I Became the Mastermind Who Betrays the Heroines

Chapter 5 - The Fox (1)

‘The World Seen by the Little Prince.’

An action RPG game based on a famous fairy tale.

The developers took inspiration from the original work, likely to preserve its unique charm, incorporating various elements from it.

Settings, lore, abilities, names—there are numerous intricate details, but what stands out most are the ‘characters’.

The main and supporting characters from the original story are reimagined or reinterpreted into fantasy-style personas.

This fresh approach earned the game widespread acclaim and applause.

Regia Filarts, the Aviator.

Charlotte Little von Staufen, the Little Prince.

Selena Drunkard, the Drunkard.

As the names suggest, these characters are meticulously crafted to fit their concepts.

And this extends to the character I’ve come to rescue today—the "Fox."

‘Irene Foxis.’

A rare fox beastkin and one of the supporting characters.

Her talent with the sword is unmatched, and later in the game, she even attains the title of "Sword Saint."

She’s a versatile character with excellent performance, earning her the label of a reliable mainstay.

But right now, she\'s nothing more than "unripe fruit."

The Fox hasn’t yet awakened her true potential.

At this stage in the story, she’s just a frail fox beastkin.

This is the perfect time to gain favor and build a positive relationship.

My goal is to achieve a happy ending in this world and to befriend the protagonist’s party.

As a devoted fan of the original game, I genuinely want to connect with these characters.

“Well then~ shall we get started?”

I’ve waited long enough, and I’m getting tired of watching this auction.

It’s time to move on to the highlight.

With a casual murmur, I rose from my seat.

The Fox is currently being held in the auction’s underground cells.

She’s probably locked in a cold, iron cage, waiting for her turn to be sold.

“Tonight’s going to be a long one.”

A wicked smile crept across my face.

Gathering my lies, I stepped into the darkness.

***

Meanwhile, in the underground cells.

The cold air lingered in the prison below the lively auction house, where shadows of despair clung to the walls.

Where there is light, there are shadows.

The brighter the light, the darker the shadows.

This truth reflects reality.

Those indulging in luxury and pleasure live in proportion to the misery of those beneath them.

Life is suffering, but the degree varies.

Some live without pain in their privileged lives, while others drown in hopelessness at the bottom.

“...”

The people trapped in this underground dungeon were at rock bottom.

Whether they were born into this fate or pushed here by the cruelty of the world, it hardly mattered.

Among these discarded lives, dividing themselves into ranks only added to their misery.

“How did it end up like this...”

A girl muttered to herself, lost in her wretched circumstances.

Her disheveled, waist-length hair swayed as she sighed.

Her auburn hair, dull black eyes, and animal ears atop her head identified her as a beastkin.

Her name was Irene Foxis—a fox beastkin.

-Next auction coming up! Bring out the wolf beastkin!

-Handle them carefully. Any scratches, and their value drops.

-If they get hurt, we’ll get hell from upstairs.

The noises around her echoed in her ears, and Irene bit her lip.

Around her were about ten other figures—fellow beastkin locked in the same cage.

All had fox ears and tails, trembling in fear.

They had either been kidnapped or sold into slavery.

\'Damn it.\'

What’s going to happen to us?

She tried to hold onto hope, but it felt pointless.

The outcome was all too clear.

Fox beastkin are highly valued and rare.

In the black market, fox slaves fetch exorbitant prices—they’re considered the ultimate luxury item.

Nobles have various uses for them: labor, sexual exploitation, or even taxidermy displays in their estates.

\'Whatever it is... it’s all the same hell.\'

Cursing quietly, Irene stewed in the hopelessness of her future when she suddenly heard an unusual noise.

Clang-!

The sound of metal hitting the ground.

She turned toward the source and saw a set of keys rolling in front of the cage.

“...Huh?”

Did a passing guard drop them?

The keys were within arm’s reach.

After a brief hesitation, Irene quickly snatched them up.

Her heart raced.

This might be her one and only chance to escape.

Without a second thought, she began fiddling with the lock.

Maybe, just maybe...

Click-!

The lock released in her hands, and she carefully grabbed the slowly opening door.

A quiet breath escaped her lips.

‘I need to be careful.’

With most of the guards busy preparing for the auction, now was her best chance.

There wouldn’t be a second one.

Irene took a deep breath, reassuring the other beastkin as she prepared to lead them quietly out.

“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you all.”

She forced a smile to hide her fear.

She had people to protect.

Most of those trapped in the cage were children.

She couldn’t bring herself to flee alone while they were left behind, sobbing in fear.

“But… you all need to be quiet and follow me, okay?”

She grabbed a rusty sword lying in the corner.

It wasn’t in great condition, but it was better than nothing.

Holding it firmly, Irene readied herself.

Creak.

The cage door opened with a faint noise, and the fox beastkin cautiously stepped out of their prison.

Irene carefully planned each step.

She even tossed the set of keys toward a distant cell—one holding bear beastkin.

‘If they can cause a distraction, even for a moment...’

Bears are among the most aggressive of beastkin.

If they found the keys and caused a commotion, it would surely create a window of opportunity.

The guards would be drawn in the opposite direction.

‘I can handle the few guards left on this side.’

She’d trained with a sword since she was young.

Though her body was worn out from life in the cell, she had to push herself if she wanted to escape.

Silently, she crouched low, hiding like a fox evading a hunter.

Time passed, and then the echo of a roar reverberated through the halls.

-ROAR!!!

It came from the direction she’d thrown the keys.

The thunderous sound confirmed that her plan had worked.

Irene quickly signaled the children to follow.

“Don’t look back—just run!”

The foxes sprinted.

Behind them, the cries of beasts raged and the ground trembled, but they didn’t turn back.

Occasionally, guards blocked their path, but each time, Irene cut them down without hesitation.

A desperate dance of slaughter.

The blood-soaked blade showed no hesitation.

She knew that if she didn’t kill, she would be the one to die.

“Huff, huff...”

Her breath came in ragged gasps.

Her body was in poor condition, and the exhaustion was piling up fast.

Irene steadied herself.

Luckily, their escape was going smoothly.

The bears were putting up an even fiercer resistance than she’d expected, buying them plenty of time.

“Hup…!”

With a short shout, she took down another guard.

Her senses felt heightened, likely due to the extreme pressure.

Her whole body trembled with an odd sensation.

Her vision flashed white, and sparks flickered from her sword, but she ignored it.

There was no time to get distracted.

“Don’t stop! Just a bit further, and...”

The exit was just ahead.

She’d memorized the layout while being held captive, preparing for just such an opportunity.

Thanks to her planning, they’d nearly made it out.

\'We’re almost there.\'

The tunnel was narrow, leading to a staircase that would take them to the surface.

Hope glimmered in her eyes—her reckless plan was actually working.

That is, until a voice called out from behind her.

“Aha~ You’re all running away so frantically!”

Suddenly, a chilling sensation licked her ears.

A coldness that pierced to her core.

Irene froze on the spot.

Her body locked up instinctively, as if she knew that if she hadn’t stopped, she would have died.

“...”

“I knew if I waited here, we’d eventually meet!”

What is this?

What is this monstrous presence?

Just sensing the being behind her made her brain feel like it was being crushed.

Her crimson eyes quivered violently.

Slowly turning her head, Irene’s gaze met the figure.

“Hello there!”

Golden hair like a field of wheat.

Narrow, slitted eyes.

A sly smile on his lips.

At first glance, he looked like just another peculiar boy.

But with her senses sharpened to their limits, Irene could tell.

The creature before her was not human.

It only wore the skin of a human, but its essence was something entirely different.

“You probably don’t know how much I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”

A malevolent aura filled the entire space.

Just looking at him made her feel as if her limbs were about to be torn apart.

A horrifying creature of unimaginable power.

“...Ha.”

A hollow laugh escaped her lips.

This monster was openly radiating killing intent as it approached the foxes.

“Damn it.”

The air grew heavy and suffocating.

Irene muttered in despair.

It’s all over.

The hope that had once shone in her eyes had now turned into pitch-black despair.

***

“You probably don’t know how much I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”

My voice brimmed with excitement as I gazed at the trembling girl before me.

Long hair tied in a ponytail.

Auburn hair framing dark eyes.

A scar beneath her chin.

And the distinct ears and tail of a beastkin.

‘Irene Foxis.’

One of the characters from the original game stood before me.

I held back the thrill bubbling up inside me.

First Regia, and now Irene.

Seeing characters I once adored come to life was surprisingly moving.

It was almost enough to bring tears to my eyes.

I chuckled quietly.

“Ha ha.”

I was having fun.

The joy was so overwhelming that I couldn’t stop smiling.

Suppressing my grin, I asked her a loaded question.

“Did you enjoy the stage I prepared for you?”

Her dark eyes wavered, filled with helplessness.

For a brief moment, our eyes met.

Within that fleeting glance, I saw resignation.

It seems she realized it.

The situation we’re in now was planned from the start.

‘She’s sharp, as expected.’

The foxes had been lucky to escape.

A guard just happened to drop the keys, a rusty sword was conveniently lying nearby, and the guards were fewer than expected.

It must’ve felt like a miracle for them.

...At least, until now.

“You followed the script perfectly.”

Unfortunately, everything was by design.

What she thought was luck was actually my doing.

While wandering the auction house’s basement, I came across a guard and put him under my control.

-I need you to do me a few favors.

I ordered him to discreetly drop the keys in front of the cage.

I also requested a sword for Irene, specifically an old, rusty one to avoid suspicion.

Everything went as I intended.

This improvised script turned out better than expected.

Although I nearly ran out of "Lies" energy, I’d still call it a success.

“Come this way.”

I’d already dealt with the remaining guards, leaving them knocked out.

I’d spread enough lies to keep them down for a while, so there was nothing to worry about.

Now, it was truly time to escape.

I extended my hand gracefully.

I was offering to help her leave this place—if she’d just take my hand.

Irene wavered briefly before collapsing to the ground.

What’s this? Did the tension finally get to her?

As I tilted my head, puzzled, she spoke.

“You... you’re here to kill us, aren’t you?”

“Pardon?”

“It all seemed too easy. This was a trap from the start, just to toy with us.”

“Huh?”

Her unexpected question caught me off guard.

I quickly denied her assumption and tried to clarify my intentions.

“Haha~ Why would you think that? I’m only here to help you all leave peacefully!”

“...”

Irene’s face hardened.

To avoid further misunderstanding, I flashed her a cheerful smile.

“Don’t worry. It won’t hurt.”

Well, maybe I’ll have a bit of fun first.