Chapter 175: Duke Brian
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
After Zhou Ye’s departure, Li Xian gazed pensively in the direction he had left, his captivating eyes reflecting a contemplative expression.
“Why did you orchestrate trouble at the bathhouse?” Duke Brian’s furious gaze bore into his son as they stood within the Duke’s residence.
Unperturbed by his father’s anger, Xiao Chen casually reached for the coffee on the table and took a sip.
Observing his son’s nonchalant demeanor only served to fuel Duke Brian’s ire further.
Pointing accusatory fingers at Xiao Chen, Duke Brian spoke with anticipation of an explanation, “Do you realize that I had planned to rescue the merfolk in the bathhouse and completely disrupt its operations? Your disruptive actions not only failed to aid my scheme but also heightened the bathhouse’s defenses against us!”
Xiao Chen pushed away his father’s finger that hovered dangerously close to his face and responded in a relaxed, smiling tone, “Who said I did it to help you? I merely sought vengeance for my foolish sister. Besides, I didn’t do much. Every morning, I sent Henry, who slept like a log on the mermaid bed, back to Marquis Kumar’s mansion.”
Had Xiao Chen not mentioned this, matters might have fared better. However, Duke Brian’s anger surged upon hearing these words. “Is that how you send someone off? You had the bodyguards seize a naked Henry and drag him from the room to the flying car. That’s torture!”
“You may have successfully embarrassed Henry and avenged your sister, but do you comprehend the reputation your father, I, has gained in the aristocratic circles?”
As Duke Brian attempted to regain composure, his voice resonated with even greater anger. “They claim that I misuse my Duke’s title, pampering the younger generation and bullying nobles of lower rank!”
“Reputation? If you truly cared about reputation, you wouldn’t have betrayed me in the first place.”
“You!” Duke Brian seethed with anger at Xiao Chen’s nonchalant demeanor, but he made an effort to compose himself. “Yes, I may not care about reputation, but you know that Marquis Kumar is aligned with me. He despises the bathhouse as much as I detest the mermaids profiting and undermining the empire’s authority. Our Duke’s Mansion and the Marquis’ Mansion have been family friends. Your grandmother was once married to Henry’s great-grandfather!”
Anticipating that her father would once again bring up their families’ past connection, Xiao Chen interjected unhappily. “So what? Grandma has been gone for many years, yet you continue to dwell on the past. Are you seriously considering marrying off your sister to Henry? Don’t forget, when Grandma got married, her husband was a duke, not a marquis like Kumar is now, let alone an earl like Henry will be in the future!”
Such a decline in nobility with each passing generation could only be described as lackluster!
“I am not…” The duke, of course, had no intention of marrying off his beloved daughter to Henry, a lackadaisical individual who had no drive and remained entangled with the bathhouse.
“Since you don’t want to, why do you keep indulging your sister? Why do you continue to associate with Henry?” Xiao Chen’s expression turned cold as she placed the coffee cup on the table with a firm hand.
Xiao Chen understood him all too well. She knew that her father merely wanted her sister, Xiao Han, to maintain the relationship between the two families, enabling her to continue to rope in the influential Marquis Kumar and work together to execute their plan against the bathhouse.
After all, most of the nobles residing on the planet of the Empire’s Beijing were regular patrons of the bathhouse. Only a select few, like Kumar, staunchly opposed the bathhouse’s management. And nobles of Kumar’s caliber, possessing genuine power and high noble titles, were even scarcer.
Xiao Chen regained her composure. “Don’t worry. Henry has completely shattered my sister’s heart. They won’t have any further contact in the future. Likewise, I won’t target Henry anymore and cause trouble for your plan.”
Having said her piece, Xiao Chen left the room without looking back. She cared little for Duke Brian’s mood, let alone the shattered cup.
Just as Xiao Han returned and was about to ascend to her room, she caught sight of Xiao Chen exiting their father’s study, her expression icy and aloof.
“Brother?”
Xiao Chen’s face lit up with a warm smile upon seeing her sister. “Are you having a good day?”
In an instant, Xiao Chen could discern her sister’s happiness. It seemed that Henry’s hurtful words hadn’t affected her in the slightest. Xiao Chen couldn’t help but feel a slight concern that her sister might be falling in love. No matter how harsh Henry’s words were, they couldn’t seem to sway her heart..