Wicked Persuasion

At the little girl's demand, the outraged man purely scoffed at the ridiculous order made by the dainty child. Not caring if the child was a random noble.

'Tsk. As if I'd ever let a weak and spoiled little girl order me around as they please.'

However, before the man could dare to speak, the scarlet-hair girl produced a brief reddish glowing light that caused the wind around them to swirl in circular motions.

The other two remained frozen in their spots as they watched the scene unfold before them.

"I asked you to step away from them, yet you don't seem to take my word for it."

The small girl remarked with narrow eyes as she continued to stare coldly at the shocked face of the man. Soon, the reddish gleam disappeared without a trace.

It was then, the maid reacted and panicked.

"M-My Lady, there's no need to bother yourself with such an inconvenience! Let me handle it myself!"

Concern quickly filled her soul and mind for involving the youngest child of the house that the houseworkers swore to protect prior to being employed there.

A place where they genuinely felt cared for and appreciated by a noble family.

"Silence woman! I didn't give you permission to speak!"

The young nobleman shouted as he raised his hand toward the maid, yet was brutally caught by the boy as he twisted the man's wrist and pushed him to the ground.

At this, the two females were stunned by the sudden stunt that the boy pulled without a trace of care.

"Why you—!"

Instantly, Inanna stepped in front of the boy as she shielded him from the man's vicious glare and attempt to possibly approach him.

"I, Inanna Bessa, won't let you insult and belittle these two as you please. Not as long as they're in the presence of the members of the Duke Bessa Household."

Inanna apprised the man with a stance full of power and dignity. The young man then realized the rank difference between the girl and himself as he slowly turned pale.

'How could I forget!? Her hair! The Bessa are prominent for having vibrant scarlet hair as a symbol of the Scarlet Dragon's blessing! Tsk. I thought she was only a playmate for the youngest daughter!?'

Unfortunately for the ignorant man, he realized too late that the young girl was a member and the youngest child of the Duke Bessa House.

The household that protects the empire and brought countless victories throughout historical wars. The empire's strongest and most powerful military. A big mistake to get on their bad side.

The nobleman knew he had to somehow fool and manipulate the girl into his side, so he could get away with his evil deeds and not forsake the future alliance his father is establishing somewhere inside the estate.

"My Lady, I think you're misunderstanding my intentions. You see, I'm merely teaching this.. child and the maid some basic manners for their misbehavior."

The man claimed with a sly smile, but Inanna knew better than to be swayed by those wicked words.

"It's quite amusing that not only do you accuse our maid of misconduct, but you have yet to properly greet me throughout our short interaction, Your Lordship."

Inanna retaliated back as she returned the exact smile he had given her.

Amongst them, the boy carefully observed the situation taking place. Specifically, the scarlet-haired girl that was evidently opposed to the young noble. All while maintaining a stoic expression on his face, yet with sharp and steady eyes.

"My apologies, My La—"

"What is going on here?"

A strong voice questioned from a close distance before the young man could complete his sentence.

"Your Grace!"

"Father!"

Two feminine voices overlapped with one another. The maid having an anxious tone and the girl having a surprised tone as they greeted the scarlet-haired man, followed by a chubby man and an older maid.

"Inanna? What are you doing here?"

The Duke asked his daughter as he approached the scene with furrowed eyebrows and tightened fists.

"Good morning, father. I came to take a walk around the garden to admire the flowers and planned to pay brother Agnes a short visit afterwards."

Inanna bowed as she properly greeted the Duke along with the shaken maid and the arrogant nobleman except the boy that remained unfazed by the situation.

"Alone?"

At the disappointed tone of voice, Inanna could only lower her gaze at her foolish mistake. She knew she wasn't allowed to wander off alone anywhere without a maid by her side since it's a custom in the aristocratic tradition for a noble to have someone by their side.

Even then, Inanna took responsibility for her actions. Aware of breaking her promise to Lucy, who gave her permission and trust to not sneak off without her supervision.

"Yes, but it was throughout my own occur, father. It's my fault for wandering off by myself. Nobody else's."

To Inanna's surprise, she merely felt a pat on the head instead of hearing her father's lecture or perhaps punishment. At that, she looked up at her father and only met his back as he faced the young nobleman.

"Your Lordship, it seems your son came to a disagreement with our maid to the extent of causing a commotion and involving my youngest daughter."

The scarlet-haired man apprised with narrow eyes, which gave the impression of a glare directed at them.

The two noblemen purely shivered at the Duke's dark tone of voice and change of direction as he exhibited a scary aura around the air. The opposite reaction of what the three females felt. The two maids feeling a sense of relief whereas the girl felt safe in her father's presence.

The boy merely kept his gaze on Inanna as he examined her. Taking notice of the vibrant color of her hair. The way her expression turned soft and lovely seeing her father protect his own. Enthralled by the beauty and bravery of the girl.

It was then, that the six individuals laid their eyes upon the chubby man as he appeared to be embarrassed by his son's actions and scolded him for it.

"Evan! What do you think you're doing? Are you crazy!? Apologize to the Young Lady and the Duke for your insolence!"

The chubby man outraged and demanded. Turning a deep shade of red from the anger and humiliation he felt.

"Father! The one that should be apologetic is that stupid sla—!"

"Evan! That's enough!"

The chubby man shouted.

'Stupid son! Take the hint! We can't have anything or anyone ruin our chances of becoming allies with the Duke of Bessa!'

The chubby man mentally hissed in frustration while he gave his son a warning stare in a discreet manner.

To their luck, his only son took the hint and immediately began apologizing to the Duke even if deep down he hated the idea of begging forgiveness—damaging his sense of pride and ego.

Shortly, the man bowed momentarily in response for his words.

"P-Please forgive me, Your Grace. I sincerely apologize to both the members of the Duke Bessa Household for causing a scene outside your residence."

Alas, the man's regretful demeanor was merely a facade to his true bitter feelings.

'Tsk. I'll make you pay for this! Mark my words!'

However, the nobleman's insincere words didn't sit well with Inanna as she spoke with a fierce voice.

"Your Lord, the one you should apologize to, is the maid and the boy you mistreated and threatened a few moments ago. Not the Duke and myself."