TRETTHD 28

#28. Trap

When Belia spoke, Derrick looked as if to say, “So what?” But that wasn’t all there was to it.

“He won’t live much longer. At this rate, maybe a year?”

“Do you have a basis for that assumption, Princess?”

In fact, this was something no one knew until the Marquess of Sellon died. But Belia had already recalled her past memories and verified it—thanks to the Marquess conveniently visiting the kingdom in this lifetime.

“He has small black spots on his fingernails. I confirmed it again during the banquet a few days ago. It’s going to be fatal for someone with a chronic illness like him.”

The spots were still faint, barely noticeable, but she had clearly seen the signs.

At her words, Derrick rubbed his chin.

There was only one reason black spots would appear on someone’s nails.

“…Poisoning.”

Belia nodded.

As predictable as it might sound, the person behind it was the Marquess’s wife.

The motive? Derrick’s very existence.

Not long after her son’s death, the Marquess’s wife discovered her husband had an illegitimate child. She began poisoning his food.

The poison dosage was so minuscule that others who ate the same food showed no noticeable effects.

But the Marquess already had a chronic illness. Symptoms would begin to manifest soon.

And the wife would certainly poison him several more times in the coming months.

Belia debated whether to tell Derrick everything. But she judged that it was better not to act suspiciously by revealing too much.

“Derrick. You should return to the Sellon household.”

“Princess.”

“I’m not forcing you to inherit the title. Whether you ruin the marquisate or use its power as you please, I don’t care. Just—later on, help Khalid with your influence when he’s fighting for the throne.”

Belia really didn’t care whether Derrick squandered the family’s wealth or sought power.

Right now, Khalid needed the name and prestige of the House of Sellon—and Derrick was someone who could easily hand it over.

Of course she had to win him over.

“I’ll take that into consideration.”

He eventually appeared out of nowhere as the heir, right before the Marquess’s death.

Belia had only met Derrick after that. She never knew why someone who so clearly avoided the marquisate accepted the title so easily.

But there was a suspicious detail. She remembered something from much further in the future.

“Derrick. I know the cure for your mother’s illness.”

She remembered how he spent all the marquisate’s wealth trying to cure his mother.

The cure only came after she died.

It was developed under Belia’s leadership during her time as Empress, when she led a major medical research initiative. She remembered Derrick’s bittersweet smile when the cure was finally created.

Belia smiled now.

“In return for this knowledge, I ask you to join the Sellon family. And be on my side.”

There was no way Derrick Sellon could refuse this offer.

As he looked at Belia’s victorious smile, Derrick let out a short chuckle.

“How did you know my mother was sick?”

“That’s a secret.”

She replied confidently.

“Do you have any proof the medicine works?”

“Nope.”

This time, she was even more confident.

Derrick sighed, at a loss for words.

“And yet you’re asking me to treat this as a favor worth trading?”

“Yes. Because the cure will work.”

“And you think I’ll believe that?”

“You’ve already searched the entire continent, haven’t you? But you couldn’t find anything. And now the only person claiming they can make the medicine has appeared. You’re desperate. You’re not going to just ignore me.”

Belia had nothing concrete to offer. She knew he’d doubt her.

But precisely because of his suspicious nature, this bold and shameless approach would unsettle him more.

People usually try to deceive with elaborate plans and fabricated evidence. But she figured simplicity might be the most effective strategy with someone like him.

Her heart was pounding. What if he says no? A small twinge of anxiety rose in her chest.

“…This requires trust.”

The moment she heard him say that, Belia knew he was convinced.

She smiled gently and said,

“Then wait until your mother is cured before you make your decision.”

“What if I don’t keep my promise?”

“You’re the master of an intelligence guild that thrives on trust. You wouldn’t betray that.”

Derrick had dealt with plenty of unreasonable people while running his information network, but no one had ever been quite like Belia.

“Ha. Do you always work by cornering people like this?”

Realizing he couldn’t escape from her grip, Derrick sighed.

“Then please give me the formula to cure my mother. If it truly works, I’ll return to the Sellon family.”

“Good.”

Belia handed him a note she had prepared in advance.

“Dry the ingredients listed here, grind them, and mix with water. One spoon per day. Taking more is dangerous, so stick to the dosage.”

“…Understood.”

Derrick carefully tucked the paper into his breast pocket. Watching him, Belia added,

“Oh, and don’t tell anyone about this. I plan to sell it later.”

Derrick couldn’t help but laugh.

“Hahaha. Of course. If it works, I’ll be on your side.”

“Then you’ll be mine soon.”

“Hahaha.”

They were laughing together when suddenly a chill swept through the room.

“Looks like you’re enjoying yourselves?”

That cold voice, so icy it chilled her shoulders, made Belia slowly turn her head.

Khalid stood there, eyes quiet and sharp, watching them both.

“…Khalid?”

Startled by his sudden appearance, Belia called his name.

But Khalid said nothing. He simply walked over and sat beside her.

“What was so amusing? I’m curious too.”

His tone was openly hostile.

Belia sighed, sensing the reason for his attitude.

“What brings you here so suddenly?”

“I heard you were dining alone with another man, so I rushed over.”

Hearing it out loud like that was far more uncomfortable than she’d imagined.

Flustered, she tried to calm him, but Khalid wouldn’t budge.

“Haha. You two really get along well.”

Derrick said lightly, and Khalid scowled.

“I heard you looked very close during your engagement ceremony.”

Khalid scrutinized Derrick’s expression, clearly displeased.

“I always thought you two were well-matched.”

“Ahem!”

It wasn’t even that flattering, but Khalid’s expression softened slightly.

Derrick was naturally gifted at dealing with people. Belia smiled, satisfied. He’d easily adapt to high society if she gave him a little push.

So, she had to make him one of her people. This proposal had been necessary.

“I was introducing Derrick to Kloze. He’s going to help Ronica while I’m away.”

“Hmm. I see.”

Khalid recalled how sharp Kloze’s eyes were whenever they crossed paths and stroked his chin.

Confirming that their conversation had wrapped up, Derrick stood.

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

“Yes. I hope we have good news next time we meet.”

After bowing, Derrick exited the restaurant.

He placed a hand over the paper in his pocket and exhaled deeply.

First, I need to analyze the ingredients.

Derrick didn’t fully trust Belia, but he began to consider the possibilities.

If this truly cures my mother, then I’ll side with her.

Just saving his mother would be worth joining the marquisate. Besides, Belia said she didn’t care if he ruined the family.

It was a deal with nothing to lose.