Seeing his son unconscious, Duke Aldrich immediately ordered Finn, the head butler, to summon a doctor.
"For now, let's lay him down on the bed first."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Duke Aldrich carefully laid Allen on the bed.
Allen's pallid complexion and slow, shallow breaths were alarming.
Moments later, Finn returned, accompanied by a doctor.
The doctor quickly assessed Allen's condition.
While waiting for the examination to conclude, Duke Aldrich turned to Finn, eager to understand what had transpired.
"I encountered him in the hallway. He was staggering, so I rushed to him and asked what was wrong. Young master Allen simply stated that he wanted to see you, Your Grace."
"What is his condition, Ivan?" Duchess Leticia inquired anxiously, concern etched on her face.
"The young master has been poisoned. From the symptoms, it appears to be the toxin from the Oleander flower."
"Poisoned? How could this happen?"
"Recently, oleander flowers have been used in aromatic candles. It was only after numerous complaints of persistent pain that their toxicity was discovered."
"I'm certain we don't have any oleander aromatic candles in the house," Finn clarified.
"Finn, instruct the maid to search Allen's room immediately."
"Yes, Your Grace."
"Also, check Adrian and Anastasia's rooms as well."
Finn bowed and swiftly exited the room.
"The effects on adults may result in only mild nausea, tightness, and a slow heartbeat. However, for young children, it can be far more dangerous. I will prepare the antidote right away."
"Yes, please do," Duchess Leticia replied, sitting beside Allen and stroking his head, her heart heavy with worry.
Doctor Ivan began writing a list of herbs and instructed his assistant to gather the necessary ingredients from the apothecary.
Shortly after, Finn returned, holding a slightly purplish aromatic candle.
Doctor Ivan examined the candle closely.
"There's no mistake; this is made from oleander flowers."
"We found it in young master Allen's room. Meanwhile, there were no aromatic candles or any potentially poisonous items discovered in young master Adrian and miss Anastasia's rooms."
"It appears someone intentionally placed this in Allen's room."
Realizing the implications of this revelation, Duke Aldrich instructed Finn to summon Rafael and Boston to meet him in his office.
Doctor Ivan set to work concocting the antidote and administered it to Allen.
"Will he be alright?" Duke Aldrich asked, a note of worry in his voice.
"Yes, he'll recover after taking the antidote."
"That's a relief. Thank you, Ivan."
Duke Aldrich and Duchess Leticia exchanged glances of relief, grateful that their son would be okay.
"It's my honor, Your Grace. Please call me immediately if there are any changes. I must take my leave now."
"Of course."
After confirming Allen's stable condition, Doctor Ivan returned to his office.
"Leticia, I must deal with this matter swiftly."
"Yes, dear."
Duke Aldrich embraced Duchess Leticia, kissing her gently before heading to his office.
With everyone else gone, the only occupants left in the room were Duchess Leticia and her son, Allen.
***
Meanwhile, Rafael and Boston, who had been anxiously waiting in Duke Aldrich's office, speculated about the situation that had roused them from their sleep at such an hour.
Rafael, the Duke's right-hand man, fought off sleepiness, yawning frequently. After working tirelessly day in and day out, he found it increasingly difficult to keep his eyes open.
Then there was Boston, the knight commander, always looking sharp and full of vigor. Rafael couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy at his vitality.
"Did something happen, Mr. Rafael?" Boston asked, his brow furrowing in concern.
"I'm not entirely sure," Rafael replied, his voice heavy with fatigue. But since the Duke had summoned them at this ungodly hour, it had to be something serious.
Could it be an assassination attempt? Yet, the security around the mansion was exceptionally tight. Even the most skilled assassins would find it nearly impossible to breach these defenses.
After all, who would be foolish enough to try to harm a member of the Willford family?
Creak.
The sound of the door opening signaled Duke Aldrich's entrance. He strode in, flanked by Finn, who was carrying an object wrapped in white cloth.
Rafael and Boston immediately bowed, a chill running down their spines as they sensed the Duke's dark aura.
After years of service under Duke Aldrich, they understood his nature all too well. The deliberate release of his killing intent indicated that he was in a foul mood.
Was there truly someone so foolish as to threaten the Willford family?
Duke Aldrich took his seat and began to speak, his voice steady but laced with tension.
"Someone deliberately placed poisonous aromatic candles in Allen's room."
So, there is indeed a fool who dares to challenge us.
Finn carefully unwrapped the cloth, revealing the incriminating item.
Rafael leaned closer, inspecting it before turning to Duke Aldrich for confirmation.
"Is this an oleander flower?" he asked.
The Duke nodded gravely.
"What is young master Allen's condition?" Boston inquired, anxiety creeping into his voice.
"Currently stable, but if he does not awaken soon, his life could be in jeopardy."
Duke Aldrich's eyes gleamed ominously in the dim light of the office, causing both Rafael and Boston to swallow hard.
"It seems they've forgotten the true power of the Willford family, simply because I've kept a low profile lately. Find the culprit. Finn will assist you in this matter."
"Yes, Your Grace."
"Yes, Your Grace."