"He is currently holding a discussion."
Ian's weary voice made a reply.
It had been a long time since he had last fought.
And with such shocking news on top, even the most experienced swordsman would be tired both physically and mentally.
"It was the paper. Master Riley found certain pieces of paper in the mansion and..."
Ian leaned onto the door and continued speaking.
It all started with the scraps of paper Riley had 'found'.
"The handwriting on the paper was Lady Orelly's. So, after reading it..."
"No..."
"...The letter made a request for poison which could be used against Lady Iris. And..."
"Wait, Ian-nim."
Sera cut Ian's words.
The cold sweat appearing on her face showed just how nervous she was.
She could guess .
What would come after that was something much worse than mere poison.
That was her expectation.
"... It's a lie, right?"
"..."
Ian fell silent.
---
The atmosphere in this place was as chilly as a wintry night.
"Why?"
Stein asked after looking blankly at the paper in his hand.
Orelly could not answer.
"Why did you poison Iris' soup?"
Count Stein asked once more, his tone condemning.
The question was not directed to Orelly this time, but rather to the hooded man.
"..."
The second question was also met with silence.
Although the hooded man's face was still hidden, considering both he and Orelly were standing close together they seemed to be on friendly terms with each other.
"I don't think there would be any reason for such an action."
"..."
As there was no answer, Orelly clenched her fists.
She seemed furious.
"...Orelly."
Finally, the hooded man spoke.
Within the voice fraught with worry, Stein scowled as the voice seemed familiar.
"This voice...You're-!"
Realising his cover was blown, the hooded man raised his hands.
The black cloth covering his face fell back slowly.
A face which Stein knew all too well appeared.
The man who was the master of Tes Trade Guild, and his father-in-law.
"Father...?"
"..."
Stein's face which that had been regaining calmness twisted once more.
He felt betrayed.
By the famous Tes Trade Guild....
By his family...
"Hah..."
That they were intimately close with the much-despised Assassin's Guild...