164 - The Freed S*aves Became Obsessed

The preparations for war against Skadia had begun in Doomheim. Weapon artisans were crafting arms suitable for opposing a dragon, while armor smiths were producing protective gear capable of withstanding Skadia’s chill. Another craftsman was creating enchanted jewelry, and someone else was setting up traps. Indeed, it was a Dwarven style of warfare preparation, befitting a land of blacksmiths. Watching these Dwarven craftsmen working more diligently than usual, I secretly found solace in my heart. “I’m glad things are going smoothly.” [Persuade the Dwarves in preparation for the battle against Skadia] A main mission that couldn’t be avoided, nor should it be. Since arriving in Doomheim, I had to consistently increase the Dwarves' favor to earn their cooperation. There were many ways to increase favor, but the lack of time was the glaring drawback. In games, simultaneous actions are possible within the same screen. One could find treasures in Lake Fortress while also raising favor in Doomheim as a tycoon. But the time ratio isn’t the same between the game and real life, and I only have one body; how could I set up a shop and gather favor? “Of course, delaying Lake Fortress and postponing the hunt for the Orc King is an option.” But that would also delay the progression of the last slave mission, which was out of the question. Especially if Darka were to die before that. I needed a radical means, and thus, I chose fairy tales. I meticulously shattered children’s innocence and targeted the Dwarves' pride, and the result was successful. Now, as the Dwarves make their preparations for battle, I must also make my own preparations. For that, I sought out Torbar. “El­der.” “What is it?” “I was greatly disappointed at the last Iron-blooded meeting. I assumed you would stand by our side, but you chose neutrality. I was so betrayed.” Torbar, who maintained neutrality regarding Ashies' expulsion, neither in favor nor against. Despite his attitude, he cares for the future of the Dwarves more than anyone. His neutrality was indeed a blessing. “Cut the unnecessary chatter. Stop driving the Dwarves to their deaths, you reaper.” “What do you mean by death? I have confidence we will win.” “And someone will die in the process.” I answered with a smile. “Did you come to spout nonsense?” “I wish to request the creation of an item.” I pulled out a crimson gem glowing with a scarlet hue and handed it to Torbar. His eyes narrowed, displaying a blacksmith’s discerning gaze. “This is no ordinary item. Where did you get it?” “It’s a family heirloom gifted for rescuing a kidnapped lady. Her family’s head cried tears of gratitude and gifted it to me.” The crimson gem obtained by liberating Narsha, a sub-slave. Not essential as a sub-item, but greatly aids story progression. I acquired it since there was time before the main story commenced. “Enough with the nonsense. You must’ve coerced them for returning their daughter. So, what’s the plan? Want me to craft it?” “A ring, please. With a black base.” “…I won’t ask what it's for, but I’ll charge you.” “Of course.” After entrusting the order to Torbar, I went up to the second floor. A dim room. On a side table, a snow globe emitted a gentle glow—a gift from Santa. Not a dynamic item, but I remember it increased the comfort of slaves and guests when installed in the shop. And the mood lamp was on. Ashies unusually was not asleep and was awake. Practically a miracle. As everyone was engrossed in preparations in the smithy, Ashies quietly sat on the bed, engrossed in a fairy tale book. Fairy tales aren’t exactly stimulating content. Watching repeatedly would be quite dull, but she seemed unconcerned by that. Well, it was Ashies’ first form of entertainment after all. Perhaps it felt more amusing than I thought. “Not bad, huh?” Recently, I saw Ashies smile. Joy and anger. Feelings almost invisible with Ashies. A smile is something you barely witness by the story’s end, and anger—never seen even in the game…. “A true Christmas.” The effort finally paid off. I concealed my satisfaction, sitting at the edge of the bed. Despite my presence, Ashies didn’t divert her focus from the book. “Is it that amusing?” “…Yes.” “Which part?” “Here….” Her glass-like finger pointed at a harmonious picture where fairies and dwarves surrounded Snow White. “It’s nice to look at. I like that scene the most too.” Ashies nodded in agreement. The reading session went on. She read at a very slow pace as if engraving each scene in her mind. Eventually, she reached the last scene. Ashies stared intently at the picture of the sleeping Snow White. “What will happen to Snow White?” Ashies seemed curious about the ending. But no matter who the protagonist is, spoiling the ending is a no-go. “It’s exactly as it is. She falls into a deep sleep after eating the witch’s poisonous apple.” “Forever…?” “Well, for now, yes.” With that answer, Ashies’ gaze returned to the book. Her wistful hand caressed the illustration, the ending seemingly disappointing her. Her poignancy made me feel awkward. Rarely showing emotion, Ashies’ demeanor made her seem all the more pitiful. “Curious about the ending?” I couldn't help but take a step back here. Ashies nodded. Faster than usual. “Alright. I’ll tell you. But this stays between us.” Ashies nodded once more, and I began recounting the continuation of Snow White’s story. *** Snow White, who had bitten into the poisoned apple, fell into an eternal sleep. No amount of shaking or calling could awaken her. The dwarves regretted their past, knowing they could no longer see her smile. They blamed their own weakness and seethed in helpless anger. The dwarves rose up. They sought revenge on the queen who harmed the princess. But even with the queen gone, Snow White did not wake. The dwarves, with their remarkable craftsmanship, built a coffin for Snow White and laid her to rest. Their mournful wails filled the forest as they grieved her eternal sleep. The forest mourned Snow White's death, as leaves fell, flowers wilted, and the streams froze. An everlasting winter settled over the once-peaceful woods. Then, one day, after a long time had passed. A prince from a neighboring kingdom, passing by the forest, heard the cries of dwarves and fairies and approached. “A prince?” “Yes, a prince. A well-admired and handsome prince.” The dwarves and fairies explained the situation to the prince. Hearing their tale, the prince was deeply saddened. For he had fallen in love with Snow White at first sight as a child. The prince, heartbroken at the sight of the lifeless princess, kissed her as he bid farewell to his love. And then something extraordinary happened. Snow White opened her eyes. It turned out that she was under a spell that only a kiss from her true love could break. As Snow White awoke, the fairies sang and the dwarves danced. Flowers bloomed, and lush leaves sprouted anew. Winter passed, and spring returned to the forest. Snow White returned to the castle with the prince, receiving the blessings of the fairies and dwarves, and they lived happily ever after. Snap. Karami closed the book. “And that's the end of Snow White.” Reflecting on it now, I realize that while the story seemed simply nice as a child, it truly is peculiar when viewed with a grown-up perspective. The dwarves did all the hard work, yet a prince appeared out of nowhere, kissed the lifeless princess without consent, whisked her off to the castle, and married her. From the dwarves' perspective, it was akin to being cuckolded. That's why, in the sequel of Snow White, I won't even include the prince. Why risk having them stabbed by the dwarves? Fortunately, despite the bizarre ending, Ashies didn’t react as Karami feared. Her expression lightened, seemingly relieved that it ended in a happy ending. “So what about the prince…?” “Why? Is there something you’re curious about?” “Where is the prince?” Karami pondered which prince Ashies was referring to. The prince in the story? Or a prince in reality? If one existed, I would love to tell her, but once Skadia is defeated, that would be the end—there isn’t any prince in the story. Yet I couldn’t just say such a thing. “Who knows? I’m not exactly certain where he might be either. But if you ever find yourself struggling, I'm sure he'll come rushing to you.” Karami lied to preserve Ashies’ innocence. “Really…?” “Of course.” Ashies alternated her gaze between Karami and the fairy tale book, before opening it to the first page and handing it to him. “Read it to me.” “Again? We’ve spent all day reading. It’s time to sleep….” “Read it to me.” A rare, firm attitude from Ashies. Facing her in a staring contest, Karami let out a reluctant sigh. “Just one more time. After I read this, you must go to sleep.” Ashies slowly nodded. Karami cleared his throat, gathering his voice, and began reading the fairy tale in a soft tone. “Once upon a time, in a kingdom far away, there was a beautiful princess….” While looking at the book, Ashies sneakily rolled her eyes to the side, stealthily observing Karami. It was strange. Previously, she hadn't cared about others' perceptions, but now she felt as though she shouldn’t be caught. When looking at Karami, the prince he mentioned came to mind. The prince who kissed the sleeping Snow White. With such thoughts, she pondered…. “…?” Suddenly, Ashies placed her hand on her chest at an unfamiliar sensation. Her once sluggish heart now beat rapidly—thump-thump-thump—a quickened pace. Her cheeks felt warm for some reason too. As for the cause… she couldn’t tell. However, she strongly wished to understand what this was. 18 Fantasy, 27 Comments 4.6 / 54 Lost in the Maze 2024.12.31 23:42 Report Looks like someone's fallen hard, and here comes the obsession..! 2 LoveSketch 2025.01.19 16:56 Report The obsession sensation has arrived!! 0 DarkRomantic 2024.12.31 23:50 Report The barrier to emotions has finally opened hahaha Seems it's about time for the obsession to take hold I feel giddy already hahaha 3 PureLoveFan 2025.01.09 02:42 Report Excuse me, could you recommend a dark romance, please? I've recently become interested in dark stories... It'd be great if the darkness level is quite high and if it ultimately has a happy ending! 0 DarkRomantic 2025.01.13 01:54 Report Someone who loves pure love has taken a dark fall hahaha 0 PureLoveFan 2025.01.14 00:17 Report Haha, truth be told, I tried one dark piece, and it was surprisingly delightful. 0 ThumbGym6thGradeMoon 2025.01.14 03:40 Report Constantly seeking that intense flavor means you may never return... 0 PureLoveFan 2025.01.14 01:40 Report Every time I read it feels like arrhythmia, it's thrilling 0 DarkRomantic 2025.01.15 23:20 Report Secret Comment content checked 0 PureLoveFan 2025.01.16 00:23 Report Secret Comment content checked 0 DarkRomantic 2025.01.16 02:17 Report Secret Comment content checked 0 Bookmarking requires login 7 days ago Report Please recommend an obsessive dark romance 0 ShadySnacks 5 days ago Report Please recommend something to me too! 0 SangYen 7 days ago Report Your blood pressure health! The dark story will take full responsibility! 0 PureLoveFan 6 days ago Report Arrhythmia! Experience it now! 0 CurryQueen 2025.02.06 18:55 Report I'd also like some recommendations, like the ones above! NotAFurryPlease 2024.12.31 23:52 Report A prince on a white horse, Karami 3 YellowMangosteen 2025.01.01 00:58 Report Here comes the obsession 2 PublicName 2025.01.01 01:29 Report When the obsession kicks in, does anyone else feel like the dragon's possessiveness is so intense it could freeze the child into an ice block? 2 AmateurExplorer 2025.01.01 02:02 Report Suddenly thought, if Karami’s wish is to return to Earth, wouldn’t the heroines just chase him back to Earth? 2 Adish 2025.01.01 02:39 Report No plans to return home, just run off for the obsession Planning to live together, but run anyway Eagerly anticipating a thousand-year pact, but leave at night Agreeing to monthly meetings, yet still flee Expecting a kiss, but run What will number 6's escape be like 2 SpottedPanda 2025.01.01 11:21 Report This novel is best when the obsession begins 1 NoonaExciteMe 2025.01.02 02:56 Report I can't wait to see those tiny tears!! 0 QuietHunter 2025.01.02 16:32 Report It's truly the time for obsession now 0 Hking0848 2025.01.07 02:42 Report I feel like destroying people's innocence 0 Hking0848 2025.01.07 02:52 Report Spoiler 0 DogAndCat 2025.01.11 22:24 Report That's called infatuation 0 Only logged-in members can post comments. 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