87. The Poisoned Holy Grail (3) (Map)
87. The Poisoned Holy Grail (3) (Map)
- 1 -
Tak!
"As a token of friendship, now that I've come to regard you as a friend, I'd like to give you a gift."
"What is it? I'm looking forward to it."
When Echidna snapped her fingers, one of the lamias waiting silently inside the lake crawled out and retrieved two silver goblets from the wall cabinet in the room.
A very natural (Fate (緣)) action.
That told me the gift had been prepared in advance.
"This is...?"
But that fact didn't diminish the gift's value. Not with what appeared before my eyes.
Pristine drinking cups made of Gang-silver and adorned with jewels.
Inside the cups, which looked splendid enough to belong in a royal palace or a high-ranking noble's mansion, a clear, transparent liquid rested without a single ripple.
"One is medicine. And the other contains poison."
"Just by looking, I can't tell which is the medicine and which is the poison at all. It looks like simple essence."
Thus two goblets were placed before my eyes, but to the naked eye they looked no different from each other.
Because the color, scent, and texture all looked just like water, and the Gang-silver goblets showed no discoloration even though they contained 'poison' and 'medicine.'
'Silver can only detect poisons that contain sulfur compounds, so it's foolish to judge the presence of poison by that alone... but this is Gang-silver.'
Gang-silver is a metal with a wider poison-detection range than pure silver. So the absence of discoloration in the goblet also meant that the poison inside was of a particularly special nature.
However, that didn't mean it was completely indistinguishable.
"If you focus mana into your eyes, you'll find markings on the goblets."
"It's true. I'll handle them carefully so I don't make a mistake. But this is...?"
Whether through my 'intuition' or by confirming the marking on the goblet with magical senses, as she said.
Even if neither method could be used, wouldn't I find out which was poison and which was medicine by picking a sacrifice and testing it?
There were also suitable monsters that could be tested, since they had settled near the dungeon.
But what was even more astonishing was the identity of this poison and medicine.
"This poison has the effect of mana condensation."
"Is that true?"
Echidna smiled triumphantly. Seeing that expression, it seemed my reaction was quite satisfying to her.
"I have no reason to lie at this point, do I?"
"I didn't think you would lie. I was simply surprised because a rare item suddenly appeared."
"Nor do I consider it rude."
But this was certainly something worth being surprised about.
The poison of mana condensation is a deadly poison that necrotizes the target's mana ShinGyeong. It means it kills the ShinGyeong that can accept and manipulate mana.
In the end, anyone hit by this poison can no longer use mana, ending their life as a superhuman. Even if treated, they despair over whether they can continue to live with strength, and ultimately even that life is taken from them.
"Then, this medicine is...?"
"On its own, it can cure most minor ailments or poisonings, and can slow the progress (Jin) of more severe ones. But most importantly, it is the antidote for this mana condensation poison."
Echidna gave the explanation exactly as I expected.
Once she started talking about poison, she became talkative; she likely took great pride in her own power.
The main powers she wielded were healing and poisoning. The medicine and poison that materialized from those must also fall under the domain of her pride.
Perhaps it might even be the product of fate (緣), not simply the use of power.
"I had heard rumors that you are wise. Meeting you in person, I thought that you would be able to use this poison splendidly."
"Those are kind words. I'll use it well. Since the two come as a set... I'll truly be able to use them excellently."
Both the poisons and the goblets that held them were treasures, but Echidna's subsequent explanation was also as precious as treasure.
The mana condensation effect of this poison increased in proportion to the dosage, while its incubation period grew longer.
If the medicine was not administered in at least twice the dose of the poison, it would not be properly cured and the poison would act up again.
And, she explained, there would be no need to use large amounts of either.
She also said that since the poison activated only after permeating the entire body, it would take time before the situation became fatal, but recovery also took time, so one had to allow enough time when administering it.
"In the end, this is a poison specialized for 'controlling sentient beings.'"
"That's right. That's why its name is 《Flowing Chain》. It will be very useful for taming."
I could also quickly understand the meaning behind giving it to me as a gift.
'She must have heard that I'm bringing humans into the dungeon. Whether through the other queens or by obtaining information herself.'
An item that wasn't important enough to warrant a contract, but would be convenient for expendable personnel you need right now.
It would also be good for when you need to coerce (Gang) a specific person into a contract in an urgent situation.
The fact that the medicine and poison themselves were colorless and odorless was also a good point.
They would be easy to mix into other food.
"It's a truly wonderful gift. I'd also like to give you a gift."
"I heard you came without anything prepared."
"No way."
She had probably said that considering that I didn't bring a carriage or any other means of transport, but I had no need for such things.
Because wherever my Geurimja is present, it's my space.
"You wear only diamonds for your accessories. How about it? Trying a new gemstone."
Hoo-uk...!
When I spread my hand once and then slowly (CheonCheon) clenched my fingers, the Geurimja in the room gathered and spat something out at my fingertips.
A silver vessel with processed rubies inside.
These were the particularly clear ones among the raw ores I'd brought from Yuran's dungeon, which I had left with the demon world artisans and then retrieved.
Personally, I think sapphires suit silver better, but since this is what I have right now, I'll make do with what's at hand.
"This is..."
A flicker of tension passed over Echidna's face, followed by delight.
She must have expected that showing me the poison would subtly pressure me, but seeing my display just now, she would have realized that even that wouldn't be easy.
That I was ready to enter battle mode at any time, as long as I had Geurimja nearby.
One could ask what kind of behavior this was toward someone we'd declared to be friends, but isn't this the usual 'friendship' of leaders who lead groups?
"Though it pales in comparison to the poison you gave me, it's the most suitable item among what I have right now."
"Not at all. Even if it were an ordinary metal, because it comes from you, it would feel special. Moreover, it's a precious metal that will make my accessories even more striking, and the processing quality looks good. I'm very pleased."
Her eyes as she looked at the rubies shone with the interest and delight of a connoisseur recognizing a work of art.
Maybe because she had artisans under her command, she could recognize that the jewels were well processed.
"Here's to the friendship that will continue between us from now on."
"Alright. Come."
On top of that, I caught a glimpse of her considering the role we'd called 'friends.'
"For the bond between you and me, long-lasting."
"For the bond."
As we clinked our wine glasses, Echidna smiled at me, and I smiled back and emptied my glass.
The more I looked, the more interesting a being she became.
This snake called Echidna.
- 2 -
"To begin a full exchange, it would be best to send an envoy (Shin). From my side, I will send you a lamia to assist in handling poisons. Once we grow closer, I'll also send those who can become military strength."
"That's good."
Compared to Nirvana, my conversation with Echidna was exceedingly short.
In truth, back then she had unilaterally clung to me and dominated my time, so it was too crude to be called an audience or a summit.
"Echidna seemed quite interested in human culture, so I'll dispatch one of the nobles I captured this time."
"Truly? But humans are quite weak..."
"Of course, I'll teach you the handling precautions, so don't worry."
"That's kind of you to say."
In contrast, the conversation with Echidna was productive and efficient in its own way.
We discussed what we could give each other going forward.
"Shall we call it a day with just this much?"
"Let's."
After that, we decided to part neatly and return to our respective duties.
"It was a pleasure to meet you. Libertas."
"Likewise. It would be nice if we could all gather for the next meeting."
"At that time, I'll make sure to join as well."
As I left Echidna's residence, I didn't forget to conduct a self-examination.
Of course, it was an examination for poison.
There was nothing abnormal.
Even if the poison's covertness was one of its strengths, a search this thorough should have detected it, so I could rest easy.
No matter how high her expertise in poisons might be, it wasn't overwhelmingly higher than my own magical attainment.
"Do human friends have this kind of custom?"
After that, I shook hands once with Echidna, who had come out to see me off.
Though there was a bit of distance, it was still like ordinary friends.
She seemed to be curious about the ritual itself, as if she was experiencing it for the first time.
"Humans mainly hold weapons in their right hand, don't they? It has the meaning of holding onto peace that we'll build together instead of weapons. It's not strictly something only friends do; it's a courtesy anyone can do."
"That's a good meaning..."
When I spoke half-truths and half-arbitrary interpretations as if they were all truth, Echidna nodded seriously (Jin).
I felt a little sorry, but it was also cute.
After mulling over the words for a moment, a deeper curiosity soon appeared at the corners of her eyes and mouth.
"Then, what do close friends do?"
She said she had taken dwarves from slavers, but it seemed she had never properly heard about the daily life of the continent from those slavers or dwarves.
Perhaps she thought that showing curiosity about human society itself would damage her dignity.
Either way, here was a queen who was quite lovely in her own right.
"Shall I teach you?"
"That would be nice."
"Then, bend your waist a little."
"Hmm?"
Having probably never bent her waist even once after being reborn as a strong (Gang) existence (John), she raised her slender eyebrows quizzically, then carefully bent her waist.
"A little more."
"This much...? I'm worried it looks a little unsightly."
"You're pretty, so don't worry. Come on, more."
For quite a while.
It couldn't be helped.
If she held her voluptuous tail upright, her height alone easily exceeded two meters, and she could make herself even larger by rising up.
Anyway, Echidna completely bent her waist at my fateful request.
When I stretched both arms toward her shoulders, she momentarily restrained me.
"Wait...!"
"Why?"
When I looked up at Echidna without hiding my puzzled expression, she asked me in embarrassment.
"What are you doing right now?"
"It's a greeting between friends. Close friends."
"Is this really correct...?"
"It is, so come closer."
A request that was nearly coercion (Gang).
In the end, I succeeded in embracing her shoulders, her upper body so low that one hand nearly touched the floor.
Of course, there's also a method of slipping your hand under their side, but since there was a considerable difference in our sizes, it was unavoidable.
"What's this... called?"
"It's called an embrace."
"Is that so..."
When we pulled apart, Echidna's face was slightly flushed.
"Well then, I'll be going."
"Mmm. See you next time."
A moment later, I looked back as I left her domain.
She continued to see me off while maintaining that flushed state on her face.
How should I put it, she was truly a queen with a severe gap from her outward appearance.
Just like the effects of the medicine and poison she handled.
- 3 -
"Next is the north."
"My queen, you've committed many sins...?"
When I asked for her location in order to meet (Nagi) the last remaining queen in this vicinity, a strange answer came back.
When I looked back, Serha was looking at me with a slightly flushed face and a weary expression.
"What do you mean by that all of a sudden?"
"No, nothing. The north is correct. The coniferous forest. But will you be alright? They already refused an audience."
As she said, the audience request (Shin) I had sent to the northern coniferous forest had been refused.
There were two reasons, and the first was that they had explicitly said, 'Dungeon lords cannot be trusted.'
They were even more hostile than Echidna, who had been wary of me and suggested meeting somewhere near her own main body.
"Just because they refuse, is there any reason I absolutely have to listen? That doesn't mean we should let our guard down, though."
"What you're saying is...?"
"For now, I'll return to the dungeon. Then I'll go up and observe their situation."
"When you say situation..."
The reason for returning to the dungeon this time, and the second reason why they refused the audience, had a close connection (Fate (緣)).
"You told me yourself. They are at war."
Currently, it seemed two factions were fiercely waging war in the northern coniferous forest.
Host and guest.
I didn't know which side was superior, but at the very least, it was certain that the side that originally ruled the north was not completely at a disadvantage.
If that were the case, they would have received support from other monster tribes according to the existing 'pact' between the four queens.
"If so, that very war might become the key."
"You plan to help them end the war easily?"
"That could be. Or maybe not."
"What...?"
Serha tilted her head cutely.
As I stroked her head like that, I simply smiled.
There were two options I was still keeping as thoughts.
'First, I'll have to go and see.'
Whether those choices were truly worth considering, and which one I would choose.
That would be decided after seeing the situation in the north and how the current queen came forward.
Their lives as well.
