Chapter 21

As my younger sister Jill used the poison magic in front of the Duke of Belkline to kill a puppy, I shuddered at the implications of what this meant.

Poison magic can be used by me as well.

However, its effect is limited to a certain duration, merely causing the limbs of monsters to tingle and spasm, with extremely low lethality.

I remember that my sister Jill seemed to be particularly skilled at poison magic.

During the test to become a saint, she made the monsters spasm faster than I did, and the effects lasted longer.

But now, the poison magic she used right before my eyes is not ordinary.

"Leia, can poison magic instantly inject a lethal dose of poison with just a touch?"

"No, at least with that amount of water, it would take about ten seconds. Moreover, the lethality to kill a puppy is not ordinary."

Poison magic, by nature, is not designed to be lethal.

However, the puppy in front of me did not even spasm before it died.

I am shocked by this fact.

According to the common knowledge of those who can use magic, poison magic is not intended for killing but rather serves an auxiliary role.

"Hmm. Then the possibility that comes to mind is—"

"Yes, it’s likely that she used a forbidden spell."

"A forbidden spell... I see. The Belkline family has also been dedicated to the study of ancient magic. If one can instantly infuse lethal poison into food or drink, they would become an unprecedentedly troublesome assassin."

This was the conclusion we reached.

The Duke of Belkline taught Jill a powerful poison magic, a forbidden spell that can instantly infuse lethal poison—training her to become the most dangerous assassin.

And the target is undoubtedly—

"I never thought Jill would target my life... to the extent that—"

I was shocked.

However, no matter how I look at this situation, it can only be this way.

The reason the Duke of Belkline approached Jill... if it was to teach her the forbidden powerful poison magic and control her, then the purpose can only be to kill me, who is an obstacle to Eric’s assassination.

I knew that Jill had a grudge against me.

However, I never thought she would hate me to the point of wanting to kill me—

"I didn’t realize I was hated so much. To the point where she wants to kill me..."

"More like, she’s killing for the Duke of Belkline. She seems quite infatuated with him. So don’t worry about it."

"Is that a reason not to worry?"

Jill was shocked by the fact that she was hated to the point of wanting to kill her, and Eric tried to comfort her in a strange way, saying that Jill was acting for the Duke of Belkline.

No, regardless of the reason, the fact that my sister is targeting my life remains the same.

"It’s a valid point. If the killing intent is directed at the Duke of Belkline, then it has nothing to do with you personally. That makes it easier to accept."

"That may be true, but... accepting it is somehow—"

Eric said that if the killing intent is directed at the Duke of Belkline, then it doesn’t matter what I, as an individual, am like, and thinking about it is futile.

That may be a sound argument, but I can’t quite accept it.

After all, the fact that my sister is trying to poison me remains unchanged—

"Besides, I told you, I will definitely protect you. I never realized that being targeted with killing intent is more infuriating than being targeted myself—"

I noticed that Eric was filled with killing intent.

This is the first time I’ve seen him display such intense hatred.

Even though he was targeted by assassins almost every day until recently...

However, I am grateful that he firmly stated he would protect me. Therefore, I—

"Master Eric, then let’s keep Jill and the Duke of Belkline engaged until the last possible moment. Until they are confident they can kill me—"

"Huh...?"

"Then we will gather evidence that leaves no room for denial. I will act as bait to keep them in the game."

I decided.

To use my life to help Eric capture the Duke of Belkline and gather solid evidence.

I will act as bait to uncover the truth.

"No, that’s far too dangerous—"

"You said you would protect me. Of course, you’re not lying, right?"

"——Yes, of course I am."

I confirmed with Eric that he would protect me.

If so, I want to believe in him completely.

Eric’s presence in my life is becoming increasingly significant—

I will use myself as bait to expose the truth.