PDTVD 16

Chapter 16 – The White Beast

It was as if I were standing inside a cloud—a space filled with white mist.

Ah, this must be a dream. The moment I thought that, that infuriating voice echoed around me.

“Olivia… Olivia… can you hear me?”

It was that bratty god—no, the Creator God, Demiul—speaking to me inside the dream.

Why wasn’t he appearing at the usual crumbling altar? And why was he only a voice this time?

I was just thinking how I’d finally get to punch him when we met again, when his amused tone came, as if he’d read my thoughts:

“I sent you some help, so please don’t hit me this time, okay?”

(Help? Who?)

He was such a hopeless god—never explaining anything properly. I wanted to press for details, but before I could, he said,

“Looks like my time’s up.”

I barely resisted groaning.

“That fulfills… my promise…”

His voice faded away.

(Next time I see you, I’m definitely punching you! Get ready for it!)

Just before the white fog swallowed everything, I thought I heard the distant howl of a dog.

Moments later, my consciousness floated up—and I found myself awake in bed. A most unladylike click of the tongue slipped out.

“Damn that bratty god…”

(He knew this would annoy me. He left things vague on purpose, I just know it.)

◆

Ignoring how hard it was to walk in heels, I marched deep into the forest.

I had planned to enjoy a peaceful afternoon nap, but after that terrible wake-up call, my mood was ruined. I’d told him so many times before, yet he still pulled this halfway nonsense.

(Help, huh? Who exactly? A name? A face? What kind of help? When will I meet them? There are so many things you could have explained!)

If I could leave a shop review, it would be one star—complete with a scathing comment.

“Please wait, my lady! Where are you going?”

My maid, Ann, was running after me, clutching my parasol. Right—she was with me. I stopped walking.

I took a deep breath to calm myself. Getting angry wouldn’t help; stress was the enemy of beauty. Demiul said he’d send help, so eventually I’d meet whoever that was. Until then, I just needed to focus on what I could do.

Two things: detox and skill improvement.

That’s why I’d decided to go for a walk in the woods behind the detached house. Since it was still part of the marquis’s estate, no one else came here, and the wild growth of plants was perfect for my purposes.

“We’ve come quite far in, my lady… are you sure this is safe?”

Ann looked uneasy as we left our usual paths.

“It’s fine. There haven’t been any reports of beasts nearby, right?”
“Well, no, but still—”
“Ah! There it is—dandelion!”

I crouched down to pick the bright yellow flower. Ann cried out, “You’ll soil your dress!” but I ignored her.

The “dandelion”—or dandelion officinale—was basically the same as the common dandelion from my previous world.

Pulling it up and putting it in my basket, I noticed Ann giving me a dubious look again.

“You’re just yanking out flowers… are you planning to replant them in the garden or something?”
“No. I’m going to use them for detox.”

The useful part was the root—it contained bitter compounds that strengthened the liver and stomach, helped with constipation, and even improved lactation. It was also a diuretic, great for swelling.

Dandelion root could be roasted and brewed as a caffeine-free coffee substitute. Since this world didn’t seem to have coffee, I figured I could make that when I grew tired of tea.

“So that common flower can be used for detox?!”

Her eyes sparkled like gold coins.

She might try to pull up every dandelion in the capital now. Terrifying thought.

“When we get back, I’ll borrow the kitchen and make a tea from it. You’ll help me, okay?”
“Understood, my lady!”

I laughed at her usual quick change in mood, then looked around.

There were surely other plants around that could be useful for detox. Many were unfamiliar, perhaps native to this world. Maybe some of them had medicinal properties worth studying.

(Maybe I can ask Father to buy me a botanical encyclopedia.)

This world had antidotes, so with enough study, I might learn to make them myself.

And if I did… I’d like to give one to the crown prince, Noah.

Just as I thought that—ping!—a digital sound echoed in my head.

[Poisonous Plant: Eidella Leaf (Toxin Lv.1)]

A small purple flower, shaped like a lily of the valley, appeared—with a warning window hovering above it.

(Found one! A poison plant! And only Level 1! I can eat that!)

It felt strange to be happy about finding something poisonous, but I couldn’t help it.

To raise my skill level, I had to ingest poison. Level 1 was safe—it would just grant experience. And it tasted good, too. Probably.

Still, I couldn’t let Ann see me collecting poison. I needed to get her away.

“Um, Ann?”
“Yes, my lady?”
“I’d like to gather more dandelions. Could you fetch another basket?”
“Eh? But this one’s already quite full… and I shouldn’t leave your side—”
“I’ll give you half of the herbs we make from it.”
“Yes, my lady!!”

She responded like a cheerful tavern waitress and sprinted toward the mansion.

So easy to handle.

“All right—let’s get this done before she comes back.”

I spread a handkerchief on the ground and began picking the Eidella leaves one by one.

Better to take plenty, for future use and for leveling up.

“…Just a tiny nibble won’t hurt. Just the tip of a leaf.”

Muttering excuses to no one, I bit off a piece. A refreshing sweetness spread through my mouth.

“Mmm! It’s like fruit! Not like the poisoned dishes before—this has the pure, natural taste of the plant itself! I could eat these forever!”

[You have ingested poison.]
[Neutralizing poison…]
[Poison successfully neutralized.]
[You gained 20 experience points.]

Delicious and useful—Demiul really had created the most sinful system imaginable. How could I not keep eating?

But before Ann returned, I wrapped the leaves in the handkerchief and hid them in my bodice. Just then, I heard the rustle of grass behind me.

“Ann? You’re back alre—”

I froze mid-sentence.

Emerging from the thicket were not my maid’s familiar figure—but several rough-looking men, dressed like bandits or hired thugs. Definitely not servants of the marquis.

“Wh-who are you?!”

They exchanged glances.
“This the one?”
“Silver hair—yeah, that’s her.”

My stomach dropped. Stepmother.

She must have sent them. Paid mercenaries, no doubt. They couldn’t have entered the estate without inside help.

Their purpose? To kidnap me, maybe?

As I stood on guard, the men drew their weapons—glinting blades. My blood ran cold.

[Knife (Poison-Coated): Jakonis Scales (Toxin Lv.1)]

I recognized the poison—and was briefly relieved it was only Level 1—before realizing the real danger.

The poison wasn’t the problem.

If I got stabbed, I’d die regardless.

I had no physical defense skills—only poison resistance.

“Hey! Stop right there!”

No time to hesitate—I bolted toward the mansion.

But running in a dress and heels was hopeless. They caught me in seconds.

“Let me go! Stop it!”
“Sorry, girl. Gotta make a living.”

One raised his knife.

Was this really how I’d die? Again? After being given a second chance?

(That bratty god—this is fraud! I’ll curse you, you scam artist!)

“Die!”

I heard the knife slice through the air.

I braced for pain—but it never came.

Had I died instantly? Slowly, I opened my eyes—

—and saw something I could never have imagined.

“Wh-what is that thing?!”

Standing between me and the thugs—protecting me—was a creature with pointed ears, a long swaying tail, and four elegant legs covered in soft, shining white fur.

A beautiful white beast.