Yi Nan looked at Ai Linxue and her daughter, a trace of amusement flickering across his face.
“It’s truly rare—being able to let you mother and daughter reunite in this foreign land is no easy feat…”
He smiled at Ai Linna, his gaze lingering.
“I went through a lot of trouble, you know. Wouldn’t you say so, Madam?”
Ai Linxue hugged Aurore tightly, her eyes full of caution as she stared at Yi Nan. But in this moment, she could only play along.
“Yes… it’s all thanks to you, my lord… Your immense favor is something Ai Linxue could never repay.”
Yi Nan saw Ai Linxue’s response and the smile on his face grew even more unrestrained. The look of submission from Ai Linxue was almost pitiful, but the demon had no intention of letting her go.
“It’s not that much of a great kindness…”
Yi Nan’s gaze roamed openly over Ai Linxue.
“Aurore is such an obedient and clever child. It’s just a pity the nearby domains haven’t been very safe lately—I can’t send you back to Xue Country just yet.”
Ai Linxue’s heart tightened. She could hear the hidden meaning in Yi Nan’s words, but could only follow his lead.
“My lord is considerate. For us to have a safe haven in such a complicated situation, my daughter and I are already deeply grateful.”
“Yi Nan gege…” Aurore came to Yi Nan’s side and dove into his arms. “Wuwuwu… Thank you so much, Yi Nan gege is a good human, not a bad person!”
Yi Nan hugged Aurore tightly.
“Good girl… don’t cry, or you won’t look pretty. Just stay here with your mother for now. If you need anything, just tell me, understand?”
“Mm, I understand, Yi Nan gege.” Aurore lifted her head, her eyes full of tears as she nodded.
Ai Linxue watched Yi Nan’s intimate gesture toward Aurore, her heart a chaotic tangle of emotions…
“Alright… I’ve already arranged a teacher for your Etiquette Class.” Yi Nan patted Aurore’s head.
“You should go to class now. I believe when you return to Xue Country, you’ll be even more charming…”
Aurore nodded, still a little dazed.
“Etiquette Class? It sounds interesting. I’ll study hard, Yi Nan gege.”
Yi Nan smiled at Ai Linxue.
“Madam, Aurore is so adorable, you must cultivate her well. You don’t mind me making this decision on my own, do you?”
Ai Linxue forced out a small smile.
“My lord’s care for Aurore, Ai Linxue is truly grateful.”
After settling the mother and daughter’s reunion, Yi Nan took Ai Linxue back to the study. Now that Luo Ling had been entrusted with important responsibilities, the duties of personal maid fell to Ai Linxue.
“Didn’t expect that child to look so much like you…” Yi Nan stroked the back of Ai Linxue’s hand, “But she’s not your biological daughter?”
Last night, Ai Linxue had already provided Yi Nan with unmistakable evidence…
Ai Linxue trembled slightly, struggling to suppress her inner disgust, and once more put on her cold, indifferent expression.
Having learned her daughter was safe, she picked up that pitiful shred of dignity again, no longer responding to Yi Nan, but only staring at him coldly.
While Yi Nan was pondering his next move, Karl came knocking again…
Seeing this fat man, Ai Linxue immediately glared at him with hatred, which caught Yi Nan’s attention…
“Baron…” Karl wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
“Something big has happened…!”
“Oh?” Yi Nan pulled Ai Linxue directly into his embrace. “Speak.”
Karl glanced at Ai Linxue, signaling for her to leave.
But when he saw Ai Linxue sitting in Yi Nan’s lap, glaring at him with those poisonous eyes… Karl couldn’t bring himself to say it.
This woman had earned the Baron’s favor…
“Just say whatever you need to.” Yi Nan pinched Ai Linxue’s chin, blowing hot breath into her ear. “Don’t scare your old friend…”
Ai Linxue remained silent, only staring fiercely at Karl.
Under Ai Linxue’s venomous gaze, Karl felt chills down his spine. After some hesitation, he decided to report honestly.
“Baron,
I just received news, Earl Wil’s eldest son—the heir of Tulip Domain… is dead!”
A flash of shock and confusion appeared in Yi Nan’s eyes.
“What? Dead? What happened?”
“They say Earl Baruk’s eldest daughter broke off the engagement, and he couldn’t take the blow—so he committed suicide!” Karl swallowed hard.
“This time Earl Wil has gone mad. He declared war on Earl Baruk in public, and even claimed that as long as any of his other children brings back the head of a Baruk, they will get the title and domain’s Inheritance!”
“Now… all the Wil sons and daughters have started recruiting soldiers, preparing for war. Already, many Barons and Viscounts have come to pledge themselves as followers for the rise!”
“The heir to an Earl dying in such a ridiculous way?” Yi Nan held the woman in his arms even tighter, but Ai Linxue didn’t care at all—she just glared at Karl, her eyes red.
“So… that’s why Earl Wil is preparing to go to war with Earl Baruk!”
The dignity of a Noble is sometimes nothing but dog shit, and sometimes worth more than life itself… Of course, an Earl’s heir wouldn’t commit suicide over something like this, but no matter the real reason, this debt would fall on Baruk.
“Wil’s decision… will seriously weaken his successor’s influence in the surrounding lands!” Yi Nan narrowed his eyes. “At that time… maybe I could even try for that seat myself!”
Karl could hardly believe his ears! Was this bastard crazy!? Did he have any idea how small his own domain was?
And he said it right to my face?! A Baron dreaming of replacing an Earl!?
Karl’s legs went weak with fright… My lord, it’s fine to think that in private, but why say it in front of me!?
At this moment, Karl knew there was no turning back… Once on this bandit’s ship, he’d have to keep rowing with all his might.
And Ai Linxue turned slightly—this human’s ambition was truly beyond imagination.
The situation in this land was about to change completely, and she and Aurore’s fates would inevitably be swept up into an even larger whirlpool.
She knew full well: if Yi Nan was ever devoured by his own ambition, she and her daughter would surely be buried with him.
Yi Nan looked at Karl and Ai Linxue’s reactions, a cold smirk on his lips.
“What? Lacking the courage, Karl? What a pity… I thought you wanted to become a Noble…”
Karl quickly forced himself to smile—a smile uglier than crying.
“My lord, of course I wish to follow you. It’s just that this is such a major affair, I was momentarily shocked. I will give my all to help you achieve your goal.”
“Good… go bring me information on the Wil family’s offspring! As for you, woman…” Yi Nan gripped Ai Linxue’s chin tightly, forcing her to meet his gaze.
“You’ve heard things you shouldn’t… you’ll have to pay the price!”
Ai Linxue was stunned. This man’s black eyes glinted with murderous intent!
He was the one who made her listen… and now he wanted to kill her!?
Yi Nan drew a dagger and pressed it to Ai Linxue’s throat… her heartbeat instantly sped up, and fear crashed over her like a tide.