The gravity of the situation became palpable as Kage confirmed the presence of the deadly mushroom, "sweetie," in the soup. The room was enveloped in a tense atmosphere, every face reflecting the seriousness of the assassination attempt.

Bjorn and Erik, both visibly startled by the revelation, turned to Kage, seeking further explanation. Kage, with a calm yet stern expression, elaborated on the lethality of the "sweetie" mushroom, contrasting it with the harmless Oak Tree mushroom. "The difference is in the aroma during cooking. A 'sweetie' can kill within minutes of ingestion. This was no accident; it was a deliberate attempt on the Archduke's life," she stated firmly.

As the servants were ushered into the room, Torsten and Mai followed closely behind. The sight of Mai dropping to her knees in a plea for forgiveness was a stark image. Torsten, joining her, explained his well-intentioned but unfortunate decision to switch the soups, unaware of the deadly ingredient within.

Mai, tearful and visibly shaken, apologized profusely to Shikihime. "My lady, I failed to detect the poison. I am so sorry," she stammered, her voice quivering with emotion.

Shikuro, taking control of the situation, turned his attention to the missing servant. "We need to find the missing servant immediately. This is a clear security breach," he ordered, his voice carrying an edge of command.

The urgency in Erik's voice was palpable as he issued swift commands to secure the city and initiate a thorough search for the missing servant. His directive to sound the alarms and enforce a lockdown reflected the gravity of the situation. Erik's determination to uncover the truth was evident as he demanded detailed information about the suspect's background, relationships, and any possible connections that might lead to their capture.

After issuing his orders, Erik turned to Shikihime with a somber expression. He knelt before her in a gesture of deep remorse and responsibility. "My lady, I have failed in my duty to ensure the Archduke's safety," he began, his voice laced with sincerity. "I selected the kitchen staff, and though none were from my own household, it is clear that I did not vet them thoroughly enough. Please accept my heartfelt apology."

Erik's words were more than an apology; they were a solemn vow. "I pledge to you, my lady, that I will pursue this matter with unwavering dedication. I will not rest until the perpetrator is found and brought to justice. My honor is at stake, and I will do everything in my power to rectify this breach of security." With that, he stood and quickly exited the room, his resolve clear in his brisk stride.

In the aftermath of Erik's departure, Shikuro, still processing the events, turned to Shikihime with a look of gratitude. "You have saved my life tonight," he said, his voice conveying a mix of thankfulness and disbelief. "I cannot thank you enough. Your quick thinking and keen senses have prevented a tragedy."

The Archduke's question hung in the air, a mix of curiosity and admiration in his tone. "How did you know about that poison? It's not common for a princess to be able to distinguish such things."

Shikihime, maintaining her composed demeanor, met his gaze and replied with a light, almost playful tone. "As rare as an archduke who can't distinguish them, I suppose." Her response, tinged with humor, was unexpected in the solemn atmosphere that had enveloped the room.

Shikuro, momentarily caught off guard by her jest, was taken aback. He had not anticipated a humorous remark in such a grave situation. The hint of a smile that played on Shikihime's lips revealed a different facet of her character, one that could find lightness even in darkness.

Regaining his composure, Shikuro couldn't help but smile faintly, appreciating the resilience and wit in Shikihime's character. "Indeed, Princess, your skills are both impressive and unexpected," he conceded, the tension in the room easing slightly with their exchange.

Shikihime's command was clear and decisive. 'Go, Kage. You know what to do. I expect results.' Her tone brooked no argument, echoing her unyielding resolve. Kage, her features set in a mask of determination, nodded once before swiftly exiting the room. Her departure left a palpable sense of urgency in the air, a silent acknowledgment from those present of the gravity of the situation they were now facing.

Shikihime's attention shifted to Mai, who remained on her knees, a mix of guilt and fear evident in her posture. "Stand," Shikihime commanded gently but firmly. As Mai rose, Shikihime delivered a sharp slap across her cheek — a startling but clear reprimand. "I need you to understand the difference between fun and duty," Shikihime said sternly. "Tonight's oversight was unacceptable. You have disappointed me."

Mai accepted the rebuke silently, tears brimming in her eyes, but she did not speak. Her loyalty and dedication to Shikihime were evident, even in the face of such a harsh lesson.

Shikihime then turned to Yoru. "Check the kitchen thoroughly," she ordered. Yoru nodded and swiftly exited to carry out the investigation.

Finally, Shikihime addressed the trembling servants who had gathered in the room. Her gaze fell on the young girl who had served the poisoned dish. The girl was visibly shaken, her complexion pale and her hands trembling uncontrollably.

Approaching the girl with a softer, more compassionate demeanor, Shikihime asked gently, "Can you speak, or do you need some time to compose yourself? We will need answers, but you will be safe and accompanied by guards. Can you help us understand what happened?"

The young servant, taking a deep breath and steadying herself with an evident effort, nodded slowly. "I... I can talk," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll tell you everything I know."

Shikihime's question was precise, aiming to uncover any deviations from routine that might provide a clue. "Was today something different compared to the last days?" she inquired, her eyes scanning the room for any hint of unease or dishonesty.

The servant, her voice quivering with nerves, responded, "I'm not entirely sure, my lady. The only notable difference was our attempt to prepare a dinner inspired by dishes from your homeland. We've been practicing for weeks, hoping to bring you a sense of comfort and familiarity."

Shikuro, his interest piqued by this revelation, interjected with a direct question, "Whose idea was it to prepare this special dinner?"

The room's attention shifted to the head chef, who suddenly became the focus of scrutiny. His complexion drained of color as he acknowledged his role. "It was my idea, my liege," the chef admitted, his voice trembling. "I thought it would be a pleasant surprise for the princess and her envoy, a gesture of goodwill and hospitality."

Shikuro's gaze sharpened, "Were you the only one who suggested this, or were you influenced by someone else?"

The chef hesitated for a moment before revealing a crucial piece of information. "I had a discussion with one of our servants and his wife. The servant is the one who's missing now. His wife seemed particularly empathetic towards the princess's situation, and she was quite enthusiastic about the idea. It was out of a desire to make the princess feel more at home."

As the chef finished his explanation, he seemed to wilt under the weight of Shikuro's intense scrutiny, eventually losing consciousness and collapsing to the floor.

Shikihime, maintaining her composed demeanor amidst the unfolding drama, probed further. "And the ingredients for tonight's dinner, who procured them?"

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Torsten, taking the lead in the investigation, responded, "The ingredients were taken from the noble stock, but identifying the exact provider might take some time."

The tension in the air was palpable as soldiers swiftly moved through the estate, their systematic search leaving no room unchecked in their quest for safety. The atmosphere was thick with urgency, each report of a cleared room bringing a modicum of relief but not quite easing the overarching sense of danger.

It was in this charged environment that Bjorn approached Shikuro, his suggestion breaking the relative calm. "My lord, I apologise for the intrusion, but I believe it's prudent to search the princess's quarters as well."

The immediate response from Shikihime's attendants was a mix of protectiveness and defiance. Their cold, dangerous stares towards Bjorn spoke volumes of their loyalty and readiness to defend their lady's privacy and honor. However, Shikihime, ever the picture of grace under pressure, met Bjorn's suggestion with a serene smile, indicating her willingness to cooperate.

Shikuro, observing the exchange, was quick to intervene. "No, we will not search the princess's quarters," he stated firmly, his decision reflecting both his respect for Shikihime and his confidence in her integrity. "She played a pivotal role in saving my life tonight. Her actions have earned my trust."

Seeking to ensure due diligence, he inquired about the security arrangements for Shikihime's quarters. Her immediate response, confirming the presence of three guards at all times, seemed to satisfy his concerns.

"I stand by the princess," Archduke affirmed. "Her quarters will remain her sanctuary, untouched by our investigation."

Bjorn, though taken aback by the Archduke's firm stance, nodded in understanding and respect. He stepped back, acknowledging the decision with a gesture of deference.

The tension in the room escalated rapidly as Kage, with a determined stride and a slightly bloodied chin, entered the room, dragging the pleading man behind her. The sight of Kage, a skilled warrior, bearing marks of a recent scuffle, was enough to send a wave of concern through Shikihime and the others from her group.

Kage, brushing off her injury with a stoic demeanor, quickly shifted the focus to the man she had apprehended. "This man was found harboring one of the assassins. His accomplice didn't survive our encounter, and the other assassin managed to kill one of the Archduke's soldiers before escaping," she reported, her voice steady despite the evident strain of the altercation.

As the man desperately crawled towards Shikihime, begging for mercy and proclaiming his innocence, the tension in the room reached a new height. His plea was abruptly silenced by Kage's swift and forceful intervention, her kick sending a clear message about the gravity of the situation.

Kage's authoritative stance as she pressed the man's head to the ground was a stark reminder of the severity of his alleged crimes. "You do not have the right to address the princess directly," Kage admonished him sharply. "Your position is that of a criminal, and you should recognize your place. You are a corpse and Your action will only reflect how swift and merciful Your death will be."

Her words, coupled with her actions, resonated with a palpable intensity. It was a clear declaration of her protective stance towards Shikihime and her disdain for those who threatened the safety of the estate.

Shikihime, observing the scene, remained composed yet watchful. The display of loyalty and the lengths to which her attendants were willing to go for her safety were both reassuring and a reminder of the dangerous game they were all part of.

Shikuro, witnessing Kage's handling of the situation, acknowledged her efficiency and dedication. He gave a nod of approval, understanding the necessity of her actions in the face of potential threats to their security.

The situation in the room shifted as Kage took control of the prisoner, her actions and words imbued with a chilling resolve. The prisoner, visibly disoriented and in pain from his injuries, looked at her with a mixture of fear and confusion.

Kage, with a calm and methodical demeanor, began treating his wounds, her hands moving efficiently to stem the bleeding. The juxtaposition of her providing care while simultaneously ensuring his consciousness for further interrogation was a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation.

"As I said, we need you in a state suitable for further questioning," Kage spoke, her voice steady and devoid of any warmth. "But make no mistake, I will get the information we need from you. Your fate is already sealed; your death is inevitable. But before that, you will tell us everything."

The prisoner, now understanding the seriousness of his predicament, seemed to resign himself to his fate. Kage's unyielding stance and the certainty in her words left no room for doubt or hope of escape.

The prisoner, his condition stabilized but still precarious, was given a potion by Kage. "This will keep you awake," she stated matter-of-factly. It was clear that her intent was to ensure he remained conscious and coherent enough to provide valuable information.

After two grueling hours marked by intense interrogation and the effects of the potion, the prisoner's will began to crumble. His voice, now barely above a whisper, carried a plea for a swift end. "I'll testify, just make it quick," he begged.

Kage, understanding the value of his cooperation, nodded in agreement. "Speak, and it will be over quickly," she assured him.

The prisoner, seizing the promise of an expedited end to his suffering, began to divulge the details of the plot. "We've been preparing for about a year," he revealed, his voice a mix of exhaustion and defeat. "The plan was to infiltrate the household, earn some level of trust, and then poison the princess."

He continued, describing the methodical and sinister nature of their scheme. "We received our orders through letters, passed to us through a small hole in a tree not far from here. We were just hirelings, but the payment was substantial, and we were provided with everything we needed for the mission."

"The plan was to poison the princess and escape unnoticed tonight," he concluded, his testimony painting a picture of a well-funded and carefully orchestrated assassination attempt.

Kage, ever the professional in extracting information, remained focused on her objective. "Any names?" she pressed, seeking to identify anyone else involved in the plot.

The prisoner, his voice a barely audible whisper, revealed his limited knowledge with palpable fear. 'I was approached by a soldier from the Stardust Kingdom,' he murmured, his eyes darting nervously around the room. 'He was very discreet, provided a substantial upfront payment, and made it clear that our role was simply to execute the job without questions.' His words, though faint, resonated with a sense of desperation and resignation, painting a stark picture of the shadowy forces at play behind this sinister plot .

He continued, his voice fading, "The terms were clear – do the job, ask no questions. He didn't share any names. In our line of work, knowing or sharing names is a risk nobody takes. Please, I've told you everything I know..."

Kage, understanding the prisoner's limited utility and the reality of his profession, prepared another potion. This one, however, had a different purpose. As the prisoner consumed the potion, his body relaxed, and his eyes slowly closed, he will be now engulfed in the darkness... forever.

Interlude: Kage's Resolve and Regret

In the quiet of her room, Kage sat alone, her thoughts a turbulent sea of past events and present responsibilities. As the head attendant of Princess Shikihime, her role was laden with the weight of immense responsibility and the sharp sting of past failures. The stillness of the night offered no solace, only a canvas for her memories to replay the most painful chapter of her life.

Kage's mind wandered back to the day she considered her greatest failure - the assassination of the true Shikihime. She had been away on a mission, a critical assignment given by her father, the prime minister and head of the Black Sun Company. The regret of not being there to protect Shikihime, to perhaps change the course of that fateful day, gnawed at her incessantly. The guilt of her absence, the helplessness she felt upon learning of the tragedy, was a wound that never truly healed.

Now, serving Tomoe, who had assumed the identity of her deceased sister, Kage was determined not to repeat the mistakes of her past. She had sworn to herself, to the memory of the true Shikihime, that she would protect Tomoe with every fiber of her being, even if it meant becoming a demon in the process. Her loyalty to Tomoe was unwavering, a steadfast commitment born from the ashes of her regret.

In the solitude of her room, Kage allowed herself to dwell on those painful memories, using them as a fuel to strengthen her resolve. She knew the dangers that lurked in the shadows, the constant threats that hovered around Tomoe. The world of political intrigue and hidden daggers was one she knew all too well, and she was prepared to navigate it with cunning and vigilance.

Despite the weight of her past, Kage found a sense of purpose in her service to Tomoe. She saw in her a leader worthy of loyalty and protection, a beacon of hope for their dynasty. Her dedication to Tomoe was more than just a duty; it was a chance at redemption, an opportunity to right the wrongs of her past.

As she lay in her bed, Kage's mind was a whirlwind of strategies and plans, constantly thinking of ways to ensure Tomoe's safety. The responsibility of her role was a heavy burden, but one she carried with pride. She had vowed to protect Tomoe at all costs, and she intended to keep that vow, no matter the personal cost.

The night deepened, and Kage found herself lost in her thoughts, her determination unwavering. She knew the path ahead would be fraught with danger and challenges, but she was ready to face them head-on. For Kage, serving Tomoe was not just a job; it was her path to redemption, her way of honoring the memory of the princess she had failed to protect.