“Using Bennomain poison—someone must be after more than just poisoning one person.”

I stood by the door, looking at Edmund’s serious face.

“They chose Bennomain poison on purpose. It wasn’t random.”

He joined me and held my hand tightly.

“Irine, know this: we’re not doubting you.”

Taken aback by his care, I quickly reassured him.

“Edmund, I know you and my mother trust me. But whoever brought Bennomain poison here wanted someone in the Wolfgang family to be suspected—like me. Understand?”

Relief washed over Edmund’s face.

“That makes sense. Thank goodness.”

He gently touched my cheek.

“We’ll never doubt you, Irine—no matter what. I promise.”

His clear, blue eyes held nothing but trust.

“We’re always on your side.”

Then Edmund pulled me close so I could rest on his shoulder.

Eyes closed, I spoke softly:

“I understand how much you trusted me—not suspecting me at all.”

“…I do,” Edmund replied, stroking my back. “But you seemed so worried.”

Alarmed, I asked:

“You knew…?”

Edmund nodded.

When we discovered Bennomain’s blood in Reina’s tea, fast thoughts ran through my head: It had to be me—only I could get Bennomain blood from the Wolfgang household.

He nodded slowly, aware of the risk.

“I’m sorry you were frightened.”

“No—you didn’t do anything wrong. You were the target. The one who gave the poison wants the Wolfgangs out of the way.”

I frowned in anger.

“If I had to name someone—it would be Duc Bennomain. He gains the most if I’m driven out.”

I explained the poison used wet tea leaves infused with Bennomain blood—not something anyone outside the Bennomain fold could easily do.

Edmund and I went over the cup, spotting unfamiliar tea leaves.

“These leaves weren’t ours,” I said.

“Yes, servants said they were a gift,” Edmund added.

Delivered from the Harkan family. No new staff could’ve done it.

“Which means someone intercepted the gift.”

Edmund held my hand, smiling.

Explaining mail routes, he showed the map:

Major mail always went through Keirstar.

“That’s the only post office connected to Bennomain,” he said.

My eyes lit up.

“Tomorrow, we’ll go to Keirstar. I’ll ask questions—face to face.”

Edmund touched my arm, concern showing.

“Tomorrow? Irine, you’re exhausted. Are you sure?”

“I’m fine. Only lost blood—everything else is okay.”

He disagreed.

“You lost too much blood. You need rest.”

Edmund grabbed me and lifted me gently.

“Tonight you’re resting. Tomorrow, sleep until 10:00. I’ll prepare meals—special ones.”

At our bedroom:

“10:00? Isn’t that late?”

“No, you need at least nine hours.” He smiled—firm but caring.

I gave in:

“Alright.”

Snuggling into bed, I felt a warm presence.

“Edmund…will you sleep here too?”

“Yes—I’m guarding you,” he whispered.

Before long, I dozed off—cradled in his arms.

The next morning:

At 10:00, well-rested, we headed to Keirstar Post Office.

“Do you recognize anyone?” I asked.

“Not yet…” Edmund replied.

We informed the postmaster we were just asking about that gift to the Wolfgang household.

Even so, the staff there were unfamiliar.

Then, from the warehouse came a familiar face: a man with short brown hair.

My heart raced. He walked past the counter, busy sorting mail.

I cornered him:

“You…you recognize me, don’t you?”

When he looked at me, his face turned ghost-white.