"Gaihe Inn? Those rich girls actually went inside?"

"Yes, boss. They definitely went in."

"Tch. That’s Young Master An’s turf. He hates girls getting into trouble there. Keep watching. They’ll go out to play soon. Outsiders get blinded by this city’s glamour fast."

The man in white lit a cigarette. "That’s when we get to enjoy ourselves."

"Brilliant, boss! Plan perfect!"

He turned as a lagging subordinate rushed over. "Took your time, huh? Two hours? Trying to get them killed? They’re just two scrawny kids!"

"Sorry, boss. Got held up a bit. But don’t worry—they’re alive and walking!"

The other three nodded.

The man in white shrugged. "As long as no one died. Kids’ lives are worth more than adults’ down here. Gas, why’s your head down?"

The called man looked up, flustered. "Just… savoring the moment."

"Savoring? Ha! What’s to savor with that brat? Go to Paradise Land for real talent—every one unforgettable. But damn, it’s pricey. Even a plain-looking girl costs a hundred magic coins to start."

"True! So true!"

...

"Mother…" Winnie stood by the curtain, watching the group chat excitedly.

"No. Today isn’t for killing. We’re here to relax." Cecile replied, brushing Helena’s hair.

They’d long noticed the thugs tailing them.

But Cecile wasn’t here to unleash her Pride Witch power.

Yahar City couldn’t withstand another blow—that’d be cutting off her own arm.

Economic hubs like this stayed untouched. Loyal or not, as long as taxes were paid, she didn’t care.

But if this happened? She’d hunt them down without mercy.

"I don’t get you… How can you be so patient? The old you would never stand for this!"

Who’s the real holder of the Arrogance Authority anyway?

Winnie knew what bearing the Arrogance Authority meant.

Yet in her traitorous disciple, she saw restraint… Ugh! Why did this cursed thing appear in someone with the Arrogance Authority?

Things even she couldn’t tolerate, Cecile endured.

Winnie didn’t understand!

Seriously, what was going on!

"Get real. We haven’t seen each other for six hundred years. Your impression of me is stuck in the past."

Winnie wasn’t wrong. In the original story, Cecile would’ve grown even more arrogant.

But who knew Cecile’s core had changed.

"I don’t get it… I, the former Pride Witch, having to get along with trash… What a disgrace!"

Winnie banged her head on the bed, rolling wildly on the soft quilt.

"Cecile."

"Huh? What now?" Winnie lay on the bed edge, twisting to see Cecile approach.

*Smack!* It landed right on her butt.

Winnie shot up like a spring.

Blushing, she glared. "What was that for! I’ve been obedient!"

Cecile chuckled. "Nothing. Just wanted to try the feel."

"Mother!" Winnie pointed.

"Pointing with your middle finger isn’t polite, especially at your mother."

Winnie pulled back her hand, gritted her teeth, and flopped onto the bed. She grabbed a pillow under her neck.

"Fine. Do whatever. Hit me if you want."

Realizing Cecile was just teasing, Winnie gave up.

Her free will was already taken; resisting only made Cecile more excited.

"Really, Winnie?"

"What can I do? I’d love a forbidden arts duel, but would you even fight me?" Winnie complained.

If she’d known it’d be this humiliating, she should’ve fought to the death back then.

Not end up getting spanked every time she talked back. Once or twice was fine… but every time?

Ugh! Fed up! Just end it all!

Cecile raised one finger.

Right. One time was shame; many times was habit…

Her other hand roamed up and down Winnie’s back.

But this was better. She could finally move to the next step.

Winnie’s resistance had lessened. She wasn’t as defiant. Sometimes, when Cecile spared her a task, Winnie even gave grateful looks.

Affection really needed time.

Tch, gotta say—Winnie’s butt was perky and soft. Hard to resist squeezing. Perfect for thinking… Her smooth back too. A shame not to cup it.

"How about a bet tonight?"

"What’s there to bet with you…" Winnie turned away, then back. "What’s the bet? Fair warning—if I’m not interested or it’s unfair, it’s off."

"If you win, I’ll stop restricting you from regaining your original form. I’ll return your name, Edwinnie, and your freedom. No more ‘Mother’."

"My free will is still with you."

"We’ll sign a contract. Even with your free will mine, I won’t command you again."

Winnie thought. "Sounds good. What if I lose?"

"You lose nothing. Just keep this outfit on. Makes punishing you easier. Honestly, the feel earlier was amazing."

Winnie flushed red. "Damn, pervert! You… unbelievable! What happened to you over the years!"

"Much." Cecile said lightly.

Winnie sat up, eyed her clothes, gritted her teeth, and nodded. "What’s the bet?"

"You decide. Fair, right? I set the stakes; you set the bet."

"Fine. But I’ll owe it. Nothing to bet on now."

"Naturally." Cecile accepted calmly.

Exactly.

To deal with someone as proud as Winnie, you must defeat her in her own field.

Tricks or schemes would only breed resentment.

Obey, obey, obey… until passive obedience became active.

Willingly, sincerely calling her Mother.

Whether she could truly win over this god-like power depended on tonight.

Cecile was confident.

Winnie would propose something both excelled at. And she held the Arrogance Authority.

If not? Next time. Opportunities abounded. Create them if needed.

"Mother… can you take your hand off?" Feeling the hand still roaming, Winnie couldn’t take it anymore.

Cecile laughed. "No. You said I could do whatever. What’s wrong with touching? You won’t lose weight."

"You… just wait!"