Part 5 # The Poisoning Incident

Arren walked with a slight limp to reach the greenhouse, following Poppy's instructions. Somehow... everything in this mansion seemed so strange.

Firstly, the owner of this house is a kidnapper and rapist. Arren must put him behind bars!

Secondly, a jealous concubine? Arren could sense that a woman named Vennina seemed to feel threatened by her presence. "I will tell her that I am not her rival!"

Hearing the word 'rival' made Arren's hair stand on end. Only a fool could love a vile man like Leon. No. Arren is not that kind of person.

"Welcome, Miss...."

A servant seemed to welcome Arren as she entered the greenhouse.

A table was beautifully decorated, surrounded by rose petals. Their fragrant aroma added elegance to the room. Arren immediately liked the feast that was being held.

"Hello," Arren greeted warmly.

A woman in her thirties rose from her chair. Her face was beautiful, with fiery red hair. The emerald green dress that enveloped her body contrasted with her fair skin.

Arren was even captivated by her beauty.

"Welcome, Miss Arren. I am Vennina Skylar. Mr. Leon's concubine," Vennina introduced herself.

"Arrendice Hart," Arren did the same.

After the introduction, Venn invited Arren to sit in the provided seat. "Pour the tea," the concubine instructed her personal servant.

The servant came as requested and poured tea into the ladies' cups. However, there was something strange there. Upon closer inspection, the servant's hands appeared to be trembling.

"Are you okay?" Arren asked in her soft voice. She understood the suppressed feelings of the servants who were used to being belittled. Arren used to be a barmaid.

"Y–yes, Miss...." The servant replied, trembling. His breath seemed contrasting with the atmosphere. Why did he seem scared?

"Well, now... let's chat." Venn broke the awkwardness. She didn't want her plan to fall apart.

"Please," Arren smiled kindly.

Venn responded with a similar smile, though the difference in sincerity was evident.

In Venn's eyes, Arren was just a dirty-looking, very rustic girl. The servant's words praising her beauty were exaggerated. If the woman were polished, would her beauty show? Impossible.

Once picked up from the streets, she would remain a street rat. However, of course, this rule did not apply to Venn. Even though they both came from the streets, their levels were different. According to Venn herself, she radiated an elegant aura equivalent to a noble in the country.

"So, what is Miss Arren's occupation?" Venn asked to start the conversation. Arren smiled and answered honestly.

"I am a barmaid. How about you?"

Venn almost choked. She had thought that Arren was indeed a disgusting lower-class commoner. "Me? Hm... well, I usually manage socialite gatherings."

Venn did have a special position among the socialites. Although she came from the common people, Venn falsified her identity. She even used the best tutors to teach about aristocratic etiquette and bribed girls in the social world who gossiped about her origins.

Venn fabricated a story about her romantic encounter with Leon abroad, attending the top noble banquets. There, Venn and Leon fell in love for the first time.

Of course, it was all a lie. Venn was the number one prostitute abroad, paid for Leon's success in conquering the drug cartel there. The powerful nightlife boss felt indebted to Leon, so he handed over his favorite courtesan.

"Interesting. What do you do?"

"Well. Organizing meetings, hosting parties... and arranging marriages among the nobility."

Venn boasted. In reality, she didn't do any of that. Venn was only an honorary member because she was the biggest sponsor at every meeting. Of course, all thanks to the financial injection from Leon, her lover.

"It seems you are very busy," Arren appreciated. Venn nodded.

"Well. Let's end the chat. Please enjoy my special tea," Venn said with a mysterious smile that was hard to interpret.

"Okay, Madam...."

Arren agreed with Venn's suggestion and began to lift her cup. A moment later, after the cup touched her lips, Arren suddenly stumbled and... coughed up blood!

"No–Miss!"