Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

VOLUME VI: SMOLDERING TWILIGHT | CHAPTER 196: The Plushie Dilemma

Daisuke quietly ascended the stairs of Crownspire Tower, his gaze flickering down to the clock on his menu interface—2 AM. The manor's guard duty rotated in three shifts:

8 AM – 4 PM

4 PM – 12 AM

12 AM – 8 AM

His shift had ended at midnight, and it had taken him roughly two hours to return to the palace from the remote northern regions of the city.

Throughout the entire journey, he had been cycling the Shadow Veil skill, activating it again and again the moment its twenty-minute cooldown expired.

Since I can't hunt as much as I'd like while I'm stuck here, I at least have to try and build up the proficiency of my skills as much as possible. His eyes narrowed with steely resolve. And since I'll mostly be relying on Shadow Veil, I might as well work on increasing its duration and getting it to mask my scent too. Until then, I'll be stuck using the Phantom Cloak instead of better equipment.

The moment Daisuke ascended the final set of stairs toward the lobby area—

"You're late!" Lyndoria barked, landing a dropkick that sent him tumbling back down the stairs like a runaway cartwheel.

By the time he climbed back up, a steaming bump throbbed atop his head, and his glare could've burned through steel. "You psychopath! What the hell's wrong with you?! What if I broke my damn neck?!"

"It's a damn shame you didn't!" Lyndoria snapped, grinding her teeth. "You certainly took your time returning. While you were off indulging in whatever debauchery you fancy, Princess Lumielle and I were here worried sick!"

Daisuke arched a brow, amusement and exasperation flickering in his eyes. "You?" he said slowly, his tone dripping with doubt. "Worried about me?"

The girl cocked her head and folded her arms, her nose lifting in defiance. "O-Of course not! I was simply vexed that your wretched existence had the princess losing precious sleep! What happens to you is of no concern to me! Hmph!"

"Right~" Daisuke drawled wearily as he watched her steal a glance from the corner of her eye. "Anyway, for your information, I wasn't off indulging in debauchery—I just got back from that job I mentioned yesterday."

Lumielle rose gracefully from the couch, taking a few measured steps forward. "Let's discuss that tomorrow," she said evenly, her gaze sharpening. "More importantly, didn't we agree that maintaining your other persona within the palace would be the safest course of action?"

"She's right!" Lyndoria agreed hotly, planting a hand on her hip. "What if someone saw you on your way here? It takes just one slip-up for everything to come crashing down! What were you thinking?"

"Relax," Daisuke reassured coolly. "I used my stealth ability—no one saw me. And trust me, I don't need a reminder of the stakes. The Mhaledictus have been just as much of a thorn in my side as they have in yours."

"Hmph," Lyndoria scoffed.

The princess exhaled softly. "It's late—why don't we get some rest for now and have a proper meeting in the morning? And, Sophia," Lumielle glanced up at him with a wan smile. "For the sake of my peace of mind... could you please make an effort to stay in character from now on?"

Lyndoria nodded. "You can never be too careful."

"Fine~" Daisuke shrugged, then his body began shimmering like a snow-capped peak beneath the light of a full moon.

Lumielle's heart fluttered at the sight of the transformation. It was only her second time witnessing it, yet it stole her breath away all the same. Smoldering butterscotch eyes, thick lashes, the slightly annoyed twist of his—no, her—lips, a strikingly voluptuous figure, and that unmistakable feisty aura... The princess's cheeks burned as she shamelessly drank in the sight.