Chapter 23
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: A Tainted Toast
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The night after the man left, I looked into whatever it was they were holding.
I focused my questions on the high-class taverns first, and my hunch was spot on.
"A tavern that opens at night? Yeah, there's one. It's upscale, classy vibe, perfect for entertaining clients too."
The man behind the counter chuckled and lifted his glass.
Typical innkeeper—drinking from the afternoon already.
"Oh, really?"
I picked up a wooden cup from the counter and clinked it lightly against his.
I hadn't ordered it because I wanted a drink; it was the price of information.
You've got to buy at least a snack or a drink to ask questions.
That way, the conversation flows smoothly, and the owner doesn't get annoyed.
"Guh...!"
I downed the beer in one go.
As I set the empty cup on the counter and grimaced.
I wasn't big on alcohol to begin with, but this stuff lacked the crispness of modern beer.
No refrigeration meant it was lukewarm.
"How's the taste? Decent?"
"It's fine. But do a lot of people use these high-class spots? Or do folks come from other areas?"
"Mostly merchants settled in the territory. Landowners too."
"So the building must be pretty big, huh?"
I smacked my lips as I asked, and the man nodded.
"It's big, but not as grand as the overflowing luxury in the capital. About the size of this inn, maybe a bit larger."
"That's still pretty impressive."
"That's why it's popular. They drew from other kingdoms' architectural styles, gives it a unique atmosphere."
Thirsty, apparently, the innkeeper paused mid-sentence to swig his beer.
His Adam's apple bobbing was mesmerizing.
"Guh...! And they've got some real pretty girls pouring drinks at your side—makes it enjoyable all around."
The man set his glass down and chattered on excitedly.
His face was unchanged, but he seemed a bit buzzed.
Thanks to that, I got even unsolicited details before finally leaving.
A bit tiring, but a good time.
"Master. We're back."
I'd barely settled into my room for a rest when Antiope and Ekyon returned from their morning outing.
"Good work. How's the situation?"
"It's a territory run by pro-emperor faction, so they're cooperative with the slave emancipation decree. Digging deeper will take time, but on the surface, it looks good."
"Glad to hear it. You must be exhausted—rest up. We've got to head out again tonight, right?"
I nodded as Ekyon gave her report.
Even if she said that, she'd checked thoroughly, so I felt at ease.
"Oh. Speaking of which, I have something to report on that."
Antiope let out a little "ah" and stepped closer.
She had something to share.
"What's that?"
"There's a pretty upscale tavern nearby—they're likely inviting us there. Seems like they do entertainment with women too."
"I asked the innkeeper about it, and he said the exact same thing."
Perfect.
The info itself wasn't new, but cross-verifying made it solid.
"You already knew? Then I spoke out of turn."
Antiope's eyes drooped at the corners.
She looked like a disappointed puppy after a walk—adorable.
"Not at all. Confirming it cross-reference style is a win. Good work."
"Really?"
Luckily, my praise lit her eyes right up again, like it never happened.
Total puppy vibes.
"The issue is you two might feel uncomfortable. You okay with that?"
"Huh? Why us?"
Antiope tilted her head, puzzled.
Ekyon, arriving late, blinked curiously too.
"It's a tavern with women entertaining, so as fellow women, it might feel off."
"Huh? Bitches courting the master is only natural, isn't it? It's just whether they catch your eye or not."
Antiope blinked like what's the big deal?
Her twisted mindset felt brainwashed-deep; it was chilling.
Some kind of madness, maybe?
"In normal man-woman relations, your consideration would be spot on, Master. But you're no ordinary man. For us, we just hope not to be discarded."
Ekyon answered relatively sanely, but drew the line too sharply.
It was pitiful.
"Even if it means letting my assets rot, I'll never discard you."
I laid my possessiveness bare, and both lit up with joy.
Not empty words—dead serious.
We'd built affection over time, but why toss away such appealing bitches?
No sharing either.
Group bangs where everyone takes turns? Fine if that's your kink—watching them get eaten by others and loving it—but not for me.
"Anyway, that's enough on that. Rest until they come pick us up. Since it's a meeting, no sex either."
"Yes, Master."
Both answered in unison.
They responded well, but a hint of disappointment lingered in their expressions.
Evening rolled around.
The man from yesterday arrived cautiously to fetch us.
"I've come to escort you. The Viscount went ahead and is waiting."
"Then let's go. Lead the way."
First, a three-minute walk from the inn to a carriage.
Rode it for about ten minutes.
We got off in front of the destination—a massive building, just as described.
Noble mansion level.
The interior vibe was offbeat too.
Like stepping into a Japanese palace built in Korea.
Not many people around.
First floor, second floor.
Following the man, we soon reached the room where the Viscount waited.
"Welcome!"
The door opened to the man inside greeting us enthusiastically.
Definitely familiar.
"Viscount?"
"Yes. It's an honor to host the Crown Prince. Forgive my rudeness for not coming personally."
The Viscount bowed dramatically, head low.
Like a fan spotting their rapper idol at dawn, screaming "Donda!"
"I get it. But it's awfully quiet."
"Pardon? Ah, yes. I kept it subdued since Your Highness dislikes crowds. If it's not to your liking..."
"No, it's fine. Standing around makes your legs hurt, right? Let's sit."
"Ah, yes. Of course."
The Viscount seated me first, then himself.
He naturally guided me to the head of the square table upon my arrival.
Place screams club.
Never been to one, but matches the mental image.
Just fantasy interior twist.
I seated Antiope and Ekyon on either side, then eyed the Viscount.
"How's territory management? Going well?"
"Yes. All smooth thanks to Her Majesty's grace. This too is her benevolence."
The Viscount grinned sleazily and picked up a bottle.
Long and slender—like wine.
Table laden with snacks and a few bottles.
He'd arrived early and set everything up.
"May I presume to pour you a glass?"
"I'd appreciate it, but is it okay for the Viscount to pour personally?"
"It would be my honor."
His honor? Can't argue.
I took a nearby glass and accepted the pour.
Glug-glug. Brown liquid filled the short, round glass.
Sniffed it—whiskey notes with grape aroma.
"Distilled spirits, huh."
"Yes. Cognac from fine wine. A local specialty we sell here."
Territory specialty cognac? News to me.
"Nice. Cheers."
"Yes. And these two with you...?"
"Guards can't drink on duty. Appreciate the thought, but we'll politely decline."
"Of course, understood."
Ekyon spoke for them, and the Viscount smiled it off.
Duchess's daughter's authority aside, he read my mood.
Atmosphere was good overall—no grating topics.
"Pardon me. Viscount, may I enter?"
We'd shared three rounds of cognac when someone knocked.
Unfamiliar woman's voice.
"Sounds like a woman. Who?"
"Ah, the owner here. Not Your Highness's type, but she's got looks—popular for that."
I met his eyes as I asked; he answered smiling.
"Oh? Did you call her?"
"No. I asked to keep it quiet for our honored guest. But why...?"
The Viscount tilted his head, then turned to the door.
Added a how rude.
"I said no entry without summons—why are you here?"
"I heard we have an honored guest, so I brought fine liquor. May I offer a glass?"
Even as the Viscount raised his voice, she replied calmly.
Her soft voice piqued my curiosity.
"What do you think?"
Right then, the Viscount turned to me.
Let her in, obviously.
"Let's see her face first."
"Yes, understood."
The Viscount nodded and called her in.
"Pardon the intrusion."
Let's see.
I blinked at the entering woman.
Face at celebrity-pretty level, long brown hair nice too.
Dress with decent exposure.
Beauty for sure, but... nothing.
Because slender build.
"Pardon me."
She entered holding a bottle, bowed before me.
Not the Viscount.
"First time meeting. Call me Lia."
"Sure. First time. But why greet me first?"
"It's not just because you're at the head. Protocol for the Crown Prince, Your Highness."
The owner peeked up with a smile.
Caught me off-guard, but yeah—the Viscount spilled.
"Yes. Thought the owner should know, so I tipped her off."
He justified instantly our eyes met.
Desperate not to get chewed out—pitiful.
"It's fine. Owner should know. Anyway, here for the booze?"
"Of course. And if you visit again, a small wish: after your pilgrimage, advertise you stopped here."
"Sharp one."
Influencer marketing this era?
Game world concept, but fresh in person.
"Thank you. Then...?"
"Do what you want. You brought booze, so let's try it."
"Yes, Your Highness. I'm honored."
She smiled softly, uncorked the bottle with practiced ease.
Not her first rodeo.
Grabbed tall wine glasses from a nearby cabinet.
"Can't compare to imperial stock, but excellent wine. Please, have a glass."
As expected, poured dark-red for the group.
Rose and apple scents wafted, tickling the nose.
"Sorry, we'll just take the thought."
As she passed glasses, Antiope extended her hand quietly.
Clear refusal.
The woman looked flustered, lips twitching.
"It's smooth, not strong—won't even get you tipsy from one glass."
"One glass could dull us. Sorry."
"Mm... Could you at least sip? Too fine to pass up."
She feigned regret, pushing the wine to the end.
Too earnest to merely savor the wine..
Something's up.
I stared at the wine, locked eyes with Antiope.
"Antiope."
"Yes, Your Highness. I'll test it first."
Antiope grabbed a glass and drank.
Hated using my woman as a guinea pig, but their resolve was ironclad.
Frustrating.
Had to admit—logical.
If poisoned, I could heal.
"Ah...!"
The woman's pupils quivered faintly.
No words, just drank—flustering, but more than that.
Wonder why?
Found out quick.
"Body feels off—think it's drugged. Not poison by the effects... sleeping pill type."
Antiope replied in a drowsy tone.
Limbs growing heavy fast post-sip.
Eyes glazing.
No way a booze-hardened woman gets wasted on one wine glass.
Drugged, plain and simple.
"You okay? Can you hold?"
"Yes. Activating stimulants should handle it."
"Hang in there a bit."
I shook off my cognac buzz, pointed at the woman opposite.
Not pointing—targeting for attack.
"Kyaaak?!"
In a blink, white stake from fingertip.
Nailed her right shoulder.
Her scream and collapse.
"Knew it—planned to drug us all and do something."
I sighed long, stood.
Ekyon grasped it, approached her.
Looks like she aimed to drug the Viscount too, but not certain.
90% sure, 10% doubt?
"Viscount, stay put. Looks like you got roped in, but suspicion not fully cleared."
"Y-yes!"
Viscount nodded frantically.
Not acting, but probe more before release.
Detox first.
Extended hand to Antiope, white light from palm.
Unique magic—heals, cures status ailments.
"Better?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Drowsiness gone, body's normal. Thank you."
Withdrew hand; she nodded.
Voice and eyes sharp—fixed.
Good.
I steadied my breath, glared at the woman.
"Antiope. Crank her pussy sensitivity 69 times."