The Other Ayanokoji

Chapter 62

Kage stared at me in shock, his eyes widening as if he'd seen a ghost. But, true to his nature, he quickly regained his composure. "What is there to tell, Lady Ryo?" he responded, his voice steady, although I could still detect a hint of surprise in his demeanor.

I looked at him, my gaze unwavering. "Stories aren't always true," I said, my tone measured, allowing him to absorb my words.

He nodded in understanding, clearly sensing that this conversation was far from ordinary. "How can you be sure that I'm not lying?"

"Despite the fact that you are a shadow," I began, choosing my words carefully, "you still breathe and have blood." Kage's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly as he comprehended my implication. "You're a living lie detector, so you'll know if I'm being truthful."

"Exactly," I confirmed. "So let me ask you the first question. Did you really injure your brother enough to be in critical condition?"

Kage's gaze dropped to the ground, his silence answering my question before he finally spoke. "Yes," he admitted, his heartbeat registering as normal on the lie detector. I continued my line of inquiry. "How did you do it?"

"I choked him," Kage confessed, his heart rate spiking noticeably as he uttered the words. I frowned, studying his reactions closely. "But Hikari's body had no handprints on his neck in the video."

Kage shook slightly under my scrutiny, his heart rate fluctuating. "I used arsenic," he revealed, his words carrying a heavy weight.

Arsenic poisoning, as I knew, was a serious and potentially lethal condition. It could lead to multiple organ failure and death, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and confusion. In severe cases, it might result in seizures, coma, and death.

Arsenic poisoning occurs through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact with arsenic. Drinking water contaminated with arsenic is the most common cause of poisoning, but it can also be found in certain foods, cosmetics, and medications.

His heart rate remained consistent, indicating that he wasn't lying this time. I nodded, acknowledging his admission. "Is your personality still unstable?"

Kage shook his head, his response clear. "No."

"Hmm," I mused, leaning back in my chair, aware that this was just the beginning of our conversation. "I'll ask you again. Did you really do it?" Kage hesitated briefly before confirming, "Yes." His vital signs remained steady, suggesting his honesty.

I relaxed into my chair, fully aware of the gravity of his confession. "I understand why you would try to hide such a thing from me," I said, noting the scent of anxiety that clung to him like an invisible shroud.

"I don't mind what you do with me," Kage admitted, his voice carrying a touch of resignation. "What do you mean, 'do something to you'? I haven't got anything planned for you," I clarified, sensing his relief as the tension dissipated.

"But I do have a request," I added, refocusing our conversation. Kage perked up, eager to assist. "What is it, Lady Ryo?"

"I want you to watch these people and give me a report," I said, passing him a list, shifting our discussion toward another topic.

"Okay, Lady Ryo!" Kage responded enthusiastically and vanished for about 30 minutes, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Upon his return, I prompted him to provide his report, bringing our attention back to the task at hand. Kage cleared his throat. "The group that you told me to watch over was talking about you and your brother. They noticed that both of your OAAs have gone up significantly."