Kusuriya no Hitorigoto

The man who suddenly barged in was the aforementioned triplets father. Apparently, his name is Buoen. Unlike his name, his temperament was far from composedin the chaos of his forced entry, the match was inevitably interrupted.

(T/N: , Bo Wen in Chinese, meaning: erudite, or well-learnt in the scholarly arts)

He seemed to have registered Jinshi and the weirdos presence, but he had a reason to be caught up in his own matters.

You claim these fingers belong to your son Dad said.

The spectators had left the theatre due to the commotion, leaving behind only those involved in the matter.

With the match interrupted, the weirdo tactician looked like he had something to say, but by the time somebody noticed, he was already sound asleep, face planted against the Go board.

It seems he had tired himself out. His official aide was attending to him in the corner and looked like he wanted to ask Maomao to take over in Dads stead. He quickly zipped his mouth after she scowled though.

Enen and Yao, who had stayed behind due to curiosity, ended up looking after the weirdo instead.

Yao got lightheaded from seeing the fingers on the table. She may be used to it for the most part, but she probably baulked at seeing it severed.

With the weirdo in this state due to the intruders, the match will probably be resumed in the future.

Everythings been recorded down properly, so its not a problem, Rahan said to Jinshi. Once this is settled, you can continue.

Although Jinshi appeared somewhat placated by this, he wore a displeased expression on his face.

Even though he had put in the effort to make use of every underhanded, sly maneuver to ensure a flawless victory for himself.

(Of course, with such a large difference in skill level, the weirdos win is almost guaranteed.)

However, from the way things turned out, it seems Jinshi had colluded with Rahan after all.

Being a man who sold out even his biological father and grandfather, if theres something to be gained, it follows that he would go as far as to sell out his adoptive father.

(Should I pursue this matter?)

No, even if she asked, it would just drag out this entire farce.

Maomao was more bothered about how Buoen had lunged at Dad.

Can you explain what you mean? Dad asked.

Buoen was being restrained by his two sons.

Having made an abrupt entrance, the three of them looked out of place. If they then try to use violence on Dad, it was inevitable that they would be held down.

Jinshi had stayed behind with an inexplicable expression. With the match disrupted, he had a hopelessly complicated look. Lets have you speak up, shall we? You must have a good reason to put a hamper on our match, right?

It appeared Buoen still retained enough common sense not to refute Jinshi. He couldnt seem to say it properly, so one of the triplets behind him took over. I cant find older second brother.

Second brother, the second oldest brother, so would that make him the middle of the triplets? She heard that he had been wrung dry about what he did the other day during the thunderstorm amongst various other things.

Hes been missing for three days. This morning, this cloth pouch was delivered to our home.

The fingers were from an adult male. He said that it was the second sons, the one who wasnt here.

Please let me take a closer look, Dad said.

WHATS WRONG WITH YOU?! Buoen screamed, but fell silent when Jinshi glared at him.

Whilst hes hardly related to the incident, he was at least aware of the circumstances. The same went for Yao and Enen.

However.

(Even that person stayed behind. Whats up with that?)

It was the Grandmaster of Go person who had been observing Jinshis match.

The grandmaster was sitting on a chair with an innocent look. He was really imposing, so Buoen and his sons couldnt say anything.

It seemed like they had a lot to say, but as long as Jinshis eyes were on them, they had to explain it in a calm manner. Buoen took a deep breath and continued. Because of you, my son was taken to court and detained. And not just that, lawsuits of past wrongdoings followed in succession.

He reaped what he sowed. The youngest of the triplets averted his eyes. The second brother must have also taken the blame for his crimes.

The father was concerned for his son, but it was too late. He had covered up for his prodigal sons, but did he not realise his disciplinary style was flawed?

Youre asking who among us had kidnapped your son? Dad asked.

ISNT THAT OBVIOUS? Buoen slapped the table loudly in response.

Has anyone looked into it?

Theres no way Id know, right? Do you expect me to watch my childrens movements individually?!

(It would have been better if you had.)

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Maomao studied the fingers. The severed section had already darkened.

(If it were fresh, it could have been reattached but.)

Could this be chopped after death, or before it?

She heard that there are differences in cutting the human body whilst its alive versus when its dead. Dad would know, and above all, his grim expression when he saw the fingers was telling of something.

And, one more thing.

(The nails are discoloured.)

The colour right at the centre had changed into a blackish-green.

. Maomao tugged Yao and Enens sleeves.

What is it? Yao asked.

I was thinking we should pass out some tea. Please give me a hand, Maomao said.

Ahh, thats true.

They didnt need three people, but if she asked Yao, Enen would come. And if she only asked Enen, Yao would be unhappy so it cant be helped.

But do we have tea? Yao asked.

We do, but it might be good to provide something thats a little superior. Enen glanced at Jinshi. As long as she is aware of who he is, she wouldnt take out something strange. Although she didnt harbour any warm feelings towards him, she is a capable court lady who can show consideration over that at least.

Hes not going to head back?

He likes sticking his head into strange matters, so I dont think it can be helped, Enen said.

As expected, Enen wasnt going easy on him. While its harsh to listen to, Maomao recalled she often made similar comments on many occasions herself.

If its fruit juice, we have a lot. As Rakan-samas refreshments, Yao said.

Fruit juice, huh. Maomao stroked her chin. Do we have grape juice?

I think we do. Its stored in glass bottles so the quality should also be good.

Then shall we go with that? Maomao headed to the waiting room at the back of the stage.

Umm, are you allowed to just take some as you please? Yao seemed worried.

He received a lot, huh. Hes asleep so he wont know if we take one bottle, Maomao said.

if Maomao says its fine, shouldnt it be fine? Enen was also in favour, so she decided to look for an offering.

.

.

.

They returned after preparing cups for several people, but the discussions seemed to be at an impasse.

Buoen was shouting. Dad was listening in silence.

Jinshi was sitting still and doing nothing but his fingers looked like he was grasping onto a Go stone. Was he thinking about his next move?

The Grandmaster of Gos face was unreadable. She didnt know why he was even here.

Rahan had stayed behind, but the post-tournament settlement of affairs seemed rough. The manual cleaning as well, but it appeared that he had already received advance payment so he was writing a letter about what will happen in regards to the weirdo teaching.

Here you go. Yao and Enen handed out the fruit juice.

Wine? Rahan looked daunted for an instant but seemed to realise it was fruit juice after sniffing it. Like the weirdo, his alcohol tolerance was low. It probably wasnt unreasonable to make a mistake since it was held in a container usually reserved for wine.

It was when Enen handed a glass to the alleged eldest of the triplets.

The cup was flung away.

Red liquid sailed through the air. The metal cup clattered across the floor.

Brothe. The youngest son made a disgusted look.

Enen was dripping in red liquid, but her expression was unchanged.

(Fortunately, it wasnt Yao.)

If it were, Enen would become scary. Enen wouldnt tremble if fruit juice got on herself, but she changes when it comes to her young lady. Of course, Enen didnt act like she was standing before a man she knew to be lustful.

My apologies. I wasnt aware of your preference. Enen went to clean up, her movements indifferent.

Maomao took it upon herself to hand it to the remaining two people.

(I knew it.)

The wrinkles on Dads face deepened. His brows lowered in sadness.

Maomao had noticed it, so there was no way that Dad hadnt.

Dad let out a small breath and stood from his chair. Do you hate grape wine? heasked the oldest son.

no.

His enunciation was somewhat poor.

Isnt grape wine your favourite? Buoen tilted his head. No, that doesnt matter now. More importantly, look for my son. Otherwise

I already know where your son is. Dad shook his head sadly as he looked up.

Wh-where!

Your son. Its your second son, right?

Thats right!

Though she wasnt Dad, Maomao also felt sad.

(He doesnt know, does he?)

This annoying man called Buoen was thinking that his child was truly gone.

However.

(To think that he couldnt tell his children apart either.)

Dad pointed to the oldest son, the one who knocked over the cup. No, the second son who is pretending to be the oldest son.

what do you mean? Buoen asked.

The one who disappeared is the oldest son. Regarding that, I think we better ask the two sons of yours who are present, Dad said.

Buoen stood up and tried to make a grab at Dad. However, the remaining military official stepped between them.

What are you saying! Dont spout nonsense!

What nonsense. Its the truth. Maomao found herself stepping forward as well. She unintentionally spoken, then retreated half a step. Ive gone and done it.

Shall I explain what happened in the way I understood it?

Jinshi finally opened his mouth. The Grandmaster of Go beside him also nodded.

Buoen, I understand what you are trying to say, but shut up for a bit, otherwise the discussion wont continue. Also, the two behind him, dont think about trying to run away.

He gave a stern warning.

Ruomen. If its difficult for you to say, can your disciple speak for you? It seems your capable disciple has reached the answer.

Jinshi was saying something unnecessary.

If shes mistaken, you can verify her answers like a teacher.

Maomao. Dad looked at her.

All eyes were fell on her so she reluctantly stepped forward.

Contemplating where she should start from, she first checked the fingers.

The owner of the finger was probably already dead. If she started off by explaining why he died or how he was killed

Please focus on this nail, she said.

The discoloured nails.

The colour of this nail is indicative of the absorption of poison. Most likely arsenic or lead.

Lead, Jinshi said.

It was probably fresh in his memory.

Maomao looked at Buoen. Your oldest son liked grape wine, right?

yeah. If I remember correctly.

Could he have liked cheap grape wine?

Maomao recalled it. When Dad told her to take notes before, the eldest son had testified that he went to drink cheap wine.

The poisoned wine incident had been something that was exposed not too long ago.

There may still be grape wine that havent been recalled from the market.

If he continued drinking, the poison will appear on his nails.

There was nothing strange about the eldest son at the time of her notetaking. If his poisoning symptoms appeared after that

And.

Didnt he die from lead poisoning? In front of you two. Maomao looked at the remaining two of the triplets.

Wh-what are you talking about?

Thats right. I dont get you.

Why are they feigning ignorance?

I have a question, though. The Grandmaster of Go raised his hand.

Yes, Maomao said.

Just now, you said that the second son was pretending to the eldest son, but the way you said it sounded like the third son knew as well.

Yes. No matter how similar the triplets look, I doubt they can fool themselves. Even if their father hasnt realised it, she said, taking a jab at Buoen.

then, did those two cut the fingers and put up a charade?

Yes.

Again, why? Buoen asked.

(Has he really not noticed?)

As one might expect from someone called the Grandmaster of Go, he had a good brain. The answer to his question was easy to explain to others.

He might have taken it upon himself to do it.

If the second son disappears, he can be cleared of his crimes. Is that the case? Maomao looked at the eldest, no, the second son.

He was glaring at her, but his fists were clenched, unable to retaliate.

i-is that true? Buoen looked at his two sons.

Cant you tell just by looking? Can you really not distinguish between their faces?

. Buoen strained his eyes.

Maomao. Dad called out to her.

Excuse me. Maomao quietly stepped back.

Then, the remaining two should know where the eldest son is, right?

When questioned by Jinshi, they had no choice but to answer. A beautys face has intensity.

hes buried in the garden. We didnt kill him. He was drinking wine and suddenly started behaving strangely. His complexion was also bad, and he looked strange. And then

The second son said that when he suddenly turned violent, he collapsed and bumped his head.

We thought of calling for someone immediately. But, older brother said The third son looked at the second son.

Let me be the one who died. And Ill become older brother.

For that reason, its better to keep the fact of whether he was alive or dead ambiguous.

That he chopped the fingers off the corpse and delivered a threatening letter alongside it to their home.

WHAT ARE YOU SAYING! Buoens tone turned rough.

ITS DADS FAULT! The second son slapped the table. If you fail to cover for everyone, youll push all the responsibilities onto me alone. The most sticky-fingered was older brother! Its the same with you! Who do you think covered for you when you laid hands on dads concubine!

Oi, are you serious about what youre saying! Buoen flared up at the third son, his breaths haggard.

Yeah, our three-year-old little sister who youre currently doting on, huh, isnt she this guys kid? And you doted on her since shes your first daughter, didnt you?

Elder brother! You promised that you wont speak of it!

Are you serious!? Are you SERIOUS!?

(Absurrrd.)

Not just Maomao, everyone else probably shared the same sentiments.

(To cut his fingers because hes dead is)

Maomao thought she had no idea about what happened to the corpse of the dead person.

However, she could only be shocked by what she saw of the truly unsightly argument.

When she looked outside, the moon was shining in the night sky. I want to go back to the lodgings quickly, she thought.