Chapter 4 - 4. The Great Panty Theft

4. The Great Panty Theft

Eryndor was lounging in the playroom when the system chimed in with a new task that made his eyebrows shoot up.

[Quest Alert!]

[Task: Sneak into the maids' bathhouse during their evening soak and steal all their panties. Bonus: Deliver a poetic speech about their "divine beauty" if caught.]

[Reward: Unlock Skill: "Master Thief," +3 Stealth, +2 Lewdness.]

[Failure Penalty: Public embarrassment.]

He nearly choked on his sip of elven grape juice. "You want me to what?"

The system, of course, offered no further explanation. It just waited, silently judging him as it always did.

Eryndor looked around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. This quest was insane even by his standards, but how could he resist? It was equal parts absurd and thrilling.

"Fine," he muttered, stretching his tiny limbs. "Let's make history."

The maids' bathhouse was located in the secluded eastern wing of the palace. Getting there unnoticed was no easy task for a child, but Eryndor had two advantages: his small size and his naturally angelic face.

He started his mission by toddling into the kitchen, where Elantha was busy "sampling" desserts meant for dinner.

"Hey, Elantha," he said, flashing her his most innocent smile. "Can you help me with something?"

"What is it this time?" she asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

"I need you to distract the head housekeeper for... reasons." He said in a hushed tone.

Elantha raised an eyebrow but grinned. "This sounds shady. I'm in."

With the housekeeper occupied by Elantha's relentless questions about ballroom etiquette, Eryndor made his move. The execution of his master plan.

The bathhouse was warm and steamy, its wooden doors slightly ajar. Eryndor crouched low, peeking through the gap. Inside, several maids were soaking in the luxurious hot springs, chatting and laughing. Their uniforms were neatly folded on a nearby bench. But his gaze was not there, rather his sights scanned the wide variety of beauty. Watching their bare breasts bounce around made his mouth water, eying there figure and curves as if they were a display case.

It was truly a feast for his young eyes, his brain registered everything to the letter. Snapping out of it he faced his quest, with how things worked he could get infinite chances in future

This was his moment.

Step one: stealth. He tiptoed inside, his little legs carrying him closer to the bench. The steam blurred his surroundings, the smell of olives and another sweet fragrance caused his body to tremble.

Step two: distraction. He grabbed a nearby soap bottle and gave it a hard squeeze, and sent it flying as far as his little habds could. It landed with a loud plop in the water, causing a maid to shriek.

"What was that?!"

While the maids frantically searched for the source, Eryndor dove under the bench, collecting the garments with surprisingly efficient speed for a child his age. Elantha had trained him well.

[Progress Update: 70% of panties acquired!]

Eryndor was just stuffing the last pair into a small satchel when disaster struck. One of the maids, a sharp-eyed elf named Lyrelle, spotted movement under the bench.

"What in the name of the Forest Spirits is that?" she said, leaning closer.

Eryndor froze, then made a split-second decision. He darted out from under the bench, clutching the satchel like it was the crown jewels.

"Catch him!" Lyrelle shouted.

The bathhouse erupted into chaos. Slippery floors combined with Eryndor's quick agility turned the chase into a maelstrom of chaos. One maid slipped on a bar of soap, landing with a loud splat. Another got tangled in a towel and ended up in the water with an undignified splash.

Meanwhile, Eryndor zigzagged through the chaos, narrowly avoiding capture.

Just as he reached the door, Lyrelle grabbed him by the collar. He dangled in midair, his satchel of pilfered panties swinging from his hand.

"Care to explain yourself, young prince?" she asked, glaring at him with an intensity he had never seen before.

Eryndor knew he had only one option: charm his way out. He was adorable, he just had to play his cards right.

Clearing his throat, he adopted his most dignified tone. "Ladies, your divine beauty inspired me. I merely sought to preserve these sacred garments as a tribute to your grace."

The maids blinked, stunned into silence.

Then, one of them burst out laughing. "He's a toddler! Did he just call our panties sacred?"

The tension broke, and soon the entire bathhouse was filled with laughter. Lyrelle, still holding him, couldn't help but smirk.

"You're lucky you're cute," she said, setting him down.

"You bet it damn right I'm cute." He changed inwardly.

Eryndor returned to his room triumphant, though slightly damp from the chase. What's more he got to gripe Lyrelle's breasts, the soft feeling lingering in his still warm palms.

[Quest Complete! Reward Unlocked: Master Thief.]

He grinned as the system chimed in again, already anticipating his next absurd adventure.