. "Turn me into a woman, got it. Wait, what?!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Are you serious? And now is when you chose to mention something as important as this to me?"

"...You never asked," Lumielle replied flatly.

"Are you kidding me?" Daisuke argued. "This isn't something I should've needed to ask; it's clearly a matter that required my consent. Forget it! I'm not doing it."

"Then what was your plan?" Lumielle retaliated. "Just waltz into the palace looking like that?"

"And what's that supposed to mean? What's wrong with the way that I look?"