Jeremiah addressed Bonnie's confusion. "What does the poisonous insect king usually eat? Human blood?"

Emmett, Charles, and Andrew tensed. Though seemingly harmless, even cute, they knew its diet.

Bonnie shook her head. "Jeremiah, the poisonous insect king differs from other poisonous insects. It doesn't need human blood to survive. Ancient Dungo Village records state that, once mature, it feeds on ordinary leaves or dew."

She paused. "Of course, if constantly fed human blood, it will become dependent. Then it will need blood daily. But since it hasn't chosen a master, its diet depends entirely on Yvette."

Relief washed over them. Yvette tilted her head obediently, looking at the cold Jeremiah. "I want to keep it," she said.

Jeremiah stepped forward, glancing at the insect on Yvette's shoulder. It flinched. Only Yvette and Jeremiah noticed. Yvette said lightly, "Don't scare it."

Jeremiah felt wronged. His face remained stern, but his eyes held accusation. "I didn't scare it."

Andrew, Charles, Emmett, and Bonnie fell silent. Did we just hear something we shouldn't have? Is Jeremiah going to silence us? they wondered.

Yvette lifted the insect, returning it to its box. Smiling mischievously, her bright eyes met Jeremiah's. "It's your aura that's too strong," she said nonchalantly.

Jeremiah's heart soared. His expression softened. "You're right. I think it's my fault. I won't blame it."

Emmett was stunned. Is this the cold-blooded General? Jealous of an insect, then smiling shyly?

Charles found it normal. In this world, Yvette commanded obedience, even from a newly awakened poisonous insect king. What was surprising about Jeremiah?

After a silent exchange, Emmett was pushed forward. "Jeremiah, what do we do? Holden is dead, villagers are outside, Samantha and the police are en route. Should we prevent a riot?"

Bonnie stepped forward. "Jeremiah, Yvette, let me find out why they fed the insects blood. If the villagers did something terrible, you can handle it."

Yvette nodded indifferently. "Okay."

Jeremiah nodded. The villagers knew men shouldn't raise poisonous insects, yet they fed them human blood. That was suspicious.

Bonnie rushed out, Andrew following. "Wait for me!"

Villagers gathered at the Jacobs' residence, hesitant to enter yet unable to leave. Seeing the smoke from the study, their unease grew.

Almost all the villagers had gathered when Bonnie arrived. Seeing her with a stranger increased their restlessness.

Janice, noticing the man, was startled. He's the man in the photo! Why is Bonnie so lucky? She suspected something had happened, perhaps because of this man. Concealing her jealousy, she watched.

Bonnie called out, silencing the crowd. Her expression turned serious. "Holden is dead."

Shock froze them. "What? Bon, you said Holden's dead? He's really dead?"

"Impossible! How could he die? What will we do?"

"Yeah, we won't survive! It's over!"

Their despair sent chills through the air. Bonnie's suspicion was confirmed. She sensed coercion, not willing participation.

Just as I thought, she mused. "You know poison arts are passed down to women. What did Holden do? He built a poison chamber, raising insects using trafficked people. Human trafficking is illegal in Clusia."

Shame silenced the villagers. Bonnie recoiled, shaken.

Andrew supported her, concerned. Holden's operation was too large; the villagers' complicity was undeniable.

An elderly man, Rafferty, stood. Bonnie's face lit up. "Rafferty, what's going on?"

Rafferty sighed. "Bon, the villagers didn't intend to feed blood, but Holden made a deal. He paid us 3,000 dollars a month."

Andrew felt bitter irony. They'd sold their blood for 3,000 dollars?

Bonnie hadn't expected this. Disappointment washed over her. They chose money over legitimate work.

After a long moment, Bonnie raised her voice firmly. "Holden committed a crime. He trafficked people, used human blood, and caused deaths. The police know. You all helped cover up his crimes, making you guilty."

She paused. "When the police arrive, confess and show remorse for a lighter sentence."

Turning to Andrew, she said, "Let Jeremiah's people in."

Andrew, seeing her distress, spoke gently. "Alright." He ruffled her hair. "I will be with you."