Chapter 40: The Poisonous Plot Unraveled

The classroom erupted in chaos at Angelica’s accusation.

“Abet poisoned the princess’s water bottle!”

The absurdity of the claim stunned Abet and Lucy, who immediately recognized it as a setup. Yet, the rest of the students murmured amongst themselves, exchanging suspicious glances.

“No way…”

“They seemed close…”

Although no one voiced outright condemnation, the heavy weight of doubt settled upon Abet as wary eyes fixated on her. Seizing the moment, Angelica stepped forward, her arms crossed, confidence radiating from her smirk.

“You’ve been acting suspiciously since morning, so I kept an eye on you. And look! My suspicions were correct—you tried to harm the princess. Truly shocking.”

She spoke with the poise of a prosecutor delivering an irrefutable verdict. Meanwhile, Abet remained silent, heeding Lucy’s prior warning: “Be quiet until the children gather.”

“Where’s the evidence?”

Noah, who had been watching the exchange closely, raised his hand and walked to the front of the class.

“There’s no way Abet would poison the princess’s water. Everyone saw how close they were. If anything, Abet was grateful to the princess.”

His calm and logical defense made some students hesitate, doubt flickering in their expressions.

Angelica, however, merely scoffed.

“It was all an act.”

She circled Abet like a predator savoring its victory.

“Miss Abet, you must have resented the princess, didn’t you? If not for the assassination attempt on her, your father wouldn’t have died.”

Abet’s fists clenched, trembling.

She had expected Angelica to bring up her father, but hearing it still stung. Yet, more than that—

“I’ve never felt resentment toward Lucy. If anything, I’ve always been grateful to her.”

She refused to let Angelica distort their bond.

Lucy, the girl who had mourned her father’s passing before anyone else. The one who had comforted her through the pain. That sacred bond—Angelica had no right to twist it.

“So don’t talk nonsense, Angelica.”

Angelica’s smirk deepened, unimpressed.

“Are you just playing for sympathy? It won’t work, because I have evidence.”

She dramatically pulled a small bag from Abet’s belongings.

A fine, white powder filled the inside.

Gasps rippled through the class.

“I saw it myself. You put this in the princess’s water bottle when no one was looking. I don’t know exactly what it is, but if we check your purchase records, the truth will be clear.”

Angelica’s confidence soared as she presented her supposed proof.

Lucy sighed, stepping forward. The class had gathered enough students—now was the time to strike back.

She tilted her head, frowning slightly. “Isn’t that cold medicine?”

“Huh?”

“I asked Miss Abet to get me some from the infirmary since I had a cold. She must have added it to my water bottle for me.”

The class froze.

Expressions of shock and disbelief spread like wildfire.

But none were as stunned as Angelica.

“T-That can’t be!”

Lucy’s gaze sharpened. “Why do you seem so sure it isn’t cold medicine, Miss Angelica?”

“I—uh—”

Angelica floundered for words.

“If you’re still unconvinced, I’ll drink it myself.”

Without hesitation, Abet snatched up the water bottle and downed its contents in one go.

Angelica paled. “W-What are you doing?!”

But Abet remained perfectly calm, betraying no signs of poisoning.

Of course, it’s just cold medicine. Lucy ensured Amel switched the poison with an illusion before Angelica could act.

Abet had never been in danger to begin with.

As Angelica stood frozen in place, Noah picked up the powder bag, inspecting it closely.

“Wait. There’s a prescription from the infirmary right here.”

“What? So it really was cold medicine?”

“Then it was just a misunderstanding…”

“That was way too extreme, though… Accusing her of poisoning? That’s horrible.”

The tide turned instantly. Students who had watched silently before now cast their disapproval toward Angelica. Though they didn’t speak openly, their contempt was clear.

Angelica felt a cold sweat drip down her spine.

“This can’t be happening…”

Her face was pale, eyes wide with disbelief.

As Lucy brushed past her, she whispered so only Angelica could hear, “There won’t be a next time.”

The words sent a shiver down Angelica’s spine. She wasn’t just warning her—she was promising.

From that moment on, the power Angelica had wielded over her peers began to crumble. The girls who once followed her instinctively started distancing themselves, sensing the shift in power.

The castle Angelica had built with status and manipulation was collapsing, brick by brick.

Lunchtime arrived, and the students scattered to the dining hall. As Lucy and Abet settled into a quiet corner, Noah confidently placed his tray across from them.

“Can I sit here?”

Lucy wrinkled her nose. “I don’t remember renting this seat.”

“A rent?” Noah chuckled. “Well, I’ll sit anyway.”

Lucy sighed but allowed it. Meanwhile, Abet nodded slightly, seemingly unbothered by his presence.

Their meal consisted of cube steak and salmon salad. As they ate, Noah wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and smirked.

“I was impressed earlier.”

“What?” Lucy narrowed her eyes.

“You anticipated Angelica’s plan and set her up in advance, didn’t you?”

Lucy’s gaze darkened. “You knew?”

“Just a hunch.” Noah shrugged. “The timing, Angelica’s reactions—it seemed too perfectly executed to be a coincidence. And let’s be honest, who else could pull something like that off besides the princess?”

Lucy clicked her tongue and looked away. “There’s something off about this guy.”

Before she could say more, two girls approached their table. Abet stiffened immediately.

Amel and Beichel—her former friends.

They had abandoned her the moment the Lichberg family fell, choosing to side with Angelica instead.

Now, they hesitated, forcing awkward smiles.

“Abet… How have you been?”

“We wanted to talk to you earlier, but… Angelica wouldn’t let us…”

Abet’s face darkened. She knew better.

Lucy had told her herself—Amel and Beichel had played a role in today’s incident.

Unable to respond, Abet stood up abruptly.

“Lucy, I’ll be going ahead.”

She left without looking back, her silence heavier than words.

Amel and Beichel exchanged uncertain glances before walking away as well.

Lucy watched them go, resting her chin on her hand. “I guess that’s the end of it.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Noah said, leaning forward.

“What do you mean?”

“Angelica isn’t the type to give up that easily. This might not be over.”

Lucy hummed in thought.

For some reason, she suddenly recalled Angelica’s father—the man she had encountered at the royal palace.

Something told her this wasn’t truly the end.