“So poison can’t kill him after all.”

Sensing failure, Reynald remained incredibly calm.

Though he had never thought poison could kill a wizard, he had consistently used it to inflict internal injuries on him.

The last time he had been in Lurat, not even a sniper’s shot had reached the man. The poison he’d added to the drink also had no effect, perhaps because the man had previously experienced it.

However, this time, the poison was potent enough to cause him significant internal injuries, which alone was a substantial gain.

“It’s still impressive; that poison could kill an elephant with just a drop, yet he survived even after ingesting a large amount.”

“Yet, he has never succumbed to poison before. This one must have been particularly lethal.”

“Isn’t this an opportunity to get rid of him?”

“His residence is even more dangerous than the horizon. The moment you approach it, you’ll be devoured by a wolf that swallows the moon.”

“That beast… yes. It’s incredibly large and ferocious. Can’t it be dealt with?”

“That beast is a top-class creature. Gibnen Lianster didn’t capture it alone; a hundred high-ranking wizards combined their strength to capture it. I don’t know how Gibnen Lianster contracted with the beast, but if unauthorized people approach, they will be devoured. That’s why he sought refuge in his safest place, his residence.”

“Then what’s the point? He won’t venture out until he recovers…”

Instead of answering, Reynald lit his cigar and took a puff. The smoky haze dispersed into thin air.

“No matter how much of a genius he is, he’s just a kid. With his mentor’s death and numerous assassination attempts, he may appear fine, but he’s rotting inside.”

“…”

“He’ll go mad eventually. As he becomes weaker, like today, he will become more fearful, and his judgment will cloud. Eventually, he will show a gap, just like his mentor did.”

“When will you wait? We need to seize the horizon quickly…”

“Being impatient will only mess things up. The opportunity will come. All we have to do is seize it.”

Nihil had endured thus far.

He had buried his head beneath the surface, quietly, quietly waiting for the right time to rise, cycling between rising and sinking, always in the groove.

There was nothing they couldn’t do; even if it took decades, they always achieved their goals, except for one moment.

“Lord Reynald.”

“What is it?”

“Count Willow Ermeintz has arrived.”

“…A request?”

After pondering for a moment, Reynald gestured dismissively.

“I have no room for additional requests. Kindly send him away.”

“Understood.”

The servant who went out to send Count Ermeintz away soon returned.

“Count Ermeintz left a message.”

“…”

“Aren’t you curious about information on Raistun?”

“!”

For the first time in a long while, Reynald bolted upright.

Then calmly sat back down.

“He said Raistun’s daughter is alive and he can give information about her.”

“What? A daughter?”

Reynald’s eyes widened almost to the point of popping out, but he immediately reined in his pounding heart.

‘No, it might be a trap. I need to be careful.’

He couldn’t make contact right away. People from underground had to be cautious when dealing with people from above ground. Especially Ermeintz, who was among the highest-ranking people in the empire but had never interacted with Nihil.

If careless, he could expose himself. Ermeintz wasn’t the type to hire someone else for jobs he could do himself. He was too proud and self-reliant.

Why would such a person come all the way down here?

And how did he know about Raistun?…
Reynald paused for a moment.

“First, I will report to the higher-ups, then decide whether to summon the count.”

Riley had taken care of all the chores that the servants were supposed to do.

Seeing this, the servants were deeply moved by the hostess’s earnest care for her master, and the fact that he did not dismiss such a woman.

From their perspective, it was quite extraordinary.

He, who always locked himself in his room when feeling unwell, had allowed Riley to stay by his side all day.

The servants of the Lianster mansion felt this was truly love.

On the outside, everyone smiled, pleased with the appearance of a loving couple. However, Gibnen was still uncomfortable.

“Does your arm still hurt? Shall I feed you?”

“…Why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be at the academy?”

“I didn’t go.”

“Why.”

“How could I leave you when you’re sick?”

To Gibnen, the situation felt incredibly unfamiliar, while for Riley, it was a given.

Riley considered it common sense not to leave a sick person alone, but Gibnen wondered if all this was really necessary.

“Here.”

Moreover, she had even prepared hot porridge and was spoon-feeding it to him.

“Eat quickly so you can take your medicine.”

Gibnen just stared at the spoon Riley offered.

Normally, if he were not emotionally sensitive or agitated, Gibnen would have made good use of the situation, acting the part of a caring and thoughtful lover.