Of course, ever since the day I met the twins in the garden, things have become quite the commotion.
A day has passed since Fer collapsed, but rather than dying down, the uproar has only intensified.
"We can hear them calling it an attempted assassination too, you know."
Helkov's red-haired bear-like face was severe—or rather, it had already become the visage of a wild beast.
Yeah, I don't know his age, but Helkov sure has expressive features.
"Information is being restricted from us, so none of the matters Lady Asha would wish to know have reached our ears."
Wearel, with the beast ears atop his head drooping dejectedly, seemed listless, his tail lacking energy as well.
Since then, I have been unable to learn the condition of my younger brothers.
"Lady Asha, I have brought Marquis Strateg."
Ikt entered after knocking to announce the guest.
Actually, today there had been a request for an audience from Marquis Strateg, conveyed through Ikt, with the stated purpose being an interview.
Since it was an incident within the palace, Marquis Strateg, who has jurisdiction over security, is apparently taking charge of the investigation.
And taking the matter seriously, the Marquis himself has come here like this.
The one he brought was the familiar Levan.
"It has been a while, Marquis Strateg."
As a pen pal with the princess of Lukiusaria, and with Levan constantly hovering about, I had always felt Marquis Strateg's shadow nearby.
But this was the first time we had faced each other like this since he had come charging in regarding the engagement talks.
"Though this is but a simple interview, speak without falsehood."
The purple-haired Marquis announced this with strict formality, a complete turnaround from his previous discomposure.
No, this is probably his normal state.
"Of course, there is nothing for me to falsify."
"You appear quite composed. Are you aware that you are under suspicion of attempted assassination?"
"Yes. But if they are calling it an 'attempt,' then Fer is safe, correct? In that case, all is well. I have done nothing to be ashamed of."
Marquis Strateg made a complicated expression at my response.
Nevertheless, he moved to the interview and began confirming facts in a businesslike manner.
The location was the Blue Room.
Since the lack of furniture limited the rooms with both chairs and desks prepared, we conducted it in this room where Helkov and others were usually on standby.
Levan appeared to be serving as the scribe.
"In summary, you touched the Fourth Prince roughly twice. Once when you held hands to guide him, and once when you employed roughness to make him expel the poison."
Hmm, what malicious phrasing.
"My methods may have appeared rough, but I had no intention of causing harm."
At my response, Levan raised an eyebrow.
Having been acquainted for years, I could tell a little.
When he makes this expression, he is testing something.
In other words, he just tested me with that correction?
Master and servant both have nasty personalities.
"What was your basis for identifying it as poison? You handled it as though you knew exactly what it was."
"Did you get that from the guard who was restrained by Ikt?"
"It is the result of the interview."
He played dumb, but it seemed that guard had possessed the composure to observe and make such an evaluation even in that situation.
"As I said, he ate the sweets and then collapsed, so there was nothing else it could be. Also, his lips were swollen. Therefore, I deduced that something harmful had entered through his mouth."
I knew from my previous life's memories that this was an allergy.
But in this world, it does not exist—no, it is not known.
Even from Sephira, who had developed hobbies of peeping and stealing books to read, I had never heard such a term existed.
Therefore, for the sake of explanation, I decided to speak of allergens as though they were poison.
Fer's body had overreacted after identifying something as poison, but starting from there would lack credibility.
"Did you use magic on the Fourth Prince?"
"Only to create water for rinsing after making him vomit, and in concern that poison might remain."
The malicious questions continued.
Moreover, they came with pressure implying I was at fault, which made for an unpleasant feeling.
Each time, a chilling coldness drifted through the room as though the temperature were dropping.
Probably the aides waiting behind me were quietly radiating their motivation.
But I knew that even in my previous life, criminal investigators apparently conducted such intimidating interviews.
"...I wish there were kind people too."
"Hmm?"
Oops, I said that aloud.
"It is nothing."
"No, if you have something to say, let us hear it."
"It truly has nothing to do with the interview."
Though I tried to cover it up, Marquis Strateg was persistent, and even Levan joined in, so I had no choice but to voice my thoughts.
"I merely thought that if you are going to apply pressure, it would be more effective to also have personnel for coaxing accordingly. The North Wind and the Sun—you don't know it, do you?"
Though I answered, he persisted again, this time asking about the North Wind and the Sun.
So I spoke of that famous Aesop's fable rich in moral lessons, describing it as a children's tale I had glimpsed.
"...I see. Have I grown so dull as to be seen through to that extent?"
"With respect, Marquis, this Highness is exceptional."
Levan made me out to be the villain to the apparently dejected Marquis Strateg.
"Then let me ask directly. What was it that you called......... what was it?"
A noisy voice came from the direction of the stairs.
Marquis Strateg also looked toward the door.
It was the door with the only staircase leading to the upper floor where I meet with Father.
The Blue Room and the Gold Room each have one door connecting to it.
"Apparently the guards are raising their voices as well. I shall go look."
Ikt moved with a brief word.
It seemed there had been guards Marquis Strateg brought waiting outside the door.
"Do you intend to touch me? Insolent one!"
"But Your Highness the Consort!"
"I am merely questioning the true nature of the poison used to harm my son!"
"Th-that is already being handled by Marquis Strateg!"
"I have also heard talk of a curse! Then it is indeed best that I question him myself!"
"Please wait! You must please wait!"
Ikt opened the door slightly, then quietly closed it.
Yes, I heard "Your Highness the Consort," didn't I.
If that door opens, there's definitely going to be trouble.
But I could tell that Fer had apparently reached a state where it was safe to take my eyes off him.
With that in mind, I silently took out the key and handed it to Wearel.
Wearel, understanding immediately, timed it to lock the door the moment the clamoring voices grew louder.
"Aren't you too practiced at this?"
I ignored the insolent Levan.
"Marquis Strateg, what is the meaning of this? Who has been spreading rumors that I poisoned Her Highness the Consort?"
"No, it is not that........"
"Hey now, if His Majesty learns of this, it will be a grave matter. 'Poison' and 'curse' are not words to be directed at His Majesty's own child."
Helkov spoke with aggressive tones dripping with anger and sarcasm.
During that time, Wearel had already headed to lock the other door leading to the Gold Room.
"Of course, I understand that Her Highness the Consort is acting thus out of great anguish and distress. However, is this not an interview being conducted in your name?"
"If anything happens to Her Highness the Consort, who do you suppose is the highest-ranking person who will be held responsible?"
When Helkov spoke threateningly, Marquis Strateg pressed between his eyebrows and looked up at the heavens.
"Why are you beginning to practice the North Wind and the Sun on the Marquis from earlier!"
"Don't make such uncharitable assumptions, Levan. I am purely surprised, and worried too. After all, she is the one who connects me with my dear friend."
When I said things to that effect, Marquis Strateg groaned, and his face became quite terrifying.
But don't worry.
I am properly maintaining the boundary of being just a pen pal, and Levan over there knows it too.
"...This time, I shall withdraw. Could you guide me to an entrance other than this one?"
I smilingly indicated the stairs in the Blue Room leading to the lower floor.
However, here, there is only one staircase leading up to the main building.
Because of that, Marquis Strateg had to go outside once and take a long way around to return to his workplace.
Regular Update
Next Time: The Sickness Name: The Crab's Curse 1