Sure, she'd done something like instigating a murder before, but if he were left to proceed with his plan, he'd be causing the deaths of so many people.

"What I did doesn't matter. What matters is that I'm finally giving you your chance to get revenge on Victoria," said Henry with a smile. "If my plan works, we'll undoubtedly gain Father's favor—and even the favor of the people of the viscounty—for foreseeing their attack beforehand."

"With this, Victoria won't be able to make a comeback and will be left behind. And once I become the heir of the household, her chances will be completely gone. You'll finally be able to do with her as you wish." The more Esmeralda listened to her brother, the more conflicted she became.

On one hand, he was technically right; if they were able to pull this off, she'd get what she was after: to strip Victoria of her favor, making her the less reputable child, as well as giving her the opportunity to deal with her personally without serious fallout.

"Young miss!"

Both Henry and Esmeralda's focus was shifted when a maid suddenly approached them.

"Can't you see the both of us are in the middle of something here? As a servant, are you lacking in the most basic of etiquette?" Henry grabbed the maid by the throat, lifting her above the ground, her feet dangling in the air.

"Urgh! I'm sorry, young master! Please forgive me!" The maid pleaded for her life, but Henry simply increased his grip strength, forcing throbbing veins to emerge on her face.

"Brother, unhand her this instant!" Henry's focus shifted toward his sister, whose magical power began to stir.

"Tsk!" Henry tossed the maid aside; her body crashed onto the floor.

"Be sure to tell me your answer later on, alright?" That was the last thing he said before leaving, his face filled with visible displeasure.

Pant... pant.... pant...

The maid struggled to catch her breath, her body propped up on the floor with both hands.

"Thank you, young miss." She didn't forget to thank her benefactor for intervening when she did; if not, she knew for a fact that the young master wouldn't have hesitated to snap her neck then and there.

"Get up," Esmeralda said with a sigh. She was glad she was here when that happened; after all, the maid was one of her oldest and closest ones. She didn't want to lose such a valuable vassal.

"Tell me, why did you come to find me?" Esmeralda asked after the maid had gotten up and dusted her clothes.

"Well, young miss... I came to relay some news I thought you'd like to hear."

"Oh? And what is it?" she asked, clearly interested. The maid took a deep breath before telling her what she saw.

"What?" Esmeralda shot up from her seat, her face filled with bewilderment. "He's actually here?" she asked, her voice trembling.

---

"Care to tell me what your answer is?" said the Viscountess, who was seated opposite Su Ping with a cup of tea in hand. "I asked you if you were willing to divorce your wife in exchange for marrying into my household."

"I'm afraid I already told you, your ladyship, but I have no intentions of doing such, though I appreciate the offer."

"And why is that?"

'This woman... Is she really asking me that?' Su Ping felt irritated just staying here and listening to this. To think the reason for his worry was that this woman only wanted to get him to choose one of her daughters to marry.

What made him even more enraged was that she recommended her youngest daughter. Victoria he could understand, but that emerald-flamed witch almost cost him everything after his first chance plummeted.

"I'd like you to take your time and consider; this is a great opportunity for you." The Viscountess didn't look displeased with him but instead offered to give him an opportunity to reconsider.

"I'm afraid my answer remains the same, your ladyship. I simply can't abandon my family, even if it's for your daughter–" 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

"Then don't! I wouldn't mind being your second!" Before Su Ping could finish his sentence, the doors swung open and Esmeralda rushed in with frantic steps.

"Esmeralda! What are you doing here?" the Viscountess questioned, stunned by her unannounced entrance.

'The fuck did this bitch just say?' Su Ping himself had an incredulous look on his face, believing he'd just misheard.

'Don't tell me I accidentally brainwashed her as well?!' he thought to himself; the mere thought sent an unwanted chill down his spine.

"Mother, please. I know it's too much to ask for, but this is what I want," she said to her mother with pleading eyes, then turned to stare at Su Ping with warmth in her eyes.

"All I want is him. I don't care if he already has someone else." Esmeralda placed a hand on her chest; in that moment, she looked like a pitiful woman, true and true.

"Esmeralda, you can't be serious. Think of the family; your father would never accept this!"

"I don't care. If he won't leave her for me, then let me go to him! Please, I'm begging you, Mother." Esmeralda's shoulders were practically trembling with sadness.

"Are these two literally ignoring me right now?" Su Ping's eyes twitched upon seeing the mother and daughter arguing over him as if he wasn't even there.

'What a waste of time this turned out to be.' Su Ping made use of his speed and quiet movement to leave the room in an instant before either of them could notice.

He stood outside the room, and even then he could still hear them arguing inside. Well, at least the bright side remained that none of them noticed his departure.

"Wait... where did he go?" Unfortunately, that wasn't true, because Su Ping heard Esmeralda's anxious voice the next moment.

'Time to leave...' Su Ping said with a sigh, using his speed to gain some considerable distance. Just as he reached the front entrance of the mansion, he paused, coming to a steady stop. He then calmly walked outside.