Killing the Possessor - Chapter 94

“Well, she was in perfect condition for testing. As you all know, she once fell into the lake and became seriously ill. Because of that incident, her younger sister was actually possessed by an evil spirit.”

Shock rippled through the crowd. Though I couldn’t catch every whispered word, the looks directed at me were hardly kind.

It was unsurprising—although I’d been exorcised, society was extremely conservative. They couldn’t simply write it off as bad luck; the stigma of evil spirits was too strong.

Glinda had strictly ordered the staff to keep this news from leaking out, but with so many people involved, it was nearly impossible to monitor every word and gesture.

Moreover, since the exorcism was reported to the Public Security Bureau through the temple and subsequent visits to the investigation room, some attendees likely already knew about it. Even the Count, with his connections, probably found out this way.

But that didn’t mean this information should be aired so publicly. I stared hard at the Count, who was clearly provoking trouble.

Had he guessed my intent when I broke into the study?

“Those who lose consciousness are usually the ones afflicted by possession. That’s why I asked. Miss Camilli, I don’t suspect you of being a possessor. I simply inquired because you fit the profile.”

I didn’t see how that was different from suspecting me, but I chose silence rather than cause conflict again. Turning away, he selected candidates based on the criteria he mentioned earlier. Four young men were tested with the orb and all were confirmed not a possessor.

As the original story’s progression neared, I grew tense. The Count then named the next candidate.

“Miss Ailrose, please come forward.”

Unlike before, she wasn’t a volunteer. The woman whose name was called looked surprised and questioned,

“Me? Really?”

Coincidentally, she was a familiar face. A woman with curly blonde hair and soft brown eyes reminiscent of autumn leaves.

She was the lady who’d just been passionately kissing Prince Wyner in someone else’s bedroom. Nervously, she hesitated as the crowd watched.

“I… I’m fine, really.”

Her eyes and voice showed her nervousness. I was just about to think someone else could be chosen since volunteers were plentiful when a lady who recognized her fanned the flames.

“Oh yes, Miss Ailrose was unconscious for several days after a riding accident, wasn’t she?”

The crowd’s expression shifted instantly. While this was presented as an unusual event centered on a curious object, with the Count’s mention of Public Security and possession, it was effectively a trial.

Anyone old enough for the orb to detect and who had experienced unconsciousness was a suspect. Hesitation only increased suspicion.

Like Lady Ailrose now.

“Everyone knows I’m not a possessor. There’s no need for this…”

“Well then, there’s no reason not to try.”

“…”

Her hesitant tone grew harsher. Unable to bear the pressure, Ailrose stepped forward. As if being led to slaughter, she walked slowly, drawing some impatient murmurs urging her to hurry up.

And finally, she placed her hand on the orb.

“…”

As I expected, nothing happened.