At the End of Ruin, There You Are (56 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 67

How dare you act so insolently and tell the Grand Duchess to vacate her seat? Pheon turned his gaze back to the blueprints of Lusenford Castle.

The Grand Duchess had already learned every secret corner of the castle. If the butler had something to say, he should have spoken in her presence—or else kept silent and withdrawn.

The butler was utterly despondent. Though it was common for young men in the throes of passion to become infatuated with women, he never expected the upright Duke to behave like this.

Why did it have to be a southern woman—and worse, the Emperor’s niece?

She was neither as vivacious and radiant as Beatrice nor did she lavish the vast wealth of Lusenford like the noble princesses here. She was utterly mismatched with Pheon—and the very fact that she had left him so utterly entranced was already the worst possible sign.

“The cause of the food poisoning has been identified.”

Seeing that Pheon wouldn’t even glance this way confirmed Beatrice’s words: this was a matter worth risking one’s life over. Either the Grand Duchess would die, or the butler would—there was no third option.

Though the butler had no intention of dying, he was struck anew by the sheer shock of how things had escalated. Yet there was nothing he could do—the deed was done, and there was no turning back.

Just from Pheon’s icy demeanor, it was clear the butler’s safety was already in grave peril.

“The physician?”

“He couldn’t come—he’s busy treating the victims. Seven more fell ill in the meantime, bringing the total to twenty-six. That includes the head chef, sous-chef, pastry staff, and especially the maids.”

The number was far too high. Only then did Pheon finally lift his head.

“What’s the cause?”

“Well….”

The butler feigned hesitation, glancing at the Grand Duchess. Caella, too, felt uncomfortable at that familiar, unspoken signal: *You’re an unwelcome presence—leave at once.*

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