I’m Trapped in a Bloody Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 39

“Is it really necessary to go through all this trouble?”

Dion grumbled as we made our way to Adrian. Seemingly fed up with the researchers’ behavior, he continuously voiced his dissatisfaction.

“The amount they’re asking for is ridiculous to begin with, but to push someone so hard just for being short one bottle?”

“But it’s true that I couldn’t deliver the full amount. A promise is a promise, and I should fulfill it.”

Thanks to Dion’s anger on my behalf, I didn’t feel as frustrated. Perhaps feeling guilty for being the reason we were short one potion, Dion agreed readily to my suggestion of meeting Adrian.

“Even if Adrian has the herbs, there’s no guarantee he’ll give them to us,” Dion warned, his tone serious. “He might even ask for something in return, so be cautious.”

Dion’s words made it seem like he considered Adrian as the opposing side and me as his ally. Whether he was aware of it or not, he gave me a grave warning before pointing to a large building up ahead.

“Here it is.”

“Didn’t you say it was an office?”

“It is. Adrian insisted on using this place as his personal office. It’s Adrian’s private workspace.”

It’s not just an office—it’s an entire building? Adrian must be quite an eccentric person.

Adrian’s office wasn’t far from the herb chamber. Located roughly midway between the main palace and my lodging, the office exuded a distinct chill, as though it mirrored its owner’s personality. The servants moving around the office wore fabric-soled shoes, making no noise as they glided through the area like ghosts, seemingly careful not to disturb Adrian’s peace.

The building’s perfectly symmetrical structure caught my attention. Its symmetrical design, combined with the bare, unadorned corridors, created a sterile and lifeless atmosphere. Entering the building, the meticulous order felt almost obsessive. A servant handed us fabric slippers to wear.

“Do we really have to change shoes?”

“Adrian is sensitive to footsteps. If you wear regular shoes, he won’t listen to any requests, so let’s just comply.”

After changing into the slippers, we were allowed to enter the lobby near Adrian’s office.

“Please state your purpose and the number of visitors.”

Two servants stationed outside the reception room managed entry. Their positions were perfectly symmetrical, in line with the rest of the building. Did Adrian have some kind of obsession?

Adrian even has secretaries? How systematic.

I marveled at the well-organized servants before quickly checking the remaining time for the event. There wasn’t much time left, but it seemed we couldn’t meet Adrian immediately.

“How long will we have to wait?”

“It depends on the purpose of your visit. If it’s not urgent, you’ll have to wait about eight hours.”

The servant, who appeared to be Adrian’s secretary, checked the schedule and replied.

Eight hours? If I waited that long, the event would fail.

“But we need to meet him now…”

I bit my nails in anxiety. Seeing this, Dion reached out and gently lowered my hand. After calmly lowering my hand, he addressed the servant.

“It’s urgent. We need to see him immediately.”

“What is your business?”

“I’ll tell Adrian directly.”

The servant, who had been speaking while looking at the schedule, glanced up at Dion’s face. Upon recognizing him, the servant erased the top entry on the schedule and replaced it with Dion’s name.

Handing the revised schedule to the other servant, he said, “Understood. I’ll inform Sir Adrian that Sir Dion is here.”

“Please wait a moment.”

After checking the updated schedule, the servant entered the reception room. About ten minutes later, the servant returned, opened the door, and bowed.

“Please enter.”

The reception room didn’t look like a space meant for greeting guests. The dim lighting barely illuminated the chair across from me. There were no decorative flowers or ornaments typically found in such rooms. Instead, a large clock stood by the door, its ticking echoing through the silent room.

Dion and I sat down with the clock behind us, waiting for Adrian to arrive.

“…When is Sir Adrian coming?”

“He’ll be here soon.”

“It feels like we’ve already waited ten minutes.”

I murmured as I glanced back at the clock. Dion, accustomed to such treatment, leaned back in his chair and calmly stared at the door beyond the reception room. After another five minutes, the door finally opened.

The office beyond the door appeared even darker than the reception room. How could anyone work in such a dim space without ruining their eyesight?

As I pondered the unnecessary concern, Adrian emerged from his office. With his sharp features and downcast gaze, he exuded a cold demeanor.

From an objective perspective, Adrian’s appearance was quite kind. Though his gaze lacked warmth, his features, when examined individually, seemed gentle. His emerald-green eyes, visible behind his glasses, shone steadily even in the dim light. His light brown hair gave him the softest appearance among the capture targets in this game.

A slight smile on that expressionless face would instantly transform him into someone approachable.

Why doesn’t he ever smile? Is it because of his office environment?

As I scanned the dim office, I wondered about the heavy curtains that blocked out all sunlight. What was the point of blocking so much light?

With its low lighting and covered windows, Adrian’s office felt less like a workspace and more like a cold, unwelcoming cave. Spending just a few days here could make even the calmest person irritable.

“What brings you here?”

Adrian’s emotionless voice cut through the cold room as he sat across from Dion and me. His neutral tone matched the expressionless look on his face.

I opened my mouth to speak. “I heard you manage some herbs, Sir Adrian.”

“Yes, I do. But why do you ask?”

Adrian’s sharp retort made it clear he wanted me to get straight to the point. His fingers drummed impatiently on the armrest, the sound blending with the ticking of the clock.

Adrian’s actions exuded irritation. Swallowing hard, I spoke cautiously, “I need some herbs. Would it be possible to get a small amount?”

“No, it’s not possible.”

The drumming stopped abruptly as Adrian pushed back his chair and stood.

“If that’s all you came for, then leave. Sir Dion, don’t feign urgency to get my attention again.”

“Couldn’t you at least hear what herb is needed?”

“Whatever herb it is, why should I give it to the Saintess?”

Adrian’s indifferent reply was laced with finality. He turned fully away, indicating the conversation was over.

“I’m busy, so excuse me.”

“Wait, Sir Adrian!”

“Don’t raise your voice. It’s annoying.”

“I need the herb to make a stamina recovery potion. Just enough for one bottle. Please.”

Raising my voice slightly to catch Adrian before he disappeared into his office, I spoke with urgency. He paused, narrowing his eyes, and removed his hand from the door handle. I hurried to elaborate, knowing this was my last chance.

If I fail now, there’s no way I’ll get the herbs in time.

When I begged him earnestly, Adrian took his hand off the doorknob and said, “If you promise to grant me one favor in return.”

“Adrian.”

Dion’s low voice carried a warning. Adrian ignored him, repeating his condition.

“It’s up to you. I don’t care either way.”

“Fine, I agree.”

“Good. Wait here a moment.”

Adrian responded in a satisfied tone and disappeared into his office to fetch the herbs. As soon as Adrian left, Dion grabbed my arm.

In a low voice, he whispered, “Didn’t I warn you to be cautious about Adrian’s requests?”

“But… I need the herbs, so I have no choice. Besides, I doubt Sir Adrian would make an unreasonable demand.”

“You couldn’t be more mistaken. Saintess, you’re bound to regret this situation.”

Would a capture target really ask for something unreasonable?

I couldn’t help but smile lightly at Dion’s exaggerated warning.

“Here are the herbs you requested.”

“Thank you so much!”

My face lit up as I took the herbs from Adrian. With this, I could finally make the last potion! All my hard work was about to pay off.

As he handed over the herbs, Adrian opened his mouth again.

“Are you free after this?”

“Sorry?”

“I know you’ve been making potions for the herb chamber. I’m asking if there are any other tasks you’ve been asked to handle afterward.”

“No, the herb chamber’s request is all I’ve been assigned,” I replied as I accepted the herbs.

Adrian brushed his fingers against his own and added, “Good. Once you’re finished, come straight to my office.”

“Straight away?”

“It doesn’t matter how late it gets. Come to me as soon as you’re done.”

Adrian finished speaking and opened the door to his office. A chill seeped into the reception room from within.

Before closing the door, Adrian looked down at me and pressed for an answer.

“Do you understand?”

“Yes, I’ll do that.”

After receiving my answer, Adrian coldly shut the door.

***

“As expected of the Saintess!”

“Haha.”

“Thank you so much for helping us.”

“Haha, yes.”

“We always had faith in you, Saintess!”

“Of course you did.”

When I delivered the final potion to the herb chamber, the researchers began praising me profusely. Watching their sudden change in attitude, I let out a hollow laugh.

Flattery isn’t necessary; I’d rather they just gave me my reward already.

<Event ‘The Herb Chamber’s Request’ Completed!>

• Successfully supplied Stamina Recovery Potions (5/5 times).
• Dion’s affection has increased!
• Dion’s trust level has increased!
• The Saintess’s cooperation has increased trust in the Holy Kingdom. The Saintess’s influence has grown as a result.
• Influence Increased!
• You can now freely use carriages for movement within the palace.

<Reputation Increased!>

• The number of people seeking the Saintess’s help has increased.

<Linked Event Triggered! ‘Adrian’s Request’>

• Visiting Adrian within one hour may trigger a special event.
• Objective: Find Adrian within one hour.

As the system window I’d been waiting for popped up in front of the flattering researchers, I checked all the rewards and waved my hand with relief.

“Well then, I’ll be off.”

Before the researchers could grab me, I seized Dion’s arm and quickly left the herb chamber.

I’m never coming back here. I won’t even go near the herb chamber again.