Ch. 2: The Case of an Attempted Poisoning
Forma: "…I can’t see anything."
I wonder what that was about.
En route to his castle, Forma kept glancing at me.
...I’m kind of worried.
[CHOICE]
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Return the stare (SUN)
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Ask (MOON)
Forma: "Was I making you uncomfortable? … sorry."
OO: "T-that’s not quite…"
He awkwardly stared straight ahead…
Forma: "You’re a peculiar princess."
OO: "Eh?"
Forma: "Ah no…it’s just my first time with someone like you."
First time? Of course it is, we’ve only just met.
I could do nothing but tilt my head quizzically, and his eyes had a gentleness as they looked at me.
Forma: "Seems you don’t realize. Sorry."
In the sunlight, Forma’s blue hair was tinged with a beautiful color.
…he has a kind face.
That was when I noticed the black tattoo on the back of his left hand.
OO: "What is…?"
Forma: "Ah…it’s a tattoo of an ant."
His voice got low, completely different from how he had been speaking until now.
OO: "…an ant?"
Forma: "It’s like the mark of my family."
For a moment, he stared at the tattoo but…
Forma: "Come on, let’s go. If we don’t hurry, the sun will set."
Forma quickened his pace.
Forma…?
…
……
With Forma’s guidance, we soon arrived at the castle.
Coinciding with our arrival, a butler in tailcoats rushed over.
Butler: "Lord Forma…! You’ve returned safely…! We were so very worried."
Forma: "I assume nothing unusual has happened?"
Butler: "Yes, for now…"
Forma: "I see."
Forma let out a sigh of relief.
Butler: "More importantly Lord Forma, how is your health?"
Forma: "Ah, I’m fine."
Butler: "I see…however please take care of yourself. Lord Forma, you are…"
Forma: "You don’t need to say anymore. I get it."
…?
Forma: "That aside, I was saved by the Princess of Träumere. This is she."
I was at a loss at the sudden introduction and bowed deeply.
Butler: "Princess of…! Thank you so very much. We shall prepare a welcome banquet for you at once."
Forma: "…a banquet…"
Forma’s brow knit in thought.
I wonder…what’s going on.
Soon, it was time for dinner.
I’m so nervous. What do I do…?
The table set up in the center of the room was adorned with beautiful decorations.
Forma and the other royals had been seated, and I was ushered to my seat as the guest of honor.
Forma: "The king is travelling out of the country right now. There’s no need to be so nervous."
Forma spoke to me, his back straight.
OO: "Y-yeah…"
After the toast, servants brought out trays of appetizers.
OO: "Wow…!"
I spoke without thinking at the sight of the beautifully arranged appetizers.
It looks so delicious.
Before I could do anything, Forma held out his hand.
Forma: "Wait…!"
OO: "…!"
Next to me, Forma suddenly grabbed my hand.
OO: "Forma?"
Forma turned a keen eye on the servants.
Forma: "…did you really think I wouldn’t notice? Who is behind this?"
Servants: "…"
Eh…?
Then Forma suddenly took an appetizer from in front of me and stuffed a piece in his mouth.
Forma: "Using such a crude poison…it’s laughable."
Poison!?
Forma breathed out a deep sigh and turned his gaze on the servants.
Forma: "Come with me."
At his declaration, the servants left the room.
OO: "Forma, what in the…?"
I was too bewildered by what had just happened…
Forma: "…seems you’ve been dragged into this right away. I don’t think we’ll be able to eat here anymore…let’s go."
Forma spoke so plainly, as if it was nothing.
OO: "…"
I falteringly walked after Forma, unable to respond.
Forma: "I’ll explain everything to you later."
Pulled along by Forma, we left the dining room.
What in the world just happened…
The appetizers given to me had been poisoned, and Forma ate it.
OO: "Hey, Forma…!!"
As I looked at Forma to ask, I saw that his face had turned pale.
OO: "For…Forma, are you alright? Did the poison from earlier…?!"
Forma: "No…but, sorry… I need to leave the castle for a little."
OO: "…Eh?"
Without a second thought, Forma snatched up my hand and headed towards the exit.
Forma…?
I wanted to ask about what had happened, but seeing his stern expression as he looked over his shoulder, I left the castle without asking.
I returned his stare, looking through his glasses to his amber eyes.
Forma: "…!"
His face flushed slightly for the second time.
OO: "There really is something on my face, isn't there?"
Forma: "No..."
I wondered if he thought I'd be mad, and he seemed slightly confused as he looked away from me.