Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 182: Breakfast with a Side of Politics

Daisuke sat in the bathtub like a sulking child, his eyes narrowed, cheeks inflated. But Princess Lumielle was nowhere to be seen—instead, her female attendants had been tasked with cleansing her honored guest in her place.

Naturally, Daisuke was outraged—

"Sighh~"

But as the servants worked with practiced grace and cheerful smiles, their gentle touch and soothing care began to erode his displeasure. Slowly, his scowl softened and he leaned back, surrendering to the heavenly comfort with an expression of utter bliss.

"Wow, your hair is so long and beautiful," one of the girls gushed as she lathered it with soap. "How do you keep it so perfectly straight?"

"And your skin... it's so silky and smooth," another chimed in, her hands gliding over Daisuke's arm. "You must bathe in Woolox milk every week!"

"Wait, really? Are you from a super wealthy house or something?" asked a third girl as she knelt by his feet, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

"Amazing! Your skin is so silky, yet so toned at the same time," added another, practically glowing with admiration. "How do you achieve such a perfect balance?"

"Please, you have to tell us your secret," one of them begged, her plea triggering a chorus of excited agreements from the others.

Daisuke forced an awkward smile, glancing at the eager faces surrounding him. If they knew the truth—they'd probably keel over on the spot.

***

Lumielle was perched on the windowsill of her room, her gaze fixed on the garden below as the morning breeze billowed her coral pink hair. At her feet, the music box sat open, its melody weaving through the air.

Now that Haxks has finally arrived, she thought, her eyes narrowing with determination. It's time to proceed to the next phase of my plan.

But navigating the kingdom's challenges was easier said than done. Its vastness mirrored the extent of its troubles, stretching across the land like an intricate web, each strand fraught with peril. How could she untangle the complexities without becoming ensnared? One misstep could topple everything she had built, bringing down the fragile world she'd worked so tirelessly to shape.

With a weary sigh, Lumielle rested her head against the cold stone wall, allowing the soft melody to wash over her, easing the tension in her mind. As her eyes fluttered shut, the song gently transformed into the soothing croon of a woman's voice, evoking a memory that stirred deep within her, both sweet and sorrowful.

Tiny hands and pudgy fingers swayed clumsily in the air, stretching toward the silhouette of a beautiful woman. Though her face was shrouded in a gentle fog, the warmth of her affectionate smile was enough to draw the newborn's gaze, tiny hands desperately reaching for her, as if to touch the stars themselves.

"...Isn't that the same melody you were humming in the forest?" Daisuke asked softly as he entered the room.

The princess emerged from her reverie to a breathtaking sight. Daisuke stood in the door, almost unrecognizable. His silver hair cascaded down his shoulders in soft waves, framing his delicate features. The dress he wore was a powder blue with soft purple ruffles trimming the edges, the layered fabric swaying slightly with his every move. A high neckline was accented by a tied ribbon, and on his feet were knee-high stockings and adorable ankle-strap shoes with low heels.

Lumielle also spied the small, crimson earrings that glinted faintly on his earlobes. His demeanor was composed, though his eyes betrayed an unspoken discomfort with his attire.