Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Having accepted the woman’s invitation, I stepped into the hut.

The interior was not far from what I had expected. No, to be precise, it was actually tidier and more well-organized than I had anticipated.

Everything was meticulously arranged, and a faint, pleasant fragrance lingered in the air.

Just as I began to relax, letting go of the subtle tension I had been holding onto—

"Please, have a seat."

The woman gestured kindly toward the table.

"Pardon my intrusion."

Without hesitation, I took a seat by the table. Soon, two teacups and some traditional sweets were placed before me.

"I'm afraid I don't have much to offer… I hope this is alright."
"Just the fact that you're offering is more than enough. Thank you."

A soft trickling sound filled the air as the teacups were filled with tea. A rich aroma instantly spread through the room.

‘This scent… I’ve never encountered it before.’

What kind of tea was this? Even during my time learning poison techniques from the Poison King in Sichuan, I had never studied leaves like these.

Back then, I had seen countless medicinal herbs, yet this was an entirely new fragrance to me.

At that moment—

"It’s tea made from Gaeulcho leaves."

As if reading my expression, the woman offered an explanation.

"Gaeulcho?"

I was genuinely surprised at her words. If it was Gaeulcho, then…

"…Isn't that a poisonous herb?"

Indeed, it was. While its toxicity was relatively mild, consuming it in sufficient quantity would lead to paralysis.

"That's right. However, if you wash Gaeulcho leaves properly in valley water during this season and dry them with heat, the toxins dissipate, leaving behind this fragrant aroma."

"……"

That was the first time I had ever heard such a thing.

Even the Poison King had never mentioned this knowledge to me.

‘So, the poison can be removed, huh…’

Did such a property truly exist? Though I was skeptical, I raised the cup without hesitation.

"Thank you. I’ll enjoy it."

Sip.

In any case, my body was immune to all poisons, so something like this wouldn’t affect me.

As I had expected from its aroma, the taste was just as pleasant. It was exceptionally smooth, carrying a deep, rich flavor.

"…It’s delicious."
"I'm glad you like it."

At my words, the woman smiled warmly. She exuded an air of kindness and tranquility.

‘…Who is she?’

That question lingered in my mind.