Chapter: 487
Immediately after saying he had consumed poison and collapsing.
The awkward silence in the annex was enough to stab me in the heart, but in the end, the expected situation unfolded.
Because it was true that I had actually been poisoned.
“It seems like the poison of the metaphor flower is right.”
These are the words spoken by the doctor who examined my body.
At those words, a gasp could be heard from those around him.
Is it the metaphor flower?
The first to react to those words was Shin Noya.
[You really used something terrible, didn’t you?]
‘That’s right.’
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
The poison of the metaphor flower is the poison of a rare poisonous plant that grows in the northern region, especially in high altitudes.
It was one of the poisons that even assassins wouldn’t normally use when attempting to poison someone.
The effect is to temporarily block the flow of bets.
Shortly after, it causes shortness of breath, and before long, the body feels like it’s burning, making the heart stop altogether.
Its effectiveness as a poisonous plant is certain, but as mentioned above, it is not necessarily a poisonous plant used for poisoning.
The reason is none other than…
‘Because it’s ridiculously expensive.’
The problem was that the metaphor flower was extremely expensive due to its rarity compared to other poisonous plants with similar efficacy.
Moreover, even if a warrior who has reached a certain level ingests poison that blocks betting, it is rare for it to lead to death, making it even less likely to be used.
If there are any problems, there could be serious aftereffects.
Or your danjeon could be damaged.
For instance, developing a chronic heart condition that renders you unable to use martial arts anymore.
‘This is seriously messed up.’
I couldn’t help but laugh at that thought.
‘I guess their personalities are more impatient than I thought.’
It’s not that I didn’t know it would turn out like this.
Rather, I hoped this situation would happen, and that was the part I aimed for.
But I certainly didn’t expect them to act this quickly.
‘Did I make it too obvious?’
Is it because I show that I know a lot?
Or maybe it’s because I didn’t bother to muzzle Nahi’s mouth.
Even so, it was unexpected that a child from a noble family living among others would be so easily poisoned.
‘It’s a warning. That’s what it means.’
This is the land of the Tang family. So, don’t act so frivolously. That was the gist of it.
The reason they used such an expensive and ineffective poisonous flower is due to the Tang family’s need to manage the food served to their guests meticulously. That’s also why they went to the trouble of poisoning the food.
It was all a warning.
On this land.
I, or we, can handle you however we want.
No matter what my background or level, you can mess with me as much as you want, so don’t talk nonsense.
The poison of the metaphor flower was imbued with this meaning.
Just thinking about it makes me laugh so hard.
‘You fools who don’t know your place.’
Those rotten scoundrels pretending to be noble while doing dirty work.
No matter how you look at it, it was an outrageous situation for a political party that claimed to be centered on justice and cooperation.
‘Haha, damn, what’s happening here? The more I see, the more I lose faith.’
It was the same in my previous life, but the more I dug, the more I realized how things came to be.
The desire to gradually tear everything down began to well up within me.
What would those who held onto their past beliefs think when they see this?
I thought I’d understand if I died again while spitting blood.
[…Hey, are you trying to roast me right now?]
‘Oh, no way.’
He’s just like a quick-witted feline.
Anyway, he was always aware of what I was talking about.
Ah, he is a ghost.
‘Anyway.’
And things happened.
I knew this wouldn’t just end with a warning.
Will those who can easily pull off something like this really just leave it at a warning?
‘That can’t be the case.’
That would never happen.
“… Uh… Uh… How… how do we do this…”
As I lay there with my eyes closed, I heard a sobbing sound.
It was the voice of Tang So-yeol.
It was natural for him to react like that, since I swallowed poison and collapsed right next to him.
“What should we do about our lord… Dad…?”
Tang So-yeol sobbed, tears streaming down his face. There wasn’t much noise.
Including the members of the National Assembly, it was the same as the King and the Party Leader.
“First, go back so I can figure out the situation.”
“Ha… but.”
“Quick!”
Tang So-yeol flinched at the King’s shout.
After that, Tang So-yeol looked like he didn’t know what to do, then slowly left with hesitant steps.
“… Representative Baek, please step out for a moment.”
“Understood… My Lord.”
The party’s members also went out. After a brief silence…
“Ha…”
I could hear the Poison King sighing deeply as if he was tired.
Hearing that made me jump up.
“Oh, I thought I was going to suffocate to death!”
“… Ugh?!”
When I suddenly raised my upper body, the Poison King, who was watching me, looked genuinely startled.
“… Prince Gu? What?!”
“Why are you so surprised? I was more surprised than you!”
“How on earth…?”
The Poison King’s reaction made me pull a strange face.
Of course, I thought the Poison King would know I was pretending to faint, but his reaction showed he was clueless.
“… Are you okay?”
“Yes, it seems we can have a conversation.”
If it was a warrior level of the Poison King, noticing something like this should have been easy.
The fact that he didn’t notice might mean…
‘Is this also a change in my body?’
Is this a phenomenon that occurs because of the body transformation technique? Or is it an advantage that arises from physical restructuring?
I wasn’t sure, but it wasn’t a bad occurrence.
If even a Hwagyeong-level warrior couldn’t tell the difference, then that was quite the advantage.
Thud.
As I was rolling around, lightly loosening my body, the Poison King spoke to me.
“… First, let me apologize. I made you feel uncomfortable due to what happened in the texts.”
Upon hearing the apology, I immediately diverted my gaze to the Poison King.
From the look in his eyes, his apology seemed sincere.
‘Guess he couldn’t help it.’
The perception of the Tang family among the public isn’t very good.
After all, it was a martial arts style that involved poison and secretive techniques. Such things are easily avoided by others.
While it’s said that this aspect has reduced since the Tang Clan started making and exporting weapons…
There’s still a lot of caution from the public’s perspective regarding the Tang Clan.
And that’s why extra care is necessary.
An inn that receives guests.
The food served…
Several checks were needed to ensure everything was alright.
Even the Poison King needed to be cautious enough to prevent any mishaps.
‘It must be frustrating that something like this happened so easily.’
I simply observed the Poison King’s reaction closely.
Still. As always.
I still had my doubts regarding the Poison King.
I quickly answered him, concealing my true feelings.
“It’s okay. In fact, it’s fortunate it unfolded as I expected.”
“What?”
The moment the Poison King heard my answer, his eyes flickered.
“As expected? What do you mean by that, Prince Gu? Could it be…?”
A variety of questions danced across his face.
“Does this imply you did this on purpose?”
Realizing my intention, the Poison King looked genuinely shocked.
Seeing that, I awkwardly replied.
“I didn’t think it would escalate this much. To what extent?”
It was an admission that I did intend this to an extent.
Upon hearing this, the Poison King frowned and asked me.
“Why on earth would you do this?”
Why would I do this, you ask?
I could only mentally click my tongue at the Poison King’s question.
“Wouldn’t this be a good opportunity?”
“What…?”
“I believe you’re feeling more confident now.”
“…!”
The Poison King’s eyes widened at my assertion.
A statement implying he wasn’t confident at all.
This was indeed a happening within the Tang family without the Poison King’s knowledge, and it ought to raise questions regarding what I mentioned.
Seeing it unfold in front of him should have instilled some form of confidence in the Poison King.
Confidence that something is transpiring without his knowledge.
“… So are you suggesting you intentionally drank poison just now?”
It sounded like he was looking at a lunatic.
Was it really so shocking that I swallowed poison for this purpose?
[Then, you’re saying he drank poison with the knowledge of what it was? Wouldn’t you be surprised?]
‘That may be true, but still.’
It was just a tad disappointing.
I thought the Poison King would catch on to the situation and respond differently.
Did that mean the shock was that overwhelming?
“I consumed poison knowing I wouldn’t die, so it’s alright.”
“That’s not what’s at stake right now…!”
The Poison King reacted rather excessively to my indifferent words.
Hmm.
Could it be that he was worried this incident would further deteriorate the perception of the Tang family?
That part was beyond my control.
This was not an issue meant to be tackled while factoring in such circumstances.
If this part is truly problematic, then at the moment the Poison King started to make sense of things…
“What if there were any aftereffects?”
“…”
“No matter how young, what a dangerous act this is.”
‘Oh.’
To my surprise, his text became much more rational than I had imagined, leaving me somewhat flustered.
I never thought he’d be so concerned about my health. That was a bit unexpected.
[Do you just not trust the world?]
‘This is somewhat refreshing.’
Perhaps it was for that reason.
I found myself smiling a little spontaneously.
“Uh, Prince Gu?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to laugh or anything. It was just your reaction that caught me off guard.”
As I said that, I got out of bed.
Shiver.
When I tried to move, an odd energy churned within me. I recognized it instantly.
This is the venom.
Perhaps because the energy felt distinct, it was exceptionally clear.
‘Hmm.’
I slightly scowled as I felt that poison.
Though I had sensed it returning to the present world, it wasn’t until I ingested the poison that I truly acknowledged it.
With just a slight gesture of my fingertips, I turned to the Poison King.
“I must say, it’s surprising how concerned you are.”
“Don’t move. The antidote isn’t here yet….”
“Is this enough of a justification?”
“…!”
“It seems sufficient to me.”
Saying that cheerfully, I noticed the Poison King shut his mouth.
Justification. After hearing that, the Poison King seemed to grasp something.
Whatever occurs, there must be a rationale to it.
Whether it’s for personal revenge or advancing forward…
Even if it results in something turning an entire clan upside down.
Such actions necessitate substantial justification.
That also acts as a driving force for humans to act more easily when they embark on something.
At this present moment, what the Poison King needed was exactly that.
‘Honestly, I could just throw a fit if I felt like it.’
From the head of the family’s viewpoint, that would not be the case, so…
I had extended a modicum of consideration.
Furthermore…
‘I hope I have a reason to act out.’
I wanted to create a valid excuse to cause a ruckus without worries.
[It’s just sad to see you think like this only at a time like this.]
‘You always mix up compliments and insults. Just give one!’
[What did you expect? It was all insults.]
…
I thought you were praising me for being clever. I guess not.
Sniff.
I briskly walked past the Poison King.
“I mentioned it last time, but I’m not waiting for your response, my lord.”
I’ll proceed even if you don’t come out. That’s what it implies.
“I’ll be off first.”
“Prince Gu! As I mentioned before, the antidote isn’t…”
“You don’t need to give me the antidote. I don’t think I’ll require it.”
“What is that…?”
“It’s not as painful a poison as you might think. I will let you know if I need it.”
After saying that while performing a respectful gesture, I stepped outside.
I sensed the Poison King staring at me as if his soul was lingering, unable to utter a word.
Honestly, I was perfectly fine.
‘How interesting.’
Woof.
As the poison gathered within my body, I reflected.
It was another anomaly that arose while transitioning to the present world, as previously mentioned.
I unfurled my energy slightly toward the sensed poison.
And then…
Fsssh…!
The poison within my body gradually dissipated, emitting wisps of smoke.
Seeing that made me chuckle hollowly.
‘So that’s why I had drunk so much lake water.’
A ridiculous situation where all the water from Dokcheon Lake was consumed, yet no energy was acquired to my body.
I didn’t think the Tang family would smash their own treasures as a gift.
Now I could finally grasp the actual gift she had mentioned.
At any rate…
‘This works.’
The body the Tang family had longed for.
It seemed like I had become immune to all poisons.
After walking a short distance outside, I saw Tang So-yeol standing in the distance.
As I slowly approached, Tang So-yeol, spotting me, jumped back in surprise and ran towards me.
“Your Highness!?”
“Hello.”
“How…?? I thought you might not come to your senses for a few days… Are you feeling alright…?”
“Oh, I’m fine. It appears the poison was weaker than expected.”
As I said this with a chuckle, Tang So-yeol immediately burst into tears and hugged me.
I was quite taken aback by the sudden embrace.
“No, why are you crying? I’m telling you I’m fine!”
“I’m so sorry… I’m really sorry…”
It was overwhelming.
I could feel my chest getting drenched from his tears.
It looked like he was really worried since he had been through a lot during this incident at the Tang family.
“You collapsed as if you were acting… At that moment, I thought you were lying. I’m truly sorry!”
“…”
Tang So-yeol’s apologetic words struck me deeply.
[See? I told you not to act like that!]
‘Damn it.’
I had genuinely put my heart into that performance.
Now it seemed clear that there’s something off with the world.
It’s not me that’s wrong; it’s the world. Yeah.
[That… is not it. Fine then.]
Feeling increasingly irked by Noya’s resignation, I soothed Tang So-yeol’s hair.
“Calm down. Just take a few days off.”
“But….”
“Stop crying. Laundry’s a hassle.”
To be precise, it was actually the attendants doing the washing, but I was still uneasy having it soaked with tears.
“Yes…”
After my words, Tang So-yeol wore a gloomy expression.
He must have felt a bit hurt by what I said.
Just as I was about to offer an apology…
“Keheh… It’s a delightful sight, really.”
Someone approached us and started speaking.
My gaze shifted.
It was an old man, dressed in dark green silk with neatly trimmed white hair.
Moreover…
The faint scent of blood wafting from him was akin to that of the Poison King.
He must have been the old man accompanying Tang So-yeol when she came over.
“Ah.”
Seeing the old man made Tang So-yeol flinch away from me.
Judging by how red her ears got, she seemed embarrassed.
“That… ah. This is our elder. Elder, this is…”
“I know, Your Highness. How could I not recognize the young hero who’s been the talk of the town lately?”
‘Princess?’
I tilted my head, puzzled at the title from the old man’s mouth.
Princess. And adding the utmost honorifics!
Even if she is from the family lineage, it felt like excessive courtesy for an elder.
In that context, the old man beamed brightly and spoke to me.
“Soyeom-ra. I believe that’s what you call him, yes? Kekeke… It’s an honor to meet someone destined to guide Central Plains’ future.”
“Hmm.”
“I am an elder of the Tang family. My name is Tang Bui.”
The old man smiled as he introduced himself.
Tang Bui.
A name I hadn’t heard before.
I might remember it somehow if I really tried, but…
I didn’t plan to bother with that.
Tang Bui, with a kind demeanor, greeted me with a smile.
Facing him, I also returned the smile.
Wooosh.
“Ahh!?”
I instantly pulled Tang So-yeol into my embrace.
The sudden action prompted a noise from Tang So-yeol.
Woof.
I gently touched the delicate tip of her ear so she could hear nothing.
In the next moment, I glanced at Tang Bui’s face, speaking as plainly as I could.
“What are you trying to split?”
“…!?”
“Are you looking to die?”
My verbal attack shattered Tang Bui’s smile in an instant.
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