Truthseeker

When a suspect speaks a lie, the user can “see through” the deception and uncover clues.

A fiercely dominant skill reserved for prosecutors.

And Katarina’s sole exclusive Rune Engraved Magic.

At this moment, crimson runes flickered within Katarina’s scarlet eyes, a faint smile playing at their corners.

“So… the banquet dishes hold some secret?”

Her voice, soft as a Succubus’s whisper, sent an icy chill down the spine.

Gu Qinghan’s gaze darkened; sweat beaded on his palms.

He knew exactly what was happening.

With Truthseeker active, lying was impossible.

His heart hammered wildly. The Cortex raced. Options flashed.

Option one: “No secret.”

Truthseeker would expose it instantly.

The Hypnotic Powder’s presence would unravel everything—every misdeed traced, exposed.

Harsh imprisonment awaited.

A dead end.

Only one path remained.

“You’re right, Miss Katarina,” Gu Qinghan paused, then continued calmly,

“These dishes… I did lace them with a drug.”

Katarina froze, statue-still.

“What?”

She blinked, slow to process.

“I mean,” Gu Qinghan added evenly, “there is indeed a drug in the food.”

Moonlight streamed through the window, washing over every face.

Dead silence.

Liana kept her head bowed, expression hidden—yet her delicate frame trembled slightly.

Bathed in silver light, she stole a glance at the dishes. A faint, almost imperceptible glint flickered in her eyes.

Katarina snapped back. Realization dawned.

“What… drug did you put in the food?” she demanded, each word sharp. Her hand gripped the slender sword at her waist, expression stern.

“If it’s for criminal intent, I have full authority to arrest you on the spot, Mr. Hohenheim!”

Gu Qinghan didn’t answer directly.

He sighed deeply, weariness etching his features. Gazed emptily upward—lonely, burdened.

Like a man with unspoken sorrow.

“I wished to create a potion to save lost young women, Miss Katarina.”

*Hum—* Magic drained rapidly. [Soul Whisper] activated.

“This drug poses no real harm. Comparable to alcohol… just stronger.”

“It lets one forget troubles, escape dreary reality, and find temporary solace for the soul.”

“Surely that’s no crime.”

Katarina frowned, puzzled.

After a long pause, she sheathed her sword and sat back down.

“But this is escapism, Mr. Hohenheim,” she said sternly.

Gu Qinghan didn’t argue.

“Indeed. You’re right.”

“But what can ordinary people do? Society’s flaws drive the many to seek escape. I can offer only a temporary haven.”

“Is that truly wrong, Miss Katarina?”

Katarina bit her lip. Hohenheim’s earnest words stirred conflict within.

Her resolve wavered.

Truthseeker’s feedback was clear—he wasn’t lying.

*Doubt flickered.* Could he truly mean it?

Meanwhile, Gu Qinghan’s calm facade hid panic. Heart pounding in his throat. Cold sweat soaked his back.

He hadn’t lied.

Hypnotic Powder *did* mimic alcohol—just more potent.

But the loophole was critical:

Creating a narcotic stronger than alcohol?

Already illegal under kingdom law.

Seconds ticked. Gu Qinghan swallowed hard, a chill creeping into The Four Limbs.

One more question… and Truthseeker would expose him.

After a heavy silence, Katarina let out a cold laugh and deactivated Truthseeker.

“You may believe it… but I don’t agree.”

She snatched her glass, tilted her head back—

*Gulp, gulp, gulp…*

Another half-bottle gone. Her cheeks flushed pink. *Bang!* The glass slammed the table.

Her eyes sharpened.

“The Kingdom of Pure Love is paradise enough. Compared to the Empire of Indulgence—what more could they want?”

“If unsatisfied, they need discipline—not your drugs… *hic*.”

Arms crossed, posture rigid. Authority radiated. Palpable pressure.

Gu Qinghan blinked inwardly. *She didn’t notice.*

A close call.

Soul Whisper worked better than expected.

*Thank you, Hohenheim.*

“Still,” Katarina added, “your words hold merit. I won’t report you to the Alchemy Department.”

“One condition: develop an antidote. Prevent addiction.”

Gu Qinghan finally smiled.

“Naturally. My ‘sobering soup’ was perfected long ago.”

He poured her a full glass of premium draft beer.

*Hypnotic Powder: 15g.*

*This time… it has to work.*

But as he slid the glass forward, Katarina sat perfectly upright—eyes shut, utterly still.

“Miss Katarina?”

No reply.

Only soft, rhythmic snores: *Zzz… zzz…*

Asleep. Ramrod straight.

Gu Qinghan’s lips twitched.

His gaze dropped to the empty wine glass in her hand.

*Premium dry red. Hypnotic Powder: 30g.*

*This woman…*

Amusement and exasperation warred within him.

She’d passed out from low alcohol tolerance—not full hypnosis.

Absurd magic resistance.

Katarina: Hohenheim’s natural nemesis.

Eyes narrowing, he activated Hypnotic Depth Perception.

Hypnotic Depth (Loyalty): 2 points.

[High suspicion remains, yet slight intrigue detected. Proceed with caution.]

[Note]: Hypnotic Powder taking mild effect. Loyalty gain rate doubled.

[Note]: Hypnotic state expires in 3 days without further contact.

A faint smile touched Gu Qinghan’s lips.

Things were unfolding… even better than planned.