Chương 27: The Culprit Behind The Poison

"You know," Mikhailis continued, his voice dropping to a lower, more intimate tone,

"I've always found breakfast to be the most important meal of the day. Sets the tone for everything, don't you think? But what happens when you start the day with a little... poison?"

The maid's face turned ashen. Her hands trembled visibly now, and Mikhailis could see the panic rising in her eyes. She was trapped, and she knew it. There was no easy way out of this, not with him staring at her like a predator toying with its prey.

Mikhailis leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on one hand, as though pondering something completely unrelated.

"Back in my homeland, when someone tried to poison me, you know what I did?"

The maid's eyes flickered toward the door, and Mikhailis could almost hear the gears turning in her head, looking for an escape. But Mikhailis didn't give her a chance to move. His expression remained lighthearted, but his next words were delivered with a quiet, deadly calm.

"I made them eat it."

Her breath caught.

The other maids stood frozen, too frightened to even blink.

The silence in the room stretched thin, like a wire about to snap.

"Would you care to try this lovely meal?" Mikhailis offered with a smile, motioning toward the plate in front of him.

"Come on, just a little bite. I'm sure it's delicious."

The maid didn't move. She couldn't. Her body had stiffened with fear, her mind likely racing with excuses or ways to deflect. But Mikhailis wasn't going to give her that luxury. He remained perfectly still, watching her with a gaze that made it clear there was no room for negotiation.

Rodion's voice broke through the tense silence, a hint of amusement in its monotone delivery.

<She's contemplating running, Mikhailis. Shall I block the exits for you?>

Mikhailis almost chuckled at Rodion's dark suggestion but kept his focus on the maid.

"You know, it's funny," he continued, as though they were having a casual chat.

"I've been in this exact situation before. Someone tries to slip something into my food, thinking they're clever, thinking I won't notice." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

"But I always notice."

<Oh, very menacing, Mikhailis,>

Rodion remarked dryly.

Shut up, Rodion. Can't you see I'm playing my role very well here.

Mikhailis sighed, but he didn't drop the act. Instead, he picked up his spoon again, dipping it lightly into the poisoned soup, and held it out toward the maid.

"Last chance. Either you taste this soup, or we both know what's going to happen next."

The maid flinched, and her knees buckled slightly.

"I… I didn't… I didn't mean…" she stammered, but the words caught in her throat. Her gaze darted nervously around the room, searching for support, but the other maids stood silent, unwilling to meet her eyes.

Mikhailis tilted his head, feigning confusion.

"Didn't mean to? Oh, no, I'm sure it was just an innocent mistake. People poison others by accident all the time, right?" His smile never reached his eyes.

Sweat started to bead on the maid's forehead, and finally, she broke.

"Please, don't… don't make me…"

Mikhailis leaned forward again, his tone suddenly serious.

"Then let's make it easy. Tell me who sent you."

The maid's eyes widened in panic, and her breath came in short, ragged gasps. She opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out. Her terror had choked her words.

Rodion's voice, ever pragmatic, chimed in again.

<I'd suggest applying a bit more pressure, Mikhailis. She's seconds away from fainting.>

Mikhailis sighed dramatically, setting the spoon down with a clink.

"Alright, I get it. You don't want to eat the soup. I won't force you. But…" He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"You're going to tell me exactly who gave you the orders, or I'll have no choice but to let Rodion here… assist me in other ways."

The maid blinked in confusion.

"Rodion?" she whispered, her voice shaky.

Mikhailis tapped his glasses lightly.

"Oh, you'll meet him soon enough if you don't cooperate. And trust me, he's not as friendly as I am."

That seemed to do it. The maid crumpled, collapsing to her knees in front of him. Tears streamed down her face as she shook her head, wringing her hands together in desperation.

"I-I was told it was just to make you sick!" she sobbed, her words spilling out in a torrent.

"I didn't know it would kill you! I swear!"

Mikhailis raised an eyebrow, still not fully convinced.

"Who told you?"

The maid hesitated again, her breath hitching as she glanced around nervously.

"Please… if I tell you, they'll kill me."

Mikhailis clicked his tongue in mock sympathy.

"Oh, that's rough. But here's the thing: I'm not asking you, I'm telling you. You've already made the mistake of poisoning a royal. Now, you're going to fix it by giving me a name."

Mikhailis leaned back in his chair, still watching the maid with a faint smile. He could feel the tension building in the air as she began to tremble. It was an odd thing, really—sitting here, sipping his coffee, knowing full well that someone had just tried to poison him. Most people would be panicking right now, demanding answers, maybe even starting a fight. But for Mikhailis? This was just another day.

The maid stood frozen, unable to answer, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. Her eyes darted to the door, searching for an escape. But Mikhailis had already anticipated that. He could see the telltale signs of a person about to flee—the slight twitch in her legs, the way her fingers clenched nervously at her apron. He gave her a moment, just long enough for her to make her move, and then—

She bolted.

But before she could even take two steps, Mikhailis's personal maid, Lira, appeared out of nowhere, as swift as a shadow. She caught the fleeing maid by the arm and twisted it behind her back, pinning her effortlessly to the ground. It was done so smoothly that no one else in the room even realized what had happened until they heard the soft thud of the maid hitting the floor.

Mikhailis raised his coffee cup to his lips, taking a slow sip as if nothing had happened.

"Well, that was exciting," he said with a grin, setting the cup down.

"I'd applaud, but I'm not sure she'd appreciate it."

Rodion's voice cut in, dry as ever.

Mikhailis chuckled softly.

"Oh, I think the castle's going to take care of that for me."

And he was right. A maid immediately whispered to the guard outside, and It wasn't long before the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway, growing louder by the second. There was a slam—the royal chamber doors flew open with a force that made even Mikhailis raise an eyebrow—and there stood Elowen, her face flushed, her breathing ragged. For a moment, she didn't say anything, her eyes wide as she scanned the room, clearly searching for something.

Then, her gaze landed on Mikhailis, sitting calmly at the table, sipping his coffee. Her shoulders visibly relaxed, and she let out a long breath, her hand flying to her chest in relief.

"Mikhailis," she breathed, crossing the room in quick strides.

"Are you... are you alright?"

Before he could respond, she had wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace.

Of course, he's more than glad to feel her chest- her warmth from the hug.

He could feel the tension in her body, the way she clung to him as if she feared he would disappear.

"Hey, hey," he said gently, patting her back.

"I'm fine. Really. Nothing I couldn't handle."

Elowen pulled back slightly, her golden eyes searching his face, still filled with worry.

"I was so scared... when I heard there was an attempt on your life, I—"

"Hey," he interrupted softly, giving her a reassuring smile.

"You should know by now that it takes more than a little poison to get rid of me."

She stared at him for a moment longer before finally letting out a soft, relieved laugh, resting her head on his shoulder. They stayed like that for a few moments, the tension of the situation slowly melting away.

But then came the sound of someone clearing their throat.

Ahem!

Elowen stiffened slightly before pulling away from him, straightening her posture.

She turned to face the doorway, where three familiar figures now stood: Aelthrin, her prime minister; Serelith, the ever-watchful court magician; and Vyrelda, her personal knight. All of them wore expressions of concern, though Aelthrin's had a hint of amusement, as usual.

Elowen sighed, reluctantly stepping away from Mikhailis.

"I'll deal with this," she said quietly, giving him one last glance before turning to face her retainers.

"I'm glad to see you're alright, Your Highness," Vyrelda said, her green eyes sharp as they darted between Mikhailis and the pinned maid on the floor.

"But I must admit, I'm curious. How did you know there was poison in your food?"

Mikhailis blinked, feigning surprise as he looked back at the untouched plate in front of him.

"Oh, that? Just a lucky guess," he said with a grin.

"Happened to notice a strange smell, and well, you know me. Sharp nose."

Vyrelda raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. But before she could press further, Serelith stepped forward, her violet eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"A lucky guess, indeed," she murmured.

"Still, we'll investigate this thoroughly. Whoever is behind this must be found."

Elowen nodded, her expression turning serious.

"Yes. This cannot go unpunished. I'll see to it personally."

Mikhailis watched as she spoke, noting the way her hands clenched into fists at her sides. There was a fire in her eyes, a determination that made him feel... proud, in a way. Elowen was no fragile queen. She was strong. But even so, Mikhailis couldn't help but feel a little guilty for making her worry.

As the retainers discussed the next steps, Mikhailis leaned back in his chair, his smile fading slightly. He could sense that this was just the beginning of something bigger. And whoever was behind this? They weren't going to give up easily.

Later that night, as the castle grew quiet, Elowen returned to the royal chamber, her face weary and her steps slow.

Mikhailis was sitting at the desk, tinkering with one of his insect projects, when she walked in. He glanced up, immediately noticing the dark circles under her eyes.

"You look exhausted," he said softly, setting down the tools and walking over to her.

Elowen sighed, collapsing into the nearest chair.

"It's been... a long day," she muttered, rubbing her temples.

Mikhailis knelt beside her, his hand resting gently on her knee. "What happened?"

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze distant, before finally speaking.

"The maid... she didn't tell us anything."

Mikhailis frowned, his eyes narrowing.

"Nothing at all?"

Elowen shook her head, her expression darkening.

"Right when she was about to confess... we discovered she had been hiding a poison beneath her tongue. She bit down on it before we could stop her."

Mikhailis raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly.

"So... she chose to die rather than talk?"

Elowen nodded, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes."

For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of the situation settling over them. Mikhailis's mind was already working, trying to piece together what this could mean. Whoever was behind this was more dangerous than they had initially thought. Someone who could inspire such loyalty—or fear—in their servants was not someone to be taken lightly.

Finally, Mikhailis let out a low whistle, shaking his head.

"Well," he said, his voice laced with amusement, "now that's interesting."

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