A/N: Yes, yes.. I know that it's been about a month since I last updated this; I was on hiatus due to personal reasons, and because of school. Unfortunately, since I recently started school again, I won't be able to post up a new chapter as frequently as I originally planned. But, I give you (the readers) my word that I shall update once a week (either on Fridays or Saturdays), so that way, should I get writer's block, it'll wear off before those days.

FAQ (BTW, feel free to email me to add suggestions and whatnot):

kyunaru: The answer to the first part of your question is: no. will be today, and I answered the second part in the note above the FAQ.

Chapter 24: Toxicos & logos

A few days after visiting Devlin's game shop, the Count of Monte Cristo made his arrival at Pegasus' penthouse. The reason for this visit was to return Pegasus the favor for his request. Upon hearing that the count had arrived, Pegasus' wife immediately had one of her servants to receive the guest. When the servant opened the door before her master's visitor, the foreigner stepped inside, but not before he saw a faint image of a couple in one of the windows above.

Croquet began, "I was informed by the master that he is unable to be graced with your presence, Count. Mr. Pegasus left to dine with the Emperor about one hour ago, but he told me to advise that you to get more acquainted with his wife for the time being."

"Very well, then," replied Monte Cristo.

The same man guided the guest to the parlor, where the Missus was waiting. Sitting beside Mrs. Pegasus, is her teenage son, Edward. The eighteen-year-old listened his mother, only because of his curiosity about his rescuer. For almost a week since his accident, Edward wasn't able to see or meet the stranger.

Before the count appeared at the parlor room entrance, he overheard a conversation between a mother and her son.

"Edward, where is your sister? Why isn't she here?"

"She said that she's taking care of Grandpa, remember?"

"I don't see the point of that when he already has a servant to do that for him. Now, bring her down here."

"Fine..." muttered the young man, as he got up and left the parlor.

"His Excellency, the Count of Monte Cristo," announced Croquet. The familiar dark figure then made his appearance before the missus. The last time she met with the count, the woman became immediately infatuated with him.

"Your Excellency, it pleases me to have the honor to receive you here today," said Mrs. Pegasus, "The first time we met was too brief for me to give you full gratitude for the deed you have done for my family and me."

She motioned her guest to sit on the sofa opposite to hers. "Would you like some tea, Count?" asked the woman, in a seductive manner.

Feigning innocence, the visitor politely answered, "No thank you." 'Maybe I could use my looks to my advantage on this woman here...'

Pegasus' wife then turned to where her husband's right-hand man was standing. "You may leave us, Croquet."

When he found himself alone with the Missus, Monte Cristo said, "I have heard that your stepdaughter was recently discovered to be Mr. Pegasus' biological daughter. Is this true, ma'am?"

"Yes, it is true... unfortunately."

"Why is that unfortunate?"

"Because of her newfound identity, she would be the sole-inheritor of her grandfather's fortune. My son, Edward, would receive not even a penny."

"How sad!" exclaimed the count, "Even if siblings are not related by blood, they should still be treated equally."

When Mrs. Pegasus heard this, she lit up with a joyful expression. Meanwhile, Edward returned to the parlor. "She says that she's not coming down here. Can I hang out with my friends now?"

"Not before you give your respects to the man here."

The rebellious teen hastily bowed and thanked the stranger. He quickly left the penthouse, and drove away, sober this time.

When they were alone again, Monte Cristo said, "Hmm... I believe that this is the third time we have met, Mrs. Pegasus."

"Please, call me Helena, Your Excellency."

"All right, Helena. As I was saying, I believe that the first time we have met was not a week ago, but rather two years ago."

"Two years ago, you say?"

"Yes. Now, have you ever been to China, Helena?"

"I went there once, but I was in a Tibetan village; somewhere in the Tibetan plateau. I was taken care for by some shaman or doctor when I passed out from the thin atmosphere."

"Then my suspicion was indeed correct. You see, I was that doctor who cured you of your 'illness'. I used a special poison to revive you. The villagers there considered me as a great doctor, because I had saved several lives in that village. "

"Poison?!"

"Yes, you have heard me correctly. But, don't worry, it was only a small dose; if it was a large amount, you would've surely died."

'Lucky me, then,' thought the woman.

"But, Count... if you had saved those lives, then surely you can be considered a doctor."

"It was merely my vast knowledge of chemistry and biology that enabled me to do what I had accomplished in the village. Nothing more, nothing less."

A terrible idea immediately sprouted in Helena's mind. "About that poison you used to revive me, Count..."

"What about it?"

"You said that it was lethal only in large doses, right?"

"That is correct, but why the sudden interest?" asked Monte Cristo.

"I was just wondering if one might possess an immunity to poisons, by taking small amounts."

"Ah! That is how I have become immune to nearly all poisons. The process is very simple, really. Let's say... one takes a milligram the first day, two milligrams the next, and so on, so forth."

"Interesting... I don't suppose that you developed some sort of cosmopolitan substance that contains traces of several types of poisons?"

"Indeed I have, Ma'am. If you want, I can send a vial to you later today."

"It pleases me to hear that, Your Excellency..." said Helena, as she grew more attracted to the foreigner.

Like a gentleman, the count took his leave, and departed the penthouse. Helena personally accompanied him to the main entrance/exit doors. When the two arrived at the door, a limousine was already waiting outside.

However, this had not surprised Mrs. Pegasus, for she has heard rumors of how the count's orders were obeyed without a second's notice, and with much punctuality.

Before he entered his car, Monte Cristo said, "I shall send one of my servants to give you the package later today, Madam. It was a pleasure to have met you."

The woman replied, "It was an honor for me as well."

And with that, the vehicle left, and headed for the master's estate. As a man of his word, one of the Count of Monte Cristo's servants sent a certain package to Mrs. Pegasus...