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Marco turned to Fernando.
Marco: I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about this.
Fernando: Why, Marco? The plan doesn't have a high chance of failure. In fact, we'll most likely hear about Edward's death by sunrise—perhaps even earlier.
Marco: I don't know, Fernando. I just hope everything goes smoothly and according to plan.
Fernando: Don't worry. That's exactly what will happen.
Oliver's Perspective:
I walked out of the head of the family's office, unsure of what to do. I knew very well that if Edward found out what I was about to do, I would die. But I couldn't risk warning him either—I had no idea how the head of the family would react to silence me or what harm might come to my family.
I made my way to the wine cellar, greeting the guard at the entrance before starting my search for Edward's favorite wine. Once I found the bottle, I looked around to make sure no one else had entered before me. When I was certain I was alone, I moved to a slightly hidden corner, carefully opened the bottle, then pulled out the vial of poison and poured half of it into the wine. I resealed the bottle meticulously and quickly returned the poison to its place.
As I left the cellar, I ran into Peter.
Peter: Hey, Oliver. Why did you take longer than usual in there?
I looked at him and replied, "Sorry, Peter. I've been dealing with some issues lately, and it's been distracting me a bit."
He gave me a disdainful look. "Oh, gambling debts again?"
I sighed and nodded. "Yeah."
Peter shook his head. "Alright, go on."
I headed toward Edward's room, where I could hear two voices talking inside. I informed the servant at the door that I had brought the wine.
Servant: "Sir Edward, a servant has brought the wine."
Edward: "Oh, let him in."
I entered and saw Edward and Thomas engaged in conversation. Anxiety gripped me.
Edward: "Oliver, bring two glasses and pour the wine for my brother and me."
Thomas: "Oliver, is something wrong? You look nervous."
I stammered, "Oh... oh... sir, my wife is sick, so I'm a little stressed."
Edward: "Oh, I see. You may go. If we need anything, we'll call for you."
I quickly left, still holding the wine bottle.
Edward's Perspective:
Edward: "Thomas, I need you to support me in what I'm about to do."
Thomas: "What are you planning, Edward?"
Edward: "You already know. I want to become the head of the family. I can't accept a child as our leader."
Thomas: "Oh? Why did Fernando accept your brother as the head of the family instead of taking the position for himself? He could have done it."
Edward: "Thomas, what kind of ridiculous comparison is that? You can't compare me to Fernando. Why are you even bringing him up?"
Thomas: "Alright, I won't compare. But what's in it for me if I support you?"
Edward: "I can give you three shops."
Thomas: "Oh, is that all? Why are you so stingy, brother? And what do you mean by giving me family property? You know that won't be approved. Even if I support you and you fail—"
Edward: "Wait, Thomas. Are you suggesting that I'll fail against Marco? Don't joke with me. Even if I were to play along and accept him as the head of the family, I would still succeed because of my influence."
Thomas: "Oh? What do you mean? Are you saying you won't challenge him?"
Edward: "Of course not. That would take too much time, and I need that time to rebuild the family."
Thomas: "So you plan to kill our nephew?"
Edward: "Damn it, Thomas! Who said I intend to kill him? I'll just remove him from power. If he accepts the reality, fine. If not, I'll imprison him. I don't actually want to kill him."
Thomas: "Alright. And what's stopping me from leaking everything you just said to Fernando?"
Edward: "Brother, what would you gain from that? Side with me, and you'll have great influence in the family. No one on the council would dare challenge you."
Thomas: "Fine. I'll think about it and give you my answer in a few days. Excuse me now—I have to go."
Edward: "Of course, of course, brother. I'll be waiting for your answer tomorrow."
Edward watched as Thomas left, then thought for a moment.
Edward: "Damn it. How dare that bastard hesitate? Does he enjoy his current position or what?"
He looked at the untouched wine, then drank it all in one go.
Edward: "Alright, let's see what happens tomorrow. I'll get some sleep and hope he agrees before I take my next step toward legitimacy."
Oliver: "You can go. The master has gone to sleep."
Servant: "Oh, alright. But where are you taking that wine bottle?"
Oliver: "I'm returning it to its place."
Servant: "Alright, go ahead."
I nodded, then quickly moved toward the wine cellar. When I was sure no one was following or watching me, I changed course and headed for Marco's office.
Servant: "Sir Marco, Oliver is back."
Marco: "Oh, let him in quickly."
I entered the office.
Marco: "Oliver, tell me, what happened?"
Oliver: "I... I don't know, sir."
Marco: "Wait a minute, what do you mean you don't know, Oliver?"
I swallowed hard. "Sir, he drank it. Thomas and Edward were both there. Then Edward ordered me to pour the wine for them. After some time, Thomas left, and they dismissed me."
Marco: "Alright. That's something we couldn't control. You did your duty perfectly. I can't blame you, Oliver. After all, this isn't your fault. You put the poison in, didn't you?"
Oliver: "Y-yes, sir. That's exactly what happened."
Marco: "Good. Now leave. I'll see to your reward—you've done your job."
Oliver: "Thank you, sir. Thank you."
Marco: "Alright, what are you waiting for? Get out. But leave the bottle here."
I placed the bottle on the desk, then turned to leave. But suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my back. I turned around slowly, only to see Marco staring at me with a terrifying grin.
Oliver: "Why, sir? I... I did what you ordered—"
Marco: "My dear Oliver, I truly apologize... but I have no choice."
Oliver's eyes widened as his body weakened, feeling a warm liquid spread across his back.
Oliver (his voice trembling): "B-but… why…?"
Marco (calmly, as he slowly withdrew the dagger): "Because you simply know too much, Oliver. I can't allow any chance of betrayal that could expose my plan."
Oliver collapsed to the floor, his breathing shallow. Marco wiped the dagger clean with his white handkerchief, smiling.
Marco: "Don't worry—I'll make sure your family is well compensated. Unfortunately... you won't be around to see it."
He then turned to one of the guards standing at the door.
Marco: "Get rid of him. I don't want a trace left behind."
The guard nodded and stepped forward. Oliver weakly tried to raise his hand, but his strength faded completely… and his eyes dimmed forever.
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