The Youngest Daughter Of The Great Wizard Of The Famous Swordsmanship [EN]: Chapter 116

116. Identifying the Culprit (1)

2024.02.24.

Michael tried to remain silent, even as he guessed which poison had been used on Ophelia.

He had, in fact, sent Perito to comfort Rosette and hopefully win her heart.

However…

“Rose was crying.”

There were times he imagined seeing Rosette cry. But seeing her cry not because of him, but because of someone else, filled him with disgust.

If she laughed, it had to be because of him. If she cried, those tears belonged to him alone.

Michael wanted to consume her entirely, to fill her every thought and feeling with himself.

Michael stroked Perito’s head and smiled.

“There will be another chance soon. Don’t worry too much.”

Michael whispered, watching the carriage disappear completely.

“Yes, there will be another chance soon.”

* * *

When Rosette arrived at the Imperial Palace, Joshua, having heard a rough version of the story through Silver’s necklace [a magical communication device], was already waiting.

He escorted Rosette from the carriage and asked urgently, “What’s this about finding a clue?”

Rosette looked around and whispered, “I think we need to go somewhere private first.”

Just then, the sound of hooves echoed, and Lucas arrived on horseback. He dismounted and rushed to Rosette, grabbing her arm.

“Kid, why did you run off on your own? I was worried sick!”

“I’m sorry, Brother. It was urgent.”

“So, why the Imperial Palace… Ah, Your Highness.”

Lucas quickly bowed, and Joshua waved a dismissive hand.

“Greetings are unnecessary. It’s good you’re here. Bringing only the Princess was… awkward. Let’s go inside for now.”

Joshua led Rosette and Lucas to the Emerald Palace, his residence. It was Rosette’s first time there, but she had no time to admire the splendid interior.

As soon as she entered the reception room, she exclaimed, “It’s Searil flower!”

Lucas looked puzzled. “Searil flower? What’s that?”

Rosette spread the book she had brought on the table. Lucas remained confused, but Joshua, understanding dawning, began to read along.

Rosette explained, “Searil flower only grows in specific regions of the Shelton Kingdom. It’s highly poisonous, and the symptoms closely resemble those of the Empress.”

“What?”

Lucas jumped up. “Really? Are you saying the Empress was poisoned with something else?”

“Probably. I’m not certain, but the Prince and I suspected as much.”

“But how did you learn about this poison?”

“That…”

Rosette hesitated. ‘Is it okay to say Michael told me?’

Unsure, Rosette glossed over the detail. “I came across some information while I was in the Ivelin Kingdom. It just occurred to me. But that’s not important now!”

Rosette urged Joshua, “Just in case, try using the antidote for Searil flower on the Empress.”

“But where would we find that antidote?”

“That’s…”

Rosette was at a loss. Since it wasn’t a common poison in the Empire, the Imperial Palace was unlikely to have the antidote.

“How about asking the Shelton Kingdom delegation for help? They might have the antidote or know how to obtain it.”

“That’s right, Your Highness,” Lucas added. “What do we have to lose by trying? If we do nothing, the Empress, the Rivera family, and the Adrian family will all be in danger.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Joshua rose from his seat.

“Let’s go together, then.”

The three headed to the palace where the Shelton Kingdom delegation was staying. Joshua’s arrival caused a stir.

The head of the delegation himself came out to greet Joshua.

“What brings you here, Your Highness?”

“I understand there are doctors within the delegation.”

“Yes. His Majesty the King specifically sent a doctor from the royal palace.”

“May I meet the doctor?”

The representative asked cautiously, “May I inquire as to the reason for your request?”

“Is that truly necessary?”

“It’s not that, but…”

“I’m here on a personal matter. I would prefer a private meeting, if possible.”

The representative hesitated before answering, “May I first seek the doctor’s opinion?”

Joshua nodded. The representative returned a short while later and bowed politely.

“I will escort you inside.”

In the reception room, a young doctor was already waiting.

“Please, speak freely. If you require anything, please call for me through the maid.”

“Thank you.”

Only after the representative closed the door did Joshua approach the doctor. The doctor bowed.

“Greetings to the First Prince of the Empire.”

“Enough with the greetings. Please, sit down.”

The doctor, sitting hesitantly, looked at the three with anxious eyes.

“May I ask what brings you here?”

“What I’m about to say must remain secret. Can you assure me of that?”

“That…”

The doctor looked at Joshua and nodded. “Yes. I will do as Your Highness commands.”

“Good.”

Joshua cast a soundproofing spell over the room before speaking.

“To be direct, are you familiar with Searil flower?”

The doctor’s eyes flickered.

“I presume you won’t tell me why you’re asking?”

“You understand well.”

“Let me be upfront: of course, I know of it. It’s a herb that all doctors in the Shelton Kingdom should know.”

“It’s used as a poison, correct?”

“Yes.”

“The symptoms include hemoptysis [coughing up blood] and organ damage, among others.”

“Yes.”

Joshua asked, his eyes gleaming, “Do you currently possess the antidote for that poison?”

The doctor’s face paled, as if realizing the implications of Joshua’s questions. However, instead of asking, he answered, “I do not have any antidote with me at this time.”

“…”

Joshua swallowed a sigh, and Rosette rubbed her forehead. Lucas sighed openly, feeling disheartened.

The doctor, watching their reactions, added carefully, “But I can prepare it in a day or two. Surprisingly, the necessary herbs are commonly found even in the Empire; they may be in the Imperial pharmacy.”

“Half a day,” Joshua murmured.

“Can you make it in half a day?”

“That…”

The doctor licked his dry lips.

“I’ll try.”

Rosette interjected, “Before that, is there a way to confirm someone has been poisoned with Searil flower? How can we find out…?”

“The method is surprisingly simple. You can use black tea.”

“Black tea?”

“Yes. Just as the color changes when you add lemon to black tea, the color will change if you add water boiled with Searil flower, which is used as a poison.”

Rosette and Joshua stood up simultaneously.

“Thank you for your cooperation. If this matter is resolved, I will not forget this favor.”

“Please prepare the antidote as quickly as possible.”

“I understand.”

The three quickly left the reception room. Walking down the hallway, Joshua gritted his teeth.

“Now I understand how they administered the poison.”

Lucas asked anxiously, “How did they do it?”

Rosette answered, “They put it on the lemon. The Empress likes to add lemon juice to her black tea. She even squeezed the lemon herself that day. That’s why they were able to poison her.”

Her face clouded over.

“But we can’t obtain any evidence. The lemon has already been discarded.”

“Princess, Duke, return for now.”

“Yes? But…”

Joshua said with a determined look, “Leave the rest to me. Your presence, wandering around the Imperial Palace, will attract unwanted attention.”

“His Highness is right, Kid,” Lucas said, squeezing Rosette’s hand. “Let’s go back and stay with Hyung [older brother].”

“Okay. I understand.”

[Woof!] Silver pressed against Rosette’s legs and wagged his tail, wanting to go with her.

Rosette knelt and rubbed Silver’s face.

“Silver, I’m okay, so stay by the Prince’s side.”

Silver whined.

“Okay, Silver?”

Rosette kissed the tip of Silver’s nose. Silver lowered his tail and approached Joshua.

“Then, I’ll leave the rest to you, Your Highness.”

“Okay.”

Rosette watched Joshua’s retreating back and left the Imperial Palace with Lucas.

* * *

Rosette believed in Joshua’s abilities, but she couldn’t bear the anxiety while staying with Daniel.

What if Ines is executed before Joshua uncovers the truth?

‘That must not happen.’

Rosette left Daniel with Lucas and returned to her room.

[Beep?]

“There must be a way to find the culprit, Pipi.”

[Beep!]

Pipi cheered her on, promising to help diligently.

Rosette began writing down every thought that came to mind.

“Searil flower only grows in specific areas of the Shelton Kingdom. It’s difficult to cultivate elsewhere, almost impossible in the Empire.”

[Bleep.]

“Then they must have smuggled it from the Shelton Kingdom, right? Maybe a trader who does business with the Shelton Kingdom brought it in secretly. If they planned to frame Ines from the beginning, then this poisoning plot couldn’t have been too recent.”

[Beep?]

“If we investigate traders who have traded relatively recently…”

Rosette covered her head with her hands.

“The scope is too broad. I can’t find them in time this way.”

[Beeeee…]

Pipi cried sadly and rubbed his face against Rosette’s cheek.

Suddenly, Rosette raised her head.

“Could the culprit be among the delegation?”

[Beep?]

“That’s right, Pipi. It’s the most certain and fastest way.”

[Beep!]

“But there’s no evidence for that either. We can’t investigate the delegation without evidence, causing an uproar.”