Hastily illuminating the lantern, the surroundings became somewhat brighter.

“Let’s go.”

I proceeded slowly along the path with the distinct, mossy, musty smell.

Walking cautiously, mindful of my steps, I felt grateful to Adelia, who had shown me the way, and fervently prayed that today’s events would remain unknown to anyone.

After a while, reaching the end of the secret passage, I carefully pushed the door to make as little noise as possible.

However, as the door wasn’t frequently opened, some noise was inevitable.

Passing through the door, the dusty interior became visible.

Approaching the window, I checked for any patrolling soldiers nearby and quickly stepped outside.

Not only around the spot where I emerged, but there was no one in sight around the building.

Without delay, I climbed over the window and escaped outside.

Then, estimating the direction of the building I had observed during the day, I cautiously headed in that direction, being mindful not to make any noise.

“Could there really be someone?”

Despite double and triple-checking that no one was around this area on my way to the destination, I couldn’t shake off my worries.

Deciding to deal with it if I got caught, I opened the door and entered.

“Ugh, what’s that smell?”

A foul odor accompanied the damp air that greeted me.

Usually, such a pungent smell would have wrinkled my impression, but today, a smile involuntarily crossed my face.
“Somehow, if I follow this smell, I might find what I want.”

Moving as quietly as possible, I explored my surroundings.

The interior didn’t seem notably different from other buildings.

It was just as dusty as the building with the secret passage from earlier.

Afterward, I continued to wander around, examining every nook and cranny, but there was no space suitable for leaving a horse’s carcass.

“Wasn’t it here?”

Considering that too much time passing would worry both Amy and the coachman, I decided to search a little more before returning. While going further inside, I suddenly noticed a carpet spread on the floor.

The reason this carpet came into my view was singular.

Unlike other furniture, the carpet had absolutely no dust, as if it had just been placed there…

With that thought, I reached out and rolled up the carpet.

Upon doing so, I discovered a clearly carved, square-shaped hollow space between uniformly arranged wooden planks on the floor.

“There’s a hidden space in the floor.”

Inserting my hand into the small recess that looked like a handle, I lifted it, revealing a space leading inside.

As the door opened, a nauseating smell emanated more strongly from that space.

I pushed the door completely upward and slowly descended the stairs.

Then, upon opening the door at the end of the corridor, I finally achieved the purpose of coming to this place.
Kaern’s black horse, which he always rode, lay sprawled on the large table. I approached the horse with the lantern I brought at a leisurely pace.

“I need to find traces, traces of poison.”

Recalling the symptoms that occur when exposed to plant-based poison, I meticulously examined the horse from head to toe.

“Except for the tongue turning black, there are no visible symptoms on the skin or externally.”

That also happened after it died and had already changed color.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be initially evident that the horse was poisoned.

As I mentally sifted through the poisonous plants that cause such symptoms, I continued to inspect for any peculiarities.

I carefully observed even the places that one could casually overlook.

It was while scrutinizing the head of the horse.

“Huh?”

What is this smell?

Instead of the typical putrid odor of a decomposing body emanating from the entire horse, there was a strangely pleasant fragrance coming from its earholes.

I wrinkled my nose, trying to discern the smell more precisely.

It felt odd because it was a scent that seemed like a fragrance unable to be present in this place right now.

Is it only me who smells it here?

Thinking that, I pressed my face against the horse’s nose, even considering the possibility that the smell might be stronger there.

Upon doing so, I found the same scent emanating from the horse’s nostrils.

“A scent like this from a dead body?”

How is that possible?

Despite my puzzled expression, I inhaled the scent more intensely, just in case.
And after firmly memorizing it in my mind, I continued examining the horse’s carcass.

However, afterward, I couldn’t find any other symptoms.

Let’s call it a day for now.

Since it’s been too long, I felt the need to hurry back a bit.

I left the secret chamber after thoroughly organizing everything as if no one had ever been there.

Then, after restoring the door and carpet to their original positions, I discreetly used the secret passage to exit the residence of Duke Raverion, just as I did when entering.

Safely returning to the bookstore and riding the carriage home, the scent from the horse lingered in my mind throughout the journey.

“It’s strange.”

Why am I smelling that scent?