In Rei's defense, the fake poison was the System's idea.
The glowing vial had appeared in his inventory that morning, wrapped in a velvet ribbon with a cheerful System notification:
[System Gift Unlocked: Fake Death Elixir – Now 78% more believable!]
[Effect: Simulates total biological shutdown for 6 minutes. WARNING: Side effects may include gasping, twitching, dramatic moaning, and extreme regret.]
"Perfect," Rei whispered, holding the vial up to the morning light like a mad alchemist about to cheat destiny.
And by destiny, he meant five terrifyingly passionate women who had each scheduled their wedding on the same day, at the same hour, in the same temple.
Escape Plan #8 was simple: fake death, get buried quietly, sneak out through the graveyard tunnel he secretly paid a goblin to dig last week was simple, elegant and possibly stupid.
But what did he have to lose? Other than his actual life?
Two hours later…
The Velvet Kingdom wore black.
