DHDF 03

chapter 03

I returned to the orphanage with very light steps, only to find Margaret, the director’s daughter, waiting for me on the front steps.

And, of course, she was with her followers.

“You’ve been going out a lot lately, huh?”

“So?”

“Suspicious. You normally stay holed up in your room even on Sundays. Are you trying to hang out with others even though you’re a… monster?”

Margaret was the kind of person who couldn’t stand anyone being above her without stepping on them first.

And I had become her latest victim.

I smiled brightly.

“If that’s really the case, what are you going to do about it? Not that you’re going to play with me anyway.”

“…What did you just say? Play with you? Are you out of your mind?”

Margaret stammered, trying to mask her embarrassment with a snide tone.

She probably didn’t expect me to respond like this.

Normally, I wouldn’t have confronted her directly—I’d just avoid unnecessary trouble.

“Exactly. So, I’d prefer if you didn’t care what I do outside. I might get bored enough to do something reckless, you know.”

“Eek! Get away from me!”

Just one step closer, and she flinched and jumped back in terror.

I could feel the disgust swelling within me.

“You’ll help me, right? Make sure I don’t make a mistake. Please.”

I tucked my loose hair behind my ear and smiled brightly.

This wasn’t an empty threat—it was a warning.

‘If someone asks if it’s embarrassing to show teeth to a kid… well.’

Better than being brutally killed. Considering what Lahes did “for Verjene” as revenge, this was actually mercy.

Thinking about all the petty ways he tormented me made my stomach churn.

“Now, did you understand me? Could you step aside? I want to go back to my room.”

As I adjusted my gloves, her face went pale, and she immediately ran off.

Back in my room, I changed into my indoor clothes and sank into thought. My position at Sanctu Orphanage seemed way too precarious.

‘I’m clearly dangerous, but they’re still curious about me.’

It wasn’t just Margaret and her gang bothering me—there were always people who barged into my room and rifled through my things as if testing their courage.

‘This could mess up my plans.’

Maybe I would even be sold off earlier. Even if I never met Lahes, who knows what kind of trouble I’d face next.

So I decided to isolate myself completely at the orphanage.

“I need to become a perfect monster—so untouchable that no one dares come near.”

Step by step, I gathered my tears and hardened myself, becoming sharp and vicious. Anyone who touched me would face relentless retaliation.

Just giving off the impression that I could kill effortlessly made me a figure of terror at Sanctu Orphanage.

‘When a new child comes in, everyone knows to be careful around me. Success.’

During roll call on the playground, everything went quiet, as if doused with cold water.

‘Very satisfying.’

I clenched my mouth to keep my lips from curling into a smile.

Since the director always said the same things, I ignored her and left the orphanage as soon as the session ended.

As expected, my poison sold very well in the market under the name Dalbta’s Poison. People were lining up, and it seemed only those who really wanted it were buying.

Among them was likely the Duke of Edendale—his family was sensitive to poison.

“Password?”

“Lemon-colored mist.”

The gatekeeper opened the thick iron door. When I had asked before, he said the lock could only close, not open.

“Finally, you’re here! I’ve been waiting for you.”

The branch manager was eager to treat me well. He had laid out all sorts of desserts just to coincide with my arrival.

The moment I tasted the shortcake, the soft, sweet flavor made my hips involuntarily wiggle.

‘Ah, this is the best…’

I could only have one piece, as I wasn’t supposed to linger, which was disappointing.

The branch manager looked at me fondly, then cautiously spoke.

“By the way, have you considered increasing the quantity? Even just one more bottle, perhaps?”

“The boss says it’s for kids who might accidentally harm someone, so he wants cooperation.”

“No, that’s not what I meant, but that’s how it sounds…”

It was my own policy: release only two bottles per week, well below a lethal dose.

When I handed over my payment, the branch manager gave me the bundle of coins. I immediately counted them.

‘I’m not mistrusting him, but I need to be sure about the money.’

30 gold per bottle, totaling 60 gold.

When I first received payment, it was just 1 gold. I had feared that I’d done something I couldn’t handle, considering orphanage teachers earned 30–50 silver.

Since 100 silver equals 1 gold, that was huge money—but I wasn’t doing this for the money anyway.

“I won’t come here next month.”

“What? Why?”

“It’s enough money for my needs.”

“What are you planning to do with it?”

“I have someone I want to meet.”

Usually, I would have been vague, but this time I was straightforward.

“Who do you want to meet?”

“The Duke of Edendale.”

The branch manager gasped in astonishment at my answer. But soon, curiosity flickered across his face—he seemed to be guessing how I was connected to the duke.

“…Why the duke?”

“I have a request for him. I won’t say what it is yet.”

“Aha. Alright, alright.”

He would report this to his superiors.

All I needed to do was finish my part and wait for the duke to take the bait.

Time passed quickly, and the last day I had announced arrived.

I put more effort into dressing, though it was mostly just ironing my clothes.

‘No more forcing out tears.’

My steps felt light as I left the orphanage. Even though the sky was overcast, the day felt strangely bright.

“Since it’s the last day, I added a little extra. And this—I thought you’d enjoy it, like last time.”

The branch manager placed a heavy leather pouch and a neatly wrapped box on the counter.

I could tell by the smell—it was a blueberry tart, four of them! I was thrilled by the unexpected gift.

“Thank you for always being kind to me, from the first time we met until now.”

I meant it. Visiting this secret, dangerous branch had been a joy.

I had long noticed the director’s pretense, and the other teachers were uncomfortable around me.

Yet I never felt hurt or resentful about it.

‘If someone actually wanted to care for a monster, I’d first suspect they were crazy.’

If the branch manager knew the poison came from my body, he’d probably be horrified.

“It’s natural. You’ve worked hard. Feel free to visit anytime—you’re always welcome.”

“I will. And also…”

I carefully took out a letter. Written on low-quality paper, it was my last attachment to this place.

“Could you send this to the Duke of Edendale?”

It would likely be filtered at the post office, but maybe another route would work.

“I’ll try, but don’t expect a reply.”

“That’s fine. Then I’ll go. Take care, sir.”

Just as I was about to leave, a new customer entered. I pulled my hood low and quickly hid in a corner.

He was a tall, imposing man with a commanding presence. He didn’t approach the counter, just glanced around the room.

The moment our eyes met, I recognized him instantly.

‘The Duke of Edendale.’

Black hair, blue eyes. I already knew his appearance from the Verjene assassination target.

The duke strode toward me. His expression was stern, but a faint smile appeared, which made me even more tense.

“So, you’re the owner of Dalbta’s Poison, huh.”

“You’re not a customer. This child is my niece…”

The branch manager, unaware of the duke’s identity, stepped forward to protect me. But the duke waved him off effortlessly, and he was pushed aside.

He looked more like he had been overpowered than willingly stepped back.

‘Does the duke even use magic?’

The gatekeeper also seemed ready to intervene, but it became unnecessary.

“I came because I wanted to meet you personally.”

“…”

“I hope it wasn’t a wasted trip.”

My heart pounded.

‘Maybe I’m unexpectedly good at baiting.’