From Reader to Ruler: The Forgotten Prince's Rise through Harem-Chapter 6: The Cat-Girl in the Darkness

Chapter 6 – The Cat-Girl in the Darkness

Later that evening, a knock echoed through Dani's room.

"Come in," he said, sitting on his bed, trying to contain his excitement.

The door opened, and Rishi stepped inside, bowing slightly.

"Young Master, as per your request, I have information on the cat-girl's whereabouts."

Dani's grip tightened. This was it.

"Tell me," he said eagerly.

Rishi gave him a curious look. "I must say, I'm surprised you already know her name. But I suppose you have your ways. If you're looking for Leena, she's currently living on the streets—sixth back alley, near the trash heaps."

Dani's excitement faltered for a moment.

Living near the trash?

"That's harsh," he muttered.

"It is," Rishi admitted. "We give her food and clothes when we can, but it doesn't change her situation. She's hated by both humans and beastkin alike."

Dani exhaled slowly. This was even worse than he imagined.

"Take me to her," he ordered.

Rishi hesitated. "It would be better to go in the morning. It's already getting dark."

Dani shook his head. "No. We're going now."

Seeing his determination, Rishi nodded. "As you wish, Young Master."

---

The Journey to the Forgotten

Dani quickly dressed in a simple outfit, strapping a sword to his waist. When he reached the mansion's gates, he was surprised to see several knights waiting.

"Am I going to war?" he asked dryly.

Rishi chuckled. "It's for your protection."

Dani waved a hand dismissively. "I don't need it. You stay. The rest of you, return to your posts."

The knights hesitated but obeyed. With that settled, Dani and Rishi began their journey on foot.

"Aren't we taking a carriage?" Dani asked.

"No need," Rishi replied. "Her location isn't far. Besides, a carriage would attract too much attention."

Dani nodded, impressed. "Smart thinking."

"I'm honored by your words, Young Master."

It took them thirty minutes to reach the designated alley—a cold, filthy place at the city's edge.

The moment they arrived, Rishi called out her name.

"Leena."

A rustling sound came from the shadows. Then, from the darkness, she appeared.

---

The First Meeting

Leena stepped into the faint moonlight, her tattered clothes clinging to her frail frame.

Her once bright fur-covered ears were now filthy and drooping. Her long tail twitched weakly.

Her face was pale, her eyes dull, her hair an unkempt mess.

But what struck Dani the most was her expression.

A girl who had long since given up hope.

She looked at Rishi and forced a weak smile. "Oh, it's you again. Thanks for the food as always."

Rishi hesitated. "I... didn't bring any this time."

Leena sighed. "I see. Guess that means I'll sleep hungry again tonight."

She chuckled, but it was empty.

Dani clenched his fists.

This is wrong.

No one should live like this.

He turned to Rishi and whispered something in his ear. Rishi nodded and quietly left.

Leena, seeing Rishi leave, sighed again and stepped back into the darkness.

Without hesitation, Dani followed her.

The deeper he walked, the darker it became. Eventually, he raised a hand and muttered a simple spell, casting a small orb of light magic.

The dim glow illuminated the alley—and there she was.

Leena sat against the wall, huddled in fear.

---

A Broken Soul

The moment she saw Dani, she flinched.

"D-Don't come any closer!" she gasped, her voice shaking. "I didn't do anything wrong! Please, just leave me alone!"

Dani froze.

She thought he was here to hurt her.

Unnoticed, a tear slipped from his eye.

He took a deep breath and slowly stepped forward.

Leena squeezed her eyes shut and braced herself for a blow.

Instead, she felt something warm on her head.

Dani's hand, gentle and steady, rested between her cat ears, rubbing them softly.

She flinched again—but this time, she didn't pull away.

Dani didn't say anything.

Neither did she.

They just sat there, him gently stroking her head, her body stiff with confusion.

For the first time in years, someone touched her without hatred.

The fear in her slowly settled, replaced by something foreign.

Warmth.

---

Food and an Offer

After a while, Rishi returned, carrying a bag.

"Young Master, are you alright?" he asked, surprised at the sight before him.

"I'm fine," Dani replied softly.

He took out a loaf of fresh bread, tore it into pieces, and offered a small bite to Leena.

She hesitated.

Follow current novels on freewebnσvel.cѳm.

But hunger won over fear.

Slowly, she reached forward, took the piece—and ate.

One bite. Then another.

She didn't stop until the entire loaf was gone.

She ate like someone who didn't know when her next meal would come.

When she finally finished, Dani spoke.

"Leena."

She looked at him, startled.

"Yes, I know your name," he continued. "And I'm here to take you with me."

She stiffened.

Rishi's eyes widened. "Young Master—"

Dani ignored him.

"You don't have to live like this anymore," he said gently. "Come with me. Live in the mansion. Work under me. You'll be safe there."

Leena's ears flattened.

She shook her head violently. "No. I don't trust you. I don't trust anyone. Everyone hates me. Why would you be different?"

Dani had expected this.

She had been hated her entire life.

Why would she believe that, suddenly, someone wanted to help?

That's why... he had a backup plan.

He gave a small nod.

Rishi sighed and moved behind her.

Before she could react, he pressed a firm chop against her neck.

Leena's body slumped.

Dani caught her before she hit the ground.

Lifting her gently, he turned to Rishi.

"Let's go home."

Rishi sighed. "You really are something, Young Master."

With that, they began their journey back to the mansion—bringing the first heroine with them.