Chapter 84

This story is a work of fiction.

The characters, organizations, and names are all fictitious and have no connection to any real entities.

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079 - The King's Poisoning Incident

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Slipping the paper detailing the king's poisoning between the documents, I discovered the princess's office. There are four guards and two clerks inside, but none of them notice me. I'm definitely at Assassin Level 41!

Perhaps the captain of the knights might have reacted a little, but he's not here, so there's no problem.

The princess is diligently reviewing and signing documents, occasionally giving instructions or confirmations to the clerks. Neither the guards nor the clerks have any criminal records. It seems the princess is surrounded by trustworthy people.

The princess picked up my note and her eyes widened. Though she didn't make a sound, it's clear she's quite shaken.

"Your Highness, is something wrong?"

One of the clerks, noticing the princess's reaction, called out to her. The princess composed herself and straightened up.

"Please summon Doctor Darenam immediately."

If I were the princess, I would suspect the doctor treating the king first. It seems the princess thinks the same way.

Next, I would suspect the cooks, maids, or butlers who serve the meals, and then the people who take care of her daily life and her family.

Outside this office, there is a room where many officials and visitors wait, with six guards stationed there. The clerk, though puzzled, obeyed the princess's order and instructed someone in the waiting room to summon the doctor. This person seems to be on standby for such messenger duties.

The princess then wrote something and sealed it in an envelope. She dripped wax and pressed a ring to make an imprint. It brought back a nostalgic feeling, like a scene from a drama or movie I once saw.

"Please deliver this letter to the captain of the knights and the head of the mages immediately."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The messenger ran off.

I've met the captain of the knights and the head of the mages before, but neither has a criminal record, and they both seem to be highly loyal to the princess.

"I'm a bit tired. Could I have some tea?"

"Of course, I'll prepare it right away."

The clerk opened a different door, where two maids were waiting to take care of the princess's daily needs. The princess moved from her desk to a sofa and massaged her temples. She looks exhausted.

After having tea and returning to her official duties, an elderly, slender man entered. This must be Doctor Darenam.

"So, Your Highness, I was urgently summoned...?"

Doctor Darenam seemed quite nervous, his voice trembling.

Using Detailed Appraisal on Doctor Darenam, I hit the jackpot. Detailed Appraisal, you never fail to impress! I learned that Doctor Darenam had indeed poisoned the king.

"Doctor Darenam, I would like to ask about the king's condition."

"Yes, Your Highness. The king is suffering from Dargan's disease."

"You said before that there is no cure, correct?"

"Yes, I did. Unfortunately, Dargan's disease is rare, and there is no established treatment."

He wiped his sweat while answering.

"Then, is there a poison that causes symptoms similar to Dargan's disease?"

"Wh-what!?"

He's reacting too obviously...

"I have never heard of such a poison."

"I see. Then, show me your Record Card."

"Wh-what!?"

"Just a simple check. To see if you are truly trying to cure the king or not."

"Wh-what!?"

The guards on either side of Doctor Darenam restrained him, preventing him from moving.

"Dren, check it."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Dren, a clerk with a stern face and reddish-brown hair, stepped forward. Doctor Darenam tried to back away but couldn't with the guards holding him.

"Reveal his deeds in the light of day."

The Record Card appeared. It always amazes me how this works.

Dren handed the Record Card to the princess without checking it himself and stood beside her.

"I see. So, you... you poisoned the king, my father."

The princess's calm but clearly angry voice made Doctor Darenam turn pale and tremble uncontrollably. Dren and the others, who had suspected something from the mention of poison, had tense expressions.

"Your Highness... is this...?"

Dren tried to confirm, and the princess handed him the Record Card.

"W-what!?"

Dren's eyes widened as he stared at the Record Card.

"There has been a report that this person poisoned the king."

"What!?"

Dren and the others were shocked by the report. They were also curious about how the report reached the princess without their knowledge. I'm right here!

"I thought you were a loyal servant who had served the royal family for many years. Why did you betray us!?"

The princess's harsh words pierced Doctor Darenam.

Doctor Darenam seemed to have lost the strength in his legs and hung his head, supported by the guards.

The Record Card records that he poisoned the king, but it doesn't explain why. Record Cards aren't that convenient.

However, thanks to Doctor Darenam, I learned who ordered the poisoning. Doctor Darenam was forced to do it because his family was taken hostage. I don't know if he will confess, but what will happen to his family?

Thinking about it, Doctor Darenam might be a victim too. If he remained loyal to the royal family, his family would be killed, but if he obeyed, he would be branded as a major criminal for killing the king.

Doctor Darenam will likely face the death penalty regardless of the circumstances. But I can't stand the thought of the mastermind behind this living freely. I hate such people.

A piece of paper fluttered in front of the princess. The guards immediately reached for their sword hilts. Their reaction was good, but they didn't detect my stealth.

The princess picked up the paper, widened her eyes, clenched her teeth, and crumpled it.

"Such a thing..."

"Your Highness...?"

"Doctor Darenam, someone ordered you to assassinate the king, didn't they?"

"Wh-what!? I... I..."

"Your family is being held hostage, isn't it?"

"H-how did you know!?"

Hearing this, the princess closed her eyes. It's hard to tell what she's thinking, but she seems to be in deep conflict.

"Doctor Darenam, place him under arrest. Allow no visitors. Ensure he is always watched by multiple people. He must not die. I will not accept excuses like poison in his food."

The princess, opening her eyes, gave strict instructions.

"Cancel all future appointments. Instruct those waiting to return to their posts immediately."

Dren went to the waiting room and relayed the princess's words. Some people looked displeased, but no one openly complained, as the princess is the regent.

I want to see what she does next.

The princess left through a different door, accompanied by four guards, two clerks, and two maids. She walked quickly down a long corridor. Despite her quick pace, her walk was graceful, and I was impressed. The maids were also remarkable, making no sound. The guards, wearing armor, were noisy, but the clerks moved quite well.

At the end of the corridor, the captain of the knights, the head of the mages, and several knights and mages were waiting.

"I have gathered only those I trust."

The captain of the knights bowed and said this. The princess showed the two notes I wrote to both of them.

"Doctor Darenam has been arrested. The Record Card confirms he is the one who poisoned the king."

"Then..."

The head of the mages squeezed out the words.

"Yes, this report is also likely accurate."

The captain of the knights and the head of the mages exchanged glances, their expressions sour.

"I will meet with the queen. She will try to kill Doctor Darenam's family and cover everything up. Please capture her in the act."

"I will select the best stealth operatives for this mission."

The captain of the knights gave orders to his subordinates.

"I have a task for you, Kanum."

The princess whispered something in Kanum's ear, and he nodded in agreement.

"Barbatos, come with me to the queen."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The princess ordered the captain of the knights to accompany her.

The mastermind behind this is the queen. Though the reason is unknown, it's clear that the queen ordered Doctor Darenam to poison the king.

Thank you for reading.

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