Chapter 100: Stomach Pain

Isolde curtsied and sat back down. She knew Prudence’s methods were far from simple, so she was always prepared. If she couldn’t defuse the initial challenges, she would acquire a bad reputation, unable to remain in Argentum, and would have to return to Windermount. But if she succeeded, she had a backup plan. Otherwise, such a grand banquet would be a significant loss.

The pastries were served, many exquisite delicacies from Caelmont. However, after consuming so many, it became tiring, especially in the hot weather. Sweet foods held little appeal. Fortunately, Priscilla had prepared ahead and sent servants with the coconut water she’d brought from Caelmont. Coconuts were rare in Argentum; even when available, they were old, lacking juice. Only young coconuts contained liquid.

Noelle and Britney from the Pearl Tower delivered the coconut water, placing bowls before Isolde and the princess. This rare treat was even tempting to Rosemary. “It’s so refreshing and delicious,” she said.

Priscilla smiled. “Indeed! We poured the coconut water into a clay jar, sealed it, and let it soak in well water from the Pearl Tower. When retrieved, it was perfectly chilled and tasty.”

Margaret also drank some, a faint smile gracing her face. “Caelmont has so many delicious foods and fruits. No wonder Mrs. Blackwell is reluctant to return to the capital.”

Prudence smiled. “No matter how good Caelmont is, it can’t compare to the comfort of home.”

Isolde listened intently when she heard the coconut water had been soaked in the Pearl Tower’s well. She noted this previously unknown detail. She examined her bowl and the princess’s; both had a faint, dark red mark on the edge, subtle but noticeable. No other bowls bore this mark.

Excusing herself, she pulled Noelle aside. “Was the coconut water soaked in the Pearl Tower’s well?”

Noelle nodded. “Yes. This morning, after you left, Mrs. Blackwell had servants lower the clay jar into our courtyard well. Then, Mrs. Langley had it retrieved and asked Britney and me to deliver it. She said, since we’re new and unfamiliar with the rules, she worried we might make a mistake with the guests, so she instructed us to serve it only to you and the princess.”

Isolde shook her head. “It’s nothing. Stay here and wait. If anything happens later, let me know.”

Noelle hesitated, uneasy, but refrained from further questions given the crowd. Isolde sat down, almost certain something had been added to the other guests’ bowls. Hers and the princess’s should be unaffected. The substance originated from the Pearl Tower, making her a prime suspect if anything was amiss. She’d misjudged Prudence, thinking she wouldn’t resort to such tactics.

Suddenly, Rosemary announced, “The Queen Mother recently developed a tonic to strengthen the body, and gave me a bottle. Since all the ladies are here, let’s try the Queen Mother’s medicine.”

Rosemary instructed Princess Bourbon, Estelle, to distribute the medicine. Hearing it was from the Queen Mother, everyone felt honored and eagerly awaited trying it, regardless of its effectiveness. Estelle handed out the glossy, shimmering red pills, each with a faint sweet and fragrant scent.

“You don’t need water. Just place it in your mouth and chew,” Rosemary said, taking a pill herself.

Prudence received the medicine with a smile. “I never expected such an honor, thanks to your kindness.”

Everyone followed suit, chewing the pills. “It’s sweet, with a slight bitterness, but no medicinal taste. A fine product indeed!” Rebecca remarked.

Rosemary smiled slightly. “The Queen Mother mentioned snow lotus was included, though I can’t confirm. Snow lotus has detoxifying properties. I’ve tried it; it caused mild diarrhea and stomach pains. The Queen Mother said this is the body expelling toxins. Afterward, her honey pills replenish energy, regulate blood, and strengthen the constitution. I’ll have someone deliver them to your households.”

Everyone expressed gratitude. However, Prudence and Priscilla exchanged subtle glances. Moments later, Prudence felt a sharp stomach pain. She called for Priscilla’s help, but Priscilla also experienced pain, clutching her stomach on a stone bench.

Isolde stood and gently took Prudence’s arm. “Grandma, let me help you.” Several other ladies also stood, eager to reach the restroom, believing they were expelling toxins.

The Duke’s estate restroom became instantly crowded. Isolde assisted Prudence, but as they left the courtyard, Prudence, having drunk little coconut water, felt the pain lessen. She abruptly pulled away from Isolde, her expression cold.

Isolde smiled. “Grandma, what a clever move!”

“Speak plainly,” Prudence responded icily.

“Grandma, your efforts to quell the rumors, even hosting a banquet for me, are amazing. I will always remember your kindness,” Isolde said with a sweet smile, her eyes filled with icy hatred.

Prudence straightened, her hatred and disgust evident. Isolde emphasized each word: “I will collect what you owe me and my mother, with interest.”

Isolde stepped back, her smile unchanged. “Since you’re going to the restroom, I won’t accompany you.” She turned and left.

Only Rosemary and Aveline remained in the pavilion.

“Mrs. Blackwell dares to poison?” Aveline perceived the situation.

Rosemary calmly replied, “She didn’t poison anyone.”

Aveline was stunned. “She didn’t?”

Isolde smiled faintly. “Could poisoning be hidden from those ladies and you? She wouldn’t do that.”

Aveline looked at Rosemary. “I thought you distributed the pills to undermine Isolde.”

Isolde explained, “After so many sweets and snacks, strong mountain tea, and icy coconut water, whose stomach could handle it? Stomach pain is certain. But everyone there doesn’t understand medicinal properties. Once everyone experiences pain, Grandma will naturally suspect foul play and investigate. Of course, they’ll find nothing except the coconut water came from the Pearl Tower. My and Princess Aveline’s bowls are marked; everyone will assume I tried to disrupt Grandma’s banquet, deliberately embarrassing her, and thus, poisoning the coconut water.”

Rosemary glanced at her. “You have a clear mind.”

Isolde initially thought it was poison, but realized Prudence wouldn’t be so reckless. An investigation would implicate the Duke’s estate. But what poison only caused stomach pain and diarrhea? Probably something like croton seed, a strong laxative. She recalled once experiencing similar symptoms after sweets and well water at the estate. The croton seed wasn’t even necessary.