Chapter 42: Exchange of chips

“You agree, don’t you?”

“Dear Detective.”

A sweet smile, a soft voice, yet the tone sounded like a big mouthful of Saint Marguerite ice cream, melting into the heart, like an evening breeze by the sea, carrying a faint chill.

Herman knew well this was Luoxi hinting at him ‘forcing’ her to drink the poison.

He took another slow sip of coffee and said softly:

“Miss Morton, do you still remember the taste of that poison? How does it compare to this cup of coffee?”

What does he mean?

Luoxi frowned slightly, her tone indifferent:

“Of course, that poison was harder to swallow.”

“That can’t be.”

Herman shrugged and continued, “I added honey to that lemonade; it should have been a bit sweet.”

Luoxi, “???”

“See, didn’t I tell you? Slow-acting poison. If it’s not dealt with within seven days, it’s life-threatening.”

Herman smiled, “Miss Morton, there’s no such convenient poison in the world.”

“Delayed effect, easy to carry, and it tastes not too bad.”

“I was just using it as a cover.”

“What I wanted was your attitude. Don’t be mad.”

Luoxi, “!!!”

Her resolve stiffened, her fists clenched tight.

Luoxi had originally intended to exchange some words with this man, but before they even finished the cup of coffee, she was already itching to pour some ‘Old Luo Family’ coffee soul right onto this Detective’s head.

Full of nonsense, eight lies in one sentence—she’d had enough!

Having been deceived harshly by two wicked women, Luoxi had no intention of taking lessons from a bad man now.

She rose from the sofa, glanced coldly at Herman sitting across with his leg casually crossed, and said, “Goodbye. Never see you again.”

Just as she passed the sofa, a man’s voice came from behind.

“Miss Morton, don’t leave so hastily. Have you forgotten our cooperation?”

Luoxi stopped in her tracks, paused briefly, then turned around with a mocking tone.

“Cooperation?”

“My Detective, surely you’re not still hoping I’ll help you enter the Noble Circle of Bredke by now?”

“Of course.”

Herman smiled and then put down his leg, straightened up, folding his hands across his chest.

“I think now,”

“we need a talk.”

“A sincere talk.”

Luoxi’s eyes widened slightly, as if she heard something amusing. “Sincere?”

“Forgive me for saying this.”

“Detective, you should be allergic to that word, shouldn’t you?”

The Detective wasn’t angry. His brown eyes looked at the noble girl before him with interest.

“And you, my respected young lady.”

“Are you honest enough, without any concealment?”

“Like that Portrait on the second floor of the castle—what secrets lie hidden there?”

Luoxi’s expression grew cold.

It felt terrible to have someone grasp your weak spot; she didn’t want to be controlled like that.

Because of the kidnapping incident, Viscount Morton had specially assigned her a female Bodyguard. Although not explicitly stated, the implication was clear—Mei Athena was also a secret Conspirator.

Now Herman Hughes had one arm injured. If she shouted for help loudly, would Mei be able to subdue him first, then find a chance…

Thinking of this, a chill ran down Luoxi’s back, a thin sweat breaking out.

She was frightening herself. Just a few days in, without even stepping into the supernatural realm, her thoughts were already turning dark and paranoid.

Disregarding human life felt as easy and casual as eating or drinking.

Was it the changed environment unleashing her nature? Or had the castle’s influence quietly seeped into her?

“Such a terrifying expression doesn’t suit you, Miss Morton.”

Herman stood up from the sofa. Peanut flapped its wings and flew to his shoulder. He turned his face and lightly scratched the parrot’s chin, his expression relaxed and comfortable.

“You have your secrets, and I have my goals.”

Whoosh—

The parrot flapped its wings again, and the coat draped over the man slipped to the floor with the movement.

Just like his gaze, the warmth dropped to the bottom, icy cold.

“Northern Wolf.”

“Great noble of the Kingdom of Soth, Duke Gessela, Dawn Christopher.”

“I want his life.”

These words were outright treasonous.

Murder—and the target was a powerful noble of the kingdom.

Even with only fragmented memories of Duke Gessela, Luoxi felt her throat dry and dizziness creeping in.

“Y-you… why are you telling me this?”

Herman chuckled softly, “Isn’t there always someone frowning, looking uneasy as if their own weak spots have been caught?”

“Well, now it’s done. I’ve handed over my own.”

Luoxi, “……”

If you want to rot in jail, you don’t have to drag me down with you.

“Enough joking.”

Herman’s smile faded. He looked seriously at Luoxi:

“This is an exchange, so we can both feel safe.”

“I won’t pry into your secrets, and you don’t have to ask why I want to kill Dawn Christopher.”

“Some inconvenient matters require helpers. I’m happy to lend a hand.”

“Of course, it’s not free; you’ll get a friendship discount.”

“On the flip side,”

“When I need your assistance, I will pay you accordingly.”

Herman’s brown eyes stared at the girl, enunciating each word:

“Miss Morton, the world of Conspirators is cruel and merciless.”

“Betrayal, scheming, conspiracy, struggle.”

“These happen every moment.”

“Whether it’s you or me, both harbor secrets. One cannot go far alone.”

“We have already exchanged our chips.”

“Now, are you ready?”

After speaking, he stretched out a hand toward the girl in front of him.

By her ear, Peanut kept repeating the man’s words, over and over.

“Are you ready?”

“Are you ready?”

Ready?

Luoxi also asked herself the same question inside.

She pressed her lips, grasped the hand that was at least a full size larger than hers, and looked into those brown eyes, asking:

“Are we partners now?”

Herman smiled and squeezed that small hand.

“No, we are not so innocent.”

“Another word fits us better.”

“Each gripping the other’s throat, yet forced to walk together.”

“Accomplices.”

“We are accomplices, Miss Morton.”