MEBD 10

Chapter 10

Secrets and Lies (2)

“Is the corridor secured?”

“Yes, the chief attendant gave the order.”

“And Seth?”

“The physician went to see the ‘guest’—he stopped by the First Young Master’s room for a moment, then returned to the apothecary.”

“I see…”

While everyone’s attention was focused on Berénice, Kaiden and his aide quietly slipped out through the opposite carriage door and made their way into the inner part of the lord’s castle. They settled in the side room where Bleddin and his servant had been staying.

From a brief examination in the carriage, the aide seemed to be suffering from mild dehydration and low body temperature—but unless his luck turned truly bad, he would recover soon enough.

The real problem was Kaiden—bleeding from the curse and poisoned on top of that.

From past experience, Berénice knew the toxin wasn’t necessarily fatal, but the pain it caused was close enough to death itself. The severity would vary depending on the dose…

“I can’t leave the prince’s poison untreated for long. A single spark could turn into a fire.”

It wasn’t that she doubted Kaiden’s character—rather, the countless faces she’d seen in her previous life made her wary.

How many times had she been cursed for saving someone’s life?

Some had even demanded money from her as “compensation” for their suffering.

“And there was that thief who stole my purse right after I helped him.”

Each time, her “friend” would sneer: “How long are you going to let yourself be used like that?”

…I wonder if you’re doing well.

It was that same friend who’d prepared the magic bullet so Berénice could die together with her enemy.

Maybe this time… we could really be friends.

To accomplish what she had to do, she needed that friend’s help again.

Even if they weren’t friends, she could always make it a formal “request” for assistance—but still, this time, she wanted to be a real friend, to hear what was truly in that person’s heart.

“Milady?”

“Nadia, could you check if anyone’s on the way to the apothecary?”

“The apothecary?”

“I need to see Seth.”

“Are you feeling unwell?”

“No. There’s something I need to confirm.”

“Yes, my lady.”

One of Nadia’s strengths was her obedience—she never questioned even strange orders.

If it had been Marién, she would have pestered Berénice with endless whys until the very last moment.

I can’t feel at ease just sending her away. I need a solid reason to remove her for good.

After the funeral, Berénice had already decided—once she returned to the capital, Marién would be the first to go.

As Nadia returned, Berénice picked up Bleddin’s sword from where she’d set it down and rose to her feet.

“The chief attendant seems to have cleared everyone out of there so the physician could work in peace,” Nadia reported.

“That’s good.”

That meant she could visit the apothecary without worrying about prying eyes.

“My lady? Are you in pain? You only had to call for me…”

The room was filled with the sharp, earthy scent of dried herbs.

At the center sat the young physician Seth, comparing ingredients from his desk with those on the shelf. When he saw Berénice, concern filled his face.

Perhaps her prematurely white hair had shocked people more than she thought—everyone seemed to treat her more delicately lately.

“I’m not sick,” she said, shaking her head. “I just have a question.”

“What is it, my lady?”

“Seth, do you know of an herb called Falcon?”

“Falcon… Falcon… Ah, yes. It’s a medicine that’s been gaining attention in the capital lately. Said to purify the blood and cleanse the body.”

Back before her regression, it had been a common herb when she’d been poisoned—but she hadn’t been sure about now. His answer reassured her.

She continued, watching him curiously.

“I read somewhere that the root of that herb can neutralize poison, much like the petals of Dailyn’s Flower.”

“An antidote… you mean?”

“Yes. According to the book, it’s even stronger—said to work in smaller amounts than Dailyn’s petals. Especially effective against something called ‘Tears of Syth’… is that true?”

“‘Tears of Syth’?!”

His eyes widened in alarm—and from that reaction, Berénice immediately knew that he had already identified the poison afflicting Kaiden.

Well, it was no surprise. Seth’s skill was such that, had it not been for his common birth, the imperial court would have recruited him long ago.

If the palace had been willing to accept “a nameless orphan of uncertain background” among its healers, he would’ve easily been chosen.

But instead, after recognizing his gift early, the Marquis had sponsored his education, and Seth had chosen to serve the Wiltiéra family in gratitude.

A talented man like him had no reason to be rejected. He had quietly succeeded the retiring family physician and devoted his entire life to the Marquisate.

It was only natural, then, that his name was among those Berénice was determined to protect.

It can’t be helped—but treating a member of the imperial family without authorization is dangerous. One mistake and Seth could lose his life.

She wanted to protect both the Marquisate from scandal and Seth from harm.

Now that Seth knew the poison’s name, and she had just “hinted” at a potential antidote, he would surely be able to concoct an effective cure quickly.

“My lady, could I perhaps read that book myself?” he asked.

“I’m sorry—it’s in my library back in the capital. I’ll show it to you once we return.”

That was a lie.

No such book existed—and she couldn’t very well admit that she knew the antidote from personal experience, having once been poisoned by it herself.

So it was a lie told for good reason—a benevolent deception.

If he asks again, I’ll just say I lost it.

He might not believe her, but as long as it wasn’t Lowell she was lying to, she could keep a straight face easily enough.

“Is the book reliable?”

“Yes.”

“I see…”

“Is there something odd about my question?”

“No, not at all.”

Keeping a patient’s illness confidential was a healer’s first duty.

Of course, had it been the Marquis himself asking, Seth would have revealed every detail of Kaiden’s condition—but that was loyalty, not betrayal.

Seeing Seth lost in thought, Berénice decided she’d achieved her purpose and quietly turned to leave.

Now, she only had to play the patient and wait for nightfall.

I have to move carefully…

Even Nadia mustn’t notice.

Not that Nadia would ever betray her—if told to keep a secret, she’d guard it with her life.

But she’s too timid.

Her lips were sealed, but her face always betrayed her. It was both her greatest strength and weakness.

I’ll move when everyone’s asleep—very late.

Thankfully, it was a thin-crescent night with heavy clouds.

If she changed into black clothes and covered her hair, she could move unseen.

Berénice organized her plans one last time and opened her bedroom door.

There were still hours until nightfall.

Night descended.

In Bleddin’s chamber, Kaiden lay still as death, eyes closed, when a long black shadow fell over him.

“Your Highness, are you actually asleep?”

“…You’re noisy.”

“I just said one sentence!”

“I meant your sniffling. It’s annoying.”

“This is your fault!”

The green-haired man’s indignant voice made Kaiden open his eyes with a groan. He propped himself against the headboard.

The curse had faded, easing some of the pain, but the lingering poison made his body feel unbearably heavy. The fresh waves of pain didn’t help.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Me? I nearly froze to death, but aside from chills, headaches, and a bit of a cold, I’m fine. The Marquis’s physician is talented.”

“I wasn’t talking about you. I meant the Marquis’s household.”

“…Not even a flicker of concern for your almost-deadly competent aide, huh?”

“I’ll decide whether you’re competent soon enough.”

Kaiden’s aide, As, sighed dramatically and shook his head.

“The people here are… affectionate. Their love for their family seems genuine.”

“And?”

“It seems clear they were indeed moving for the eldest son’s funeral. But whether there’s another reason behind it—that’s what we’ll find out next.”

The playful glint in As’s emerald eyes turned cold.

“Remember why we came here ourselves.”

“I do.”

“I trust you.”

“As always.”

At his aide’s steady answer, Kaiden nodded and looked out the window.

The night was deep—draped in a heavy black veil.

A time when some hid their secrets, and others worked to uncover them.

“I hope there’s something entertaining to see tonight,” he murmured.

And as he recalled the pale face of the one bold enough to taunt him without fear, Kaiden smiled.