TOM Chapter 9

Betty led me to the mirror with a face full of pride.

An empire dress with long shirring was draped softly around Siora's body.

With good foundation, it suited her well. End of assessment.

"Is His Grace the Duke really not coming?"

"He's busy with work."

"Still, it's a shame. Just his face alone, even if you searched through imperial history books, you couldn't find anyone as handsome..."

Hup, Betty hastily cut off her words.

Her human side was rather endearing.

Just then, someone deliberately knocked on the already open door.

"Are you done?"

It was Gavotte, who had become my sibling as of yesterday.

He was playing the partner role, but his displeasure was obvious.

Still, he had faithfully completed the doll-up game, as his hair and clothes were perfectly styled.

"Wow."

Since he had dressed up for my sake, I gave him a big round of applause.

Clap, clap, clap. With each clap, Gavotte's expression crumpled a little more.

"That's enough, come out."

"Yes!"

Gavotte approached leisurely and escorted me.

If he hates it that much, he could just run away, but he's conscientious in strange ways.

Now that I think about it, Gavotte was the only one who opposed my adoption.

Whether he didn't want to become family with me, or didn't want to be involved with Kruelo in any way. Due to his limited influence, his opinion was dismissed.

Well, it's for the greater good, so Gavotte will have to endure it.

It's not like I'll live as Siora forever.

The party venue was set in the mansion's main hall.

All I had to do was descend the central staircase, winding down in graceful spirals. 

Two long party tables, draped in pristine white cloth, stretched across the space.

They were densely arranged with gleaming cutlery, elaborate floral arrangements, and carefully prepared dishes that were clearly the result of great effort.

The resplendently dressed nobles had clustered into their respective circles, champagne flutes clinking as they engaged in animated chatters. 

In that atmosphere, someone spotted me.

"Oh my, the party's guest of honor has arrived."

The commotion died down and strange gazes turned toward me.

This atmosphere feels a bit unsettling. 

I steadied my expression and moved forward with deliberate steps.

Keep your spine straight, project strength through your gaze, curve your lips into the faintest smile, and maintain unwavering focus ahead.

Focus your attention beneath the grand chandelier and deliver the greeting! 

I even released a subtle touch of holy power to ensure I wouldn't be underestimated.

"Hello, I'm Siora Bonetti."

Thank you for coming, blah blah blah.

I delivered the prepared words without missing a single syllable.

My role ended there, and Minuet, the host, approached with a smile.

"I'll introduce you to people."

And then greeting hell unfolded.

I lost count of how many times I said "Hello," and I was exhausted just from that.

From the middle onwards, I secretly began harboring such expectations.

Won't something happen? Nothing happened.

Won't an excuse to escape arise? None arose.

"Lady Siora, I heard you're getting engaged soon."

"That's right! To His Grace the Duke of Whitedesert."

"I heard it started at a puppet theater... Oh, I shouldn't talk about the theater, haha."

They just kept scratching at my nerves.

I was smiling, but I was gradually getting annoyed.

Gavotte had long since slipped away and escaped, and Minuet was just observing the situation.

Life is lonely.

"I'm just ordinary, haha, but everyone's so interested. Haha."

I forced a smile and received wine from a passing servant.

"From what I know, your previous fiancés..."

I'd rather get drunk.

I tilted the glass and filled my mouth with wine.

And then.

"Puuueup!"

"Ugh!"

I spat it out forcefully.

What is this?

I hadn't noticed before drinking, but once I put it in my mouth, I could clearly feel a dark energy.

It felt like monster energy—is there such a thing as monster-brewed alcohol?

Or maybe...

"Ah."

Is it monster poison? No way? Really?

"What kind of behavior is this, Lady Siora!"

The man right in front of me protested. I think it was Lord Laverins.

My spat-out wine was all over his face.

Wait. If this is really poison?

"I'm sorry!"

This is terrible! I spat poison on someone's face!

I reached into my bosom, but it was empty.

Unfortunately, I don't carry things like handkerchiefs.

Having no choice, I tore the tablecloth and frantically wiped Lord Laverins's face.

"What, fine, ugh, get away, I'm fine, gah!"

He seemed to be protesting something, but your life and death are at stake, so bear with it.

While wiping his face, I continuously chanted spells in my mind.

Purification, purification, purification, purification!

"Ugh."

"Phew."

Good, at this point he shouldn't die from poisoning.

I threw away the rag-like tablecloth and looked at the man's face.

Perfectly clean! But his face was red as a beet.

Oh, I know this development.

"Did you fall for me?"

"As if I'd fall for you!"

Gavotte grabbed my arm and pulled me to a secluded corner.

The people around were all dumbfounded and just watched.

Anyway, successful escape?

"Why did you suddenly do that?"

"I thought you'd immediately ask if I'd gone crazy, but you're quite kind."

"Was there something strange in that wine? Did it taste different?"

Oh, sharp.

But it's a difficult question to answer.

It did feel like something bad for humans, but my experience is limited so I can't be certain.

Should I casually ask if monster-brewed alcohol actually exists?

"Ah damn, I saw something suspicious. I won't get angry, so tell me."

"Something suspicious?"

"...I didn't see it clearly, but some servant seemed to be putting something in the wine."

Oh ho. Since they wouldn't make brewed alcohol on the spot, then...

"Is it really monster poison?"

"Shush!"

I quickly covered Gavotte's mouth.

Is there any need to spread rumors all over the neighborhood that poison was put in the party!

No wait, hold on.

There was a more urgent problem right now.

"Did that servant bring the poisoned glass directly to me?"

"I'm not sure about that. I was chasing because it was suspicious, but I lost track."

Okay, let me organize this.

First, the best case scenario: only I was targeted.

And the worst case scenario.

"It doesn't matter who at the party it is...?"

There might even be more than one or two targets.

Wow! We're screwed!

"I answered, so you answer too, Siora. So what was that earlier?"

"Be quiet."

I drew up my holy power.

—Level 2 spell, Sensory Extension.

All the hair on my body stood on end and my ability to sense energy became extremely sensitive.

I could feel the energy I had sensed earlier in various places throughout the party hall.

When I checked the places where poison energy was detected, I saw a common factor.

Dark red liquid.

It was all in the red wine.

Whether the taste was similar or the color was similar, there must be a reason. Anyway!

"Gavotte, we need to collect all the red wine, right now!"

"What, what? People are drinking it!"

"Steal it saying you're thirsty!"

"Crazy."

After saying that, I ran out.

From that moment, I was like a wild filly.

"Oh, this wine has a sharp taste?"

"It's spoiled, throw it away!"

"Huh! Where did this person suddenly come from! Bo, Bonetti Count's daughter?"

"Nice to meet you, Lady Catherine. That necklace really suits you well. Since this is fate, shall we shake hands?"

"Yes?"

—Purification.

"It was lovely meeting you, goodbye then!"

Next person.

"That's what I'm saying. I'm thirsty so just one sip of wine— Ahh! Wine thief!"

"Sorry, I was so thirsty! Ah, Lord Liliant, congratulations on becoming a knight. Amazing at such a young age! There aren't even a thousand people who became knights at that age."

"Ah, yes, thank you...?"

Since it's before drinking, purification is skipped.

Next person again.

"Baron Herbert, I heard you like refreshing tastes. How about rosé wine instead of that? I think it would suit your taste perfectly."

"Oh, hello, Lady Siora. Then as you recommend..."

"Ah. But your collar is disheveled. Just a moment."

—Purification.

"You look much more handsome! Well then, I'll be going!"

The personal information Minuet gave me was unexpectedly helpful.

By pointing out their preferences while talking, I could take away the wine without resistance.

To those who might think they were robbed because it was too absurd, I recommend viewing the world more positively.

Next, next, and next again!

"I think we've almost done it all, but the remaining wine..."

"Siora Bonetti!"

"Hmm."

Minuet blocked my path. Perhaps because of the watching eyes, her expression was calm, but anger was boiling in her voice.

"What are you doing right now? Are you dying to ruin the party?"

"Exactly the opposite."

"What?"

"Minuet, we'll talk later—"

"Lady Holmes, pull yourself together!"

A panicked cry cut long across the party hall.

Wow, something happened.

"Minuet, bring a priest!"

I rushed toward the source of the disturbance. 

A woman with autumn-maple hair lay collapsed on the floor, her hands pressed desperately against her chest. 

Nina Grace Holmes—the sole daughter of Count Holmes.

"Ugh, ughhh!"

"Lady Holmes! Why are you suddenly..."

"I called for a priest, just wait a moment."

I crouched down and carefully assessed Nina's condition. 

Her complexion had turned an alarming shade of blue, and she was drawing in sharp, labored breaths. Within her body, toxic energy was wreaking havoc. 

As I reached for Nina's hand to examine her more thoroughly, she suddenly gripped mine with desperate intensity.

"Sc, scared..."

Her breathing was too rough, so I first covered her mouth.

"Lady! What is this—"

"Breathe only through your nose, slowly. Calmly."

"Mmph!"

"It's okay, Nina. You won't die. It's okay."

Nina's condition worsened rapidly.

Waiting for the priest might be too late.

Before symptoms appeared, I could treat anyone without notice.

But now there were too many watching eyes and the symptoms were too obvious.

What to do?

At that moment.

"Uh..."

Something warm and wet dropped onto my hand. 

It was tears flowing freely down Nina's cheeks. My mouth fell open without my realizing it.

"...You'll live. I'll save you."

I don't care anymore! 

As long as there's some plausible excuse, I'll figure something out. I frantically scanned my surroundings. 

Fortunately, an ally was making his way toward me.

"Gavotte, bring a paper bag! Like a bread bag!"

Gavotte nodded in bewilderment.

Fortunately, there was a bag that had contained desserts nearby.

I brought the bag close to Nina's nose and mouth area.

The bag inflated and deflated repeatedly.

"What use is a bag?"

"Well, I don't really know..."

"Let's watch for now."

Hyperventilation was just a surface symptom; the real cause was different, but it would work fine as a distraction.

I directed attention to the bag and carefully poured holy power into Nina's body.

—Purification.

"My goodness. After putting the bag on, doesn't her complexion look better?"

Yes, it's a scam.