Everyone brought items from their rooms. Though quantities varied, the types were nearly identical: portable thin quilts, pillows, toiletries, and such. Each item was shown to others for inspection.

But there was an exception—me.

It wasn’t that everyone trusted me. Rather, no one wanted to check what I carried out.

“Hey… Nerlis? What are you eating?”

York and Lux turned to me just as I pulled out my dinner.

“As you see, I’m taking dinner. I’m a bit hungry too.”

That was true.

“…”

The brothers’ faces flashed with blatant disgust. But their excellent upbringing made them switch expressions instantly.

“Uh, let me confirm, Nerlis.”

“Hmm?”

“You… took ‘dinner’ from an insect breeding tank to eat?”

He stressed “dinner,” eyes locked on the only thing I’d brought from my room—the breeding tank. I’d worked hard to make it: blackout cloth curtains outside, a tiny warm, humid ecosystem inside, perfect for insect breeding. I’d even ordered them not to cannibalize each other. As a noble lady, money wasn’t an issue. I’d collected rare insects from around the world.

Come to think of it, Ellen had helped carry this heavy tank over.

“Correct.”

What I pulled out was an insect as big as a forearm. It resembled a mealworm but had dark green, water-ripple patterns. A tube as thick as a finger extended from its mouthparts.

“Just asking—what is this? If it’s dangerous—”

“Relax. It’s called a ‘Sickfood.’ In its native tongue, that means ‘special food.’ It’s a low-level magic beast insect, skilled at hiding, not attacking. I keep it for its amazing biological trait.”

I pulled the tube from its mouthparts, stretching it to match its body length. Then I slipped the tip into my mouth. Slimy and slippery.

Next—

I cradled the Sickfood insect, gently squeezing its abdomen. As it contracted, thick, pale green slime flowed through the tube. Not a drop wasted—it slid straight into my mouth. I let it linger briefly before swallowing. To avoid waste, I scraped the slime off my chin and lips with a finger, licking it clean.

“…Huh. I’m done. Thanks for the meal.”

I stuffed the tube back into its mouth. It wriggled, protesting my rough handling. Sorry about that. Time to return it to the tank.

Looking up, everyone looked ready to vomit… Ah, Liliana was already retching.

“…So you… eat… this?” Lux asked, face pale green. York looked no better.

“The Sickfood mixes its bodily fluids with absorbed magic to produce highly concentrated, non-toxic nutrient slime.”

—The slime I’d just drunk. Sickfoods were rare creatures that survived solely on ambient magic and could turn it into food. Natives always carried one on long expeditions for sustenance.

“A few sips provide two full days of energy. Very handy. Want some?”

“NO!!!”

“It tastes like lemon juice.”

“STILL NO!!!”

“…Right. What a shame.”

They refused. Honestly, I preferred it that way. I wasn’t keen on sharing such a treasure. My deliberately gross eating method had worked perfectly.

——————————————

After eating, time crawled in silence.

The hall clock ticked steadily. No other sounds, except occasional stomach growls.

Everyone sat like stone statues. Each pondered their thoughts while watching others. Clearly, exhaustion had set in. Molly, once the most tense, had collapsed into sleep.

“Everyone.”

York’s voice was dry. All eyes snapped to him.

“I think it’s time to discuss night watch rotations.”

“…”

Silence meant agreement. Everyone silently handed the decision to him.

“My idea’s simple. Half sleep first; half keep watch. Switch shifts after midnight. Ellen and Chloe must be awake or asleep together. Any objections?”

“…Me.” Lux raised a hand.

“Speak.”

“How do we split the groups? Everyone’s… exhausted. Who rests first?”

“Well…”

York scanned the hall.

Eight people remained: York, Lux, Ellen, Chloe, Liliana, Nia, Molly, and Nerlis. Perfect for four-on, four-off shifts. Molly was already asleep from sheer fatigue.

“Who’s eaten dinner? Those refueled can last longer.”

Three hands rose: York, Lux, and Nerlis.

“I’ll start. I can take first watch. Anyone else not too tired?” York said.

Lux and Nerlis exchanged glances, then nodded together.

“I’m fine.”

“Same.”

“What about Ellen and Chloe? You two…”

“No need to nag! I’ll stay awake! If that bastard attacks at night, I’ll—”

Ellen looked tired but burned with fighting spirit. Actually, it bordered on madness.

“…As she says. Chloe, you know the suspicion on you two—the strongest—isn’t cleared. So…”

“So we can’t have one asleep while the other’s awake? I… can manage…”

But deep shadows hung under Chloe’s eyes. Her father’s and Anhans’ deaths had shattered her. York hesitated, then nodded.

“So that’s me, Ellen, Chloe. We need one more.”

He looked at the others. Liliana and Nia shrank back. Understandable—they were hungry and mentally drained. Pushing further might break them.

“Lux and Nerlis, decide between you.”

The two stared at each other.

“…Nerlis, can you handle it?”

“I should be fine. What about you, Brother Lux?”

“I’m okay too… Ladies first. You sleep first.”

“Since Brother Lux insists, I won’t refuse your kindness.”

Though he was her blood brother, Nerlis gave a formal bow. Then she sat quietly on a chair, head lowered.

“…Alright then.”

——————————————

Night fell.

Molly still curled on the floor, eyes shut tight, face twisted in a nightmare.

Liliana and Nia lay on the hall carpet, heads on soft cushions from their rooms. They’d started wide-eyed but soon drifted off.

Nerlis sat in a chair, head slightly bowed. Her sparse bangs half-covered closed eyes as she slept in that pose.

Chloe and Ellen hadn’t changed. Chloe clearly struggled to stay awake. Ellen practically hoped the killer would attack so she could slash back.

York and Lux sat at opposite sofa ends, eyes wide open, feeling time drag.

To stay alert, they chatted idly.

“Speaking of which, Lux.”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t you think Nerlis has…?”

“Seems suspicious?”

“No, not suspicious. But doesn’t she feel… different lately?”

“…Ah!”

Lux’s eyes lit up. He’d noticed too.

“She’s getting… how to put it… more beautiful?”

“Her face hasn’t changed at all.”

“True… but the vibe… Forget that. What do you think?”

“Think about what?”

“The Great Secret Treasure, of course.”