Chapter 54: Cannibal tree, social wrist, dark psychology
"Beautiful things are meant to be destroyed by one's own hands, don’t you think?"
"Or... are you saying that even you, Countess Ruth, refuse to help me? That’s exactly what I hate about all of you! Neibet, Mepeilu, Olivia... And now even you are standing on Loraviel’s side?!"
In Countess Ruth’s eyes, Liana was jealous of Loraviel.
"I see now... I understand." Ruth smiled slightly. "But Liana, you’re mistaken about one thing. I am not standing on Loraviel’s side. I will always stand by your side. You have my word." She pulled Liana into an embrace.
"I know, Countess Ruth. I know you’ll help me—that’s why I came to you."
She despised Ruth, but to make it more convincing, she bit down hard on her tongue. The pain forced tears to form in her eyes.
"However, using poison carries risks. If something were to happen to you, I would feel guilty," Ruth said, feigning concern.
Liana was certain that Ruth wouldn’t want to lose her as a pawn just yet. That’s why she confidently replied, "Then... why not give me the antidote as well? I’ll keep it in my mouth. If anything unexpected happens, I can swallow it immediately."
"How clever." Ruth chuckled, ruffling Liana’s hair in a fond gesture. "But preparing both poison and antidote will take some time. Three days from now, go to the usual place. The passphrase is ‘Black Rose’."
"Alright! Thank you, Countess Ruth. I knew you were the best." Liana nestled into Ruth’s embrace, her face glowing with delight.
Man-eating flower. Social manipulation. Dark psychology. The secrets of human nature.
Countess Ruth was careful—exceedingly so. Liana never received anything from her directly.