Guess where I am now...
Tick-tock, tick-tock... That's right!
A luxurious parlor inside a magical mobile brothel-casino caravan parked outside the city! Complete with a cozy bed, healthy meals, clean water, and even a spotless bathroom! How wonderful, everyone! After a thorough "inspection," I've been dressed up like a princess - frilly dress, stockings, gloves and all! How absolutely delightful... Hahaha!
This is the worst!!
"Mmph... ugh..."
I can't even force down more food... Damn it... I wanted to eat my fill, but half a sandwich is all this tiny body can handle...
Pat pat.
"Full already?" The kind-looking fat uncle who's guarding me ruffles my hair.
(They sent a hot big sister to bathe me earlier, but for guard duty I get this guy? Seriously?!)
"Yes, sir..."
"Such a small stomach, just like a kitten. Reminds me of my daughter when she was little... You eat so politely too, it suits your cute face. And you're so well-behaved, not crying or making a fuss... What a shame you're... specialty goods."
"You have a daughter, uncle?"
"Mmm... a lovely girl..."
"What... what did she look like?"
"She was so pretty... took after her mother more than me, haha... She'd always call me 'Papa' whenever I came home... or when I left for work. Her voice was like a morning songbird."
"She sounds adorable. She must have grown into a beautiful woman."
"..."
The uncle shakes his head, tears welling in his eyes.
"?"
"After she chose to become an adventurer and went into a dungeon... she... died in that dungeon."
"I'm sorry..."
"It's fine, it was long ago. You're a good kid too - even in this situation, you're worrying about me. Haha..."
"Well, I..."
"Trying to soften me up?"
"Partially! I mean, it might be rude to make you talk about your daughter just to gain sympathy, but... uh... could you maybe not sell me? I'm only eight..."
"No can do." Stone cold!
"This place has its rules. If you were properly registered, no one would dare touch you. Even from enemy territories, there's too much paperwork. But you? No records. No existence. To slavers, that's just merchandise."
"I see..."
He keeps patting my head, but his tone makes it clear it's more paternal than perverted.
"I'm just hired help. Can't help you escape. But... try negotiating with your buyer. If you survive, get yourself registered properly."
Not bad advice... This uncle is one of those morally gray types. Not evil, just doing his job. Not like in anime where these places are full of mustache-twirling villains waiting for the hero to slaughter them all.
Thanks a lot, fake big sister. You've taught me this world isn't some vanilla anime - it's more like black coffee... with just a hint of sugar.
"May I use the bathroom?"
"Go ahead."
Creak... clank!
I struggle with the frilly dress and stockings to use the toilet. The bathroom has no windows, no cracks, even the vents are seamless steel - better secured than most prisons. Sigh...
At least there's food and clean facilities... and the goddesses are watching! Oh wait...
...
.......
.......
Hey wait a minute!
My HP hasn't changed in a while! Does that mean those goddesses aren't watching me anymore?!
Time to power up with CurseHBless!
[Status CurseHBless]
Name: Geng Gender: Male Age: 8
LV.2 15% SLV.2 15%
Before upgrade (where did all these points come from?!)
Stats (138930)
Str10 Vit10 Wis10 Mag10 Agi10 Dex10
SubStats:
Atk3 Matk3 Def3 Mdef3 Flee3 Mflee3 Regen0.6 Mregen0.6
HP:114/150 MP:45/45
Skills (3010)
[Item Box] 21
[Doppelganger] 271
[Perfect Shapeshift] 101
[Stealth] 101
[Overlimit] 261
After upgrade:
Stats (127930)
Str10 Vit10000 Wis1000 Mag10 Agi20 Dex20
SubStats:
Atk4 Matk3 Def2500 Mdef250 Flee5 Mflee102 Hit4 Regen500.1 Mregen50.1
HP:114/50110 MP:45/2025
(Didn't spend all points - don't want to seem suspicious! Focused on defense... though this might be overkill...)
Skills (3010)
[Item Box] 21
[Doppelganger] 271
[Perfect Shapeshift] 101
[Stealth] 101
[Overlimit] 261
(Can't upgrade skills! Must be past 4 PM!)
Curses: 5
Blessings: 5
[Status CurseHBless]
Alright, time to use [Perfect Shapeshift] and [Stealth]! Before those goddesses start watching again!!!
End of Chapter 6: Dressed up like a princess.