Chapter 156 - 2-38 Louis's Perspective
Upon returning to the Crown Prince’s Office, I headed straight for my desk. I turned a special key in the third drawer—one that responded only to my magic—and withdrew a file and a small vial. Finding the specific paper I needed within the file, I held it out to Alberic along with the vial.
「I have a favor to ask of you.」
「A favor...?」
「Yes. I want you to find the acquisition route for the poisonous herb in this vial, as well as the herb with the characteristics described on this paper.」
「This is...」
Alberic’s eyes traced the writing on the paper from top to bottom. The way his expression grew increasingly grim told me exactly how difficult a task I was imposing on him.
「I apologize. I cannot tell you everything right now. Because I need this investigated in secret, I ask that you do not mention this to our siblings or our mother.」
「You want me to search for something without explaining the details? And this vial... this is!」
Alberic uncorked the vial and sniffed it. His eyes widened in shock as he looked back at me.
「Yes. It is the poisonous herb Rachel allegedly used on Miss Carroll.」
「Allegedly? If it concerns that incident, I know it well, as my mentor was involved in identifying the toxin. But... why now?」
I understood his confusion. He wanted to know why I was suddenly chasing the attempted poisoning of Anna Carroll—the very incident that had triggered the annulment of my engagement to Rachel in this world.
I had investigated that incident thoroughly since arriving here. During a private tea party between Rachel and Miss Carroll, the latter had coughed up blood and lost consciousness after a single sip of tea brewed with poisoned leaves. Fortunately, the amount was small and an antidote was administered immediately, saving her life.
「You’re wondering why I’m looking into it again after all this time. I understand. But for me, this matter is not yet finished. Besides, you’ve likely noticed the numerous suspicious points surrounding the case.」
「Yes. The herb Miss Marcel supposedly used, Toral, is a potent poison that cannot be obtained without special procedures. Yet, it was reportedly acquired from a back-alley pharmacy in the Calsoune District. When the incident occurred, the pharmacy was closed and the owner had vanished.」
「Exactly. And because Rachel admitted to mixing the poison into the tea leaves, the investigation wasn't pushed any further.」
Indeed. They stopped digging despite the unknown origin of a lethal poison that required national permits. Would the 'me' of this world truly have allowed that?
The same applied to Rachel’s death at the hands of bandits. Despite the many anomalies, there was no trace of me having conducted a deep background investigation. It was bizarre. No matter how much the world and circumstances differed, I knew my own personality. I was the type of man who could not rest until I had thoroughly investigated the shadows and rot of the state. So why?
This thorn had been pricking the back of my mind for some time now.
「Brother?」
Just as I was about to sink into a sea of thought, Alberic’s voice pulled me back to the surface.
「Ah, forgive me. By the way, are you aware of this? The medicine Rachel believed she had purchased was not a lethal poison, but a 'Cursed Medicine'—a mild toxin that causes only abdominal pain and vomiting.」
「No... I hadn't heard that.」
「Furthermore, she apparently only learned that the poison she served was lethal just before she was sent to the monastery.」
At my words, Alberic placed a hand to his chin in thought, his eyes returning to the paper I had given him.
「I was unaware of that. Was the truth being hidden?」
「No, it was written in a letter I received from Anna Carroll the other day. It seems Rachel gave her an apology letter just before leaving for the monastery. In it... she denied any murderous intent and explained the nature of the tea leaves.」
「Then, did Miss Carroll keep that fact a secret?」
I shook my head.
「No. She regretted Rachel’s death, fearing it was her fault, and could not bring herself to open the letter.」
I had visited the Great Church several times to seek Miss Carroll’s cooperation for the Spirit Summoning Ceremony. During one of those visits, she handed me Rachel’s letter and confessed her remorse.
『I heard the news of her death before I could read this... and I simply couldn't break the seal. But after hearing what you and Cyril-sama had to say, I realized the time had come for me to face it... It was I... my existence that caused her suffering, ruined her, and killed her.』
The dark, haunted look on Miss Carroll’s face was one I had seen many times since coming here. Marquis Marcel, Theodore—they all wore that same expression.
「I suspect someone other than Rachel was involved in that incident.」
Alberic listened in silence, eventually muttering a soft, 「I see.」
「I know this is selfish of me. I know it’s convenient to ask you to handle such a suspicious request. But you are the only one I can ask.」
「Is it truly alright to trust me with something that must be handled so secretly? Do you not think I might betray you?」
「No. You are the only blood relative I can trust without considering profit or loss.」
「Wh—! What are you...」
I felt I understood Alberic’s character well from my original world. Furthermore, I was fully aware that my brother, who had no interest in power, had no reason to try and topple me.
「I’m counting on you.」
There was a possibility he might refuse. Even so, with my options limited, I needed him to accept this. I looked Alberic straight in the eye with all the hope I could muster, and he let out a long sigh.
「...Haa. ...This won't be for free, you know.」
「You’ll do it! Thank you.」
I instinctively grabbed both of his hands in joy. Alberic let out a startled cry, looking flustered.
「You are truly strange today. ...You're throwing me off.」
I felt a wave of relief seeing that, despite his confusion, he made no move to pull away. At the same time, I had another concern: myself. I was chasing the reason why Rachel had to be killed, but I was running out of time. My priority was returning to my original world, and the day for that action was already set.
Even so, I want to clear her name in this world with my own hands.
「I would appreciate it if you could investigate as quickly as possible. However, if you bring me the results and I treat them dismissively...」
「Hah? What kind of thing is that to say after asking me yourself?」
「If that happens, then give those results to Cyril and Theodore. ...Without fail.」
Though my insistence deepened Alberic’s confusion, he said nothing more. He gave a silent nod, and I offered him a faint, sad smile.
As Alberic reached for the door to leave, I called out to him one last time. 「By the way.」
「How has Mother been lately?」
「No different than usual. Ah, though she seems to be in a hurry to arrange your engagement.」
I couldn't hide my distaste at the word 'engagement.' Unaware of my silent irritation, Alberic turned his back to me and looked up as if reflecting on something.
「Still, I wonder why Mother is trying to push an engagement with the daughter of Marquis Higgins. Normally, one would desire an engagement with Miss Carroll, the Saint of Light. ...Well, as long as Father keeps the matter on hold, it doesn't seem likely to move forward yet.」
With that, Alberic opened the door and left. Left alone, I felt a nagging, unsettled feeling swirling deep within my chest.
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