“……You’re quick to find out.”

“Is your body still not moving?”

“I can sit up now. Walking still seems like a stretch.”

“Upon investigating the poison, it’s from the White Umbrella Mushroom Snake.”

“Never heard of that snake before.”
It’s a rare snake that lives in the White Desert of the Erasia continent. Upon examination, it feeds on a poisonous mushroom known as the White Umbrella mushroom, storing its venom in its poison sac. This venom combines with the existing venom secreted from its glands to create a new form of poison. Minorities on the Erasia continent use this venom as a weapon, but it’s not easy to come by.

“What was the route of poison import?”

“After checking the food supplies and warehouse that were brought in by a mule, traces of White Umbrella mushroom snake venom were detected in the Wijang tea leaves. I suspect that the leaves were finely ground and mixed with coffee powder. Upon checking with Winston Merchants, who deal in these leaves, it turns out that a manager named Justin, responsible for handling the deliveries on the day of the food supply, has gone missing, and his whereabouts remain unknown. We rushed to his residence, but found he had already packed and fled with his family.”

Winston Merchants had long been responsible for supplying foodstuffs to Matop Horizon. The merchant owner, Lord Winston, had been in constant contact and exchanged pleasantries for quite some time.

“Lord Winston claimed to be ignorant of this whole affair and looked rather shocked. But evading responsibility might be difficult. Perhaps we should cease dealings with Winston Merchants and look for another merchant…”

“No, leave it for now.”

“But… Master.”

“The likelihood that Lord Winston is involved is low. He isn’t stupid enough to commit such an easily traceable act of poisoning. This is likely the work of a bought underling, not something that happened overnight. We can’t keep changing suppliers every time something like this happens.”

Gibnen rubbed his eyes with his hand, muttering.

“We can’t just keep cutting ties like this.”

“…”

“Cutting off those associated with me, causing constant suspicion. Making someone endlessly distrustful.”

“…Master.”

“It’s always been like this. Ever since I was young.”

Never had a true friend. Even among the groups I hung around, people would backstab and keep each other in check. I don’t blame them. What can children understand? It’s all the manipulation of adults.

“You must be good friends with this child, keep a good relationship with this child, stick by this child’s side. You must become their best friend.”

“Kill this child, bring this child to me, this child…”

Calculated approaches, calculated friendships, calculated relationships.

Amidst it all, a continuous chain of devouring each other. Nothing’s changed. It’s still ongoing.

Everyone I interact with is only interested in material gain. Inside that, they constantly kill, check, and betray each other… All for the sake of Matop’s interests, for the Lianster family, for my current position, for self-defense.

A relationship built on mutually satisfying transactions.

But now, even that relationship is shaken.

Making everyone doubtful, ultimately driving them insane.

Captured by delusions of someone possibly coming to kill, possibly betraying—suspecting, getting angry, suspecting again, getting sad.

Eventually, you’ll become empty. You’ll become so tired you’ll let go of everything.

You’ll crumble.

“I want to be alone, leave.”

“Yes, Master. Please rest.”

Salk left, and Gibnen covered his face with his hands. A face he didn’t want to show. A face he always wanted to hide. He detested the moments when his emotions clouded his judgment.

Because he didn’t want that fragile moment of crumbling composure to be seen by anyone.

“Gibnen?”

Entering the room, Riley was startled and approached Gibnen.

“Are you okay? What’s the matter? Are you very sick?”

Hearing the agitated voice, Gibnen slowly lowered the hand that was covering his face. He showed her a face he didn’t want anyone to see.

A face that wanted to cry.

“I’m a bit sick.”
Gibnen muttered weakly, and Riley embraced him. Pulling his face into her chest, she threaded her fingers through his fine hair and stroked it gently. She said nothing, simply caressing his head softly.

Feeling her touch, Gibnen buried his face in Riley’s chest and closed his eyes.