Chapter 932 One of the Traitors
"Renatta, please, take a moment to reconsider," I implored, my voice laced with concern. "I understand the pain of betrayal runs deep, but perhaps it's worth hearing them out, especially since they are your own spirits."
She turned to me with a fiery determination in her eyes, her voice resolute. "Manato, you know my stance on trust and betrayal. It's a line I've drawn in the sand, not just for people but for my spirits too. I've given them a good life, and they turned their backs on me the moment I disappeared."
Her words hit a chord within me, a reminder of my own past betrayal. I knew all too well the anguish that came with such treachery.
As I struggled to find the right words, Renatta continued, her resolve unyielding. "I appreciate your empathy, but I'm not as forgiving as you are, Manato. I've faced devious plots during my time as the elven princess, and I've learned that second chances are reserved for those who truly deserve them. Traitors, with their intentions to harm, don't fall into that category. They've chosen this path, and I won't be merciful to those who seek to harm us."
I could only shake my head in quiet understanding. Renatta's decision was one I couldn't change, even if I wanted her to see reason. In silence, I nodded as she made her way into the living room after checking the two kids.
"When do you plan to confront the traitors?" I inquired.
She cast me a determined glance, her jaw set. "Later, once everyone is awake. It's essential to set an example, to make it clear that betraying me is a grave mistake."
Listening to her resolve, I could only nod in agreement. Renatta's anger and determination were palpable, and it was clear that she already had a good idea of the traitors' identities. After all, she knew who among her circle had the audacity to plot against her in the shadows.
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The first rays of morning sunlight gently caressed my face, a welcome respite after the earlier scuffle. Despite only catching a brief nap, I felt surprisingly rejuvenated, a testament to the restorative power of rest. It was a moment of quiet reflection, one that left a lasting impact on me.
After donning fresh attire and ensuring my gear was in order, I ventured out of the room Renatta had graciously provided for my stay. It was a privilege I never expected to experience in my lifetime. Mansions like Renatta's were typically regarded as relics of a bygone era, often protected as heritage sites and frequented only by curious tourists. The idea of sleeping within these historic walls was nothing short of extraordinary.
Upon emerging from my quarters, I found the rest of the group already gathered in the living room, engrossed in a lively tabletop game. Akira and Sora formed one team, locked in strategic combat against Labo and Alena. Pandora and Pixie, on the other hand, watched the game unfold with keen interest. As I observed the proceedings, I realized that this was a tactical minigame reminiscent of those I'd seen in Alternate World games before. It was the sort of pastime typically enjoyed in guild halls and Adventurer Halls. Though intrigued, I lamented my lack of knowledge about the game's rules.
Choosing not to disturb the ongoing battle, I decided to explore Renatta's mansion. It was an impressive edifice, even if it paled in comparison to Queen Tanya's grand castle. Speaking of Queen Tanya, I knew I needed to pay her a visit once we resolved the issue with the Elves. Keeping her informed was crucial, and I also hoped to glean information from her about the Goddess of Death and the history of the Primordial War. As the bearer of the Goddess's blessings, she was undoubtedly the most knowledgeable source I could consult.
The grand halls of this place exude an undeniable air of opulence and luxury. While they may not be adorned in the lavish golden embellishments seen in Queen Tanya's castle, these halls boast marble pillars, meticulously shaped and crafted to withstand the test of time, all the while maintaining an aura of elegance and grandeur that captivates anyone who ventures within.
As I wandered through this splendid abode, I couldn't help but notice the spirits that roamed freely throughout. They bustled about, engrossed in their various tasks, seemingly indifferent to my presence. I couldn't help but wonder which of these spectral beings would soon incur the wrath of Renatta. However, lacking any clues, I chose not to hazard a guess.
Continuing my exploration, I was suddenly enveloped in the tantalizing aroma of sumptuous cuisine being prepared. Though I couldn't spot the kitchen, the fragrance led me closer. Yet, as I followed the scent, it took an abrupt and unpleasant turn. The once delightful fragrance transformed into a foul stench that made my stomach churn. Had it not been for my past encounters with even more noxious odors, I might have revealed my presence and regurgitated my last meal.
Confounded, I muttered to myself, "What on earth is happening here? Where did that noxious odor come from? Could it be from the dish that initially led me with such an enticing aroma? How could the scent shift so dramatically?" Determined to uncover the source of this foul smell, I pressed on, despite the overwhelming discomfort.
I had quite the adventure locating the kitchen, and navigating its labyrinthine layout which I internally cursed as this is such a wack design. Why would someone make the kitchen quite a place to find in the first place? Just as I approached its threshold, a curious sound beckoned my attention – voices murmuring in hushed tones. Not recognizing the speaker, I instinctively cloaked myself in [Stealth], becoming an unseen observer in the shadows, eager to eavesdrop on their clandestine conversation.
My stealthy approach was marked by caution; any hint of my presence could spell disaster. Peering through the slight crack in the door, I could barely make out the figures within. There, in the dimly lit kitchen, the Chef Spirit was engaged in a conversation with a mysterious character shrouded in a foreboding black cloak, concealing their identity.
Though I couldn't glimpse the cloaked figure's visage, their voice reverberated through the room, resonating with an ominous gravity that sent shivers down my spine. But I can tell that guy is an elf. His ear is peering from the cloak, allowing me to know that he is also one of Renatta's elven compatriots. I strained to listen, committing every word to memory, aware that each utterance could hold the key to unraveling their sinister plot.
The cloaked stranger's words pierced the air, casting a sinister pall over the chef's cooking endeavors. "This vile concoction you intend to serve to your former summoner and her guests—how do you intend to mask its foul odor and execute your plan?"
The chef's reply sent a chill down my spine. "Fear not. Since they consumed my last creation last night, they've become exceedingly susceptible to poisons. Once they ingest this dish, the effects will intensify, rendering them incapacitated, writhing in agony until they draw their last breath. The worst case scenario for them would be the fact that it can melt their digestive systems and like an acid, they will die with their stomach totally ruined. And as for the scent..." The chef deftly demonstrated, expertly neutralizing the noxious odor, transforming it into an inviting aroma with a flick of his spectral hand.
My mind reeled at this revelation. The chef, a traitor? The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on my conscience. It seemed the snacks served last night had rendered Pandora, Renatta, and the others vulnerable to this insidious plot. I, fortunately, had skipped the previous night's repast, sparing myself from their fate. However, the urgency of the situation demanded that I share this perilous knowledge with the others, especially Renatta.
In light of the malevolent scheme unfolding before me, I couldn't help but empathize with Renatta's impending actions. There was no room for mercy when it came to traitors who would stop at nothing to see us undone.
I listened for a bit but they were now discussing about the scuffle from earlier and how the tip of the Chef's friend was useless against me who wiped out the men. Their talk finally came to an end without many things I learned aside from the fact that there is another traitor aside from the chef and he is one of the reasons the men who attacked last night got information about the two kids.
After that, the cloaked man snapped his fingers and disappeared, which I saw as him teleporting away. As for the meal, it is now being loaded to the cart that the chef used last night to deliver the food. Knowing his scheme, I retreated and returned to the Living Room.
I was relieved when I saw Renatta among the group this time around. Before the sinister plot will be delivered, I will have to reveal all I have learned so far.
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