“I see through things clearly.”

Donathew stood by the window, gazing at Liang Lin practicing swordsmanship in the sunlight of the rear courtyard.

“This child carries a great soul within her.”

“If you think Liang Lin is cold and ruthless because of her appearance, then you’re completely wrong. She has a kind soul, one filled with a sense of justice. Her soul is pure white. Even though her hands are stained with too much blood, she’s protected many innocent people.”

Donathew shifted his gaze to Liang Di, who was reading in the shadows beneath the pavilion.

“In your eyes, Liang Di looks well-behaved. She’s gentle and easygoing, right? That’s not how it is.” Donathew turned away, his blue eyes clear as water. “Her soul is a hazy gray. Liang Di is the most cold-blooded of all. That’s why she pretends to be so gentle on the surface.”

“If I hadn’t come today, that foolish boy Auston would have died in bed.” Donathew sighed helplessly. “Still, he brought it upon himself. Evil always meets its match. He was the one who first wanted Liang Di dead, but his scheme backfired and cost him dearly.”

“Before I brought Liang Di here, I originally planned to send Liang Lin away. But you know me, Barton. I can see through people’s souls. So I chose to keep her. I changed my mind.”

That’s right. The day before bringing Liang Di back to House Langwendi, Donathew had returned to the Langwendi estate.

His original intention was to take Liang Lin away and let that innocent child escape the family’s internal power struggle.

But the moment he saw Liang Lin, he was shocked to discover that her soul had changed.

It was no longer timid and naïve.

The determination and courage within it were so strong that Donathew could hardly believe his eyes.

At the same time, Liang Lin saw him too.

“Hey, this isn’t a place for begging.” She planted her hands on her hips and stood in front of Donathew.

It was no wonder she’d mistaken him.

Ever since retiring from the dukedom, the old Donathew had dressed extremely simply. His clothes were even patched, and his pale beard was rarely trimmed.

He really did look quite a lot like a beggar.

“Oh? Oh, hahahaha!” The old man burst into cheerful laughter without explaining himself.

He wanted to see how this adopted daughter of House Langwendi would treat a beggar.

Liang Lin frowned, her eyes full of disdain.

But the next moment, she pulled a pouch of silver coins from her pocket and held it out to Donathew.

“Here. Hurry up and leave. This is all the money I have on me.”

Donathew didn’t take it.

“You need to take it.” Liang Lin grew anxious, her little mouth opening and closing. “It’s enough to feed you for several years. You came begging to the ducal residence, so the servants will come beat you up soon.”

“Seriously, I’m giving you money and you still won’t take it. Are you an ungrateful beggar or what? Hurry up! Take it! Go buy whatever you want!”

What a contrary, awkward little girl.

Hidden beneath his beard, Donathew’s lips curved into a smile. He genuinely liked the little girl standing before him.

The instant he accepted the money, an idea rose in his heart.

He would keep Liang Lin here to accompany the lonely and eccentric Liang Di.

I’m sorry, child. Let’s just call it… my own selfish desire.

(Though how could this not count as repaying kindness with harm?)

“Thank you.” Donathew nodded at the Liang Lin of that time.

Liang Lin waved her hand and turned away with carefree grace.

“Barton, tell me. Do you think a monster can develop feelings?” Donathew asked his butler.

Barton hesitated for a moment.

“I think… a monster will always be a monster.”

“But I’m also a descendant of monsters.”

“My duke…” Barton shook his head. “In our hearts, you’re the wisest and kindest duke of them all.”

“Haha! Then let’s make a bet.” Donathew glanced toward the window again.

He saw Liang Di rise from her seat, leave the pavilion, and stroll toward Liang Lin.

“Let’s see whether this little monster can become a normal little girl.”

Barton adjusted his glasses and looked outside as well.

“If you say it will happen, then it certainly will. Your judgment has never disappointed anyone.”

Outside the window.

“What are you here for?”

Liang Lin held her sword horizontally between herself and Liang Di. Her pretty brows drew tightly together.

“There are a lot of people around right now. Don’t even think about doing anything… doing anything, doing anything…”

“Anyway, just don’t cause trouble.”

How embarrassing. She couldn’t bring herself to say those vulgar words.

How cute. She was like a puffed-up little uke, waving her claws to defend her territory.

“What kind of person do you take me for? However you put it, we’re both grasshoppers tied to the same rope now. Grandpa wants you to assist me, so you need to stay by my side at all times.”

Liang Di wore that same innocent expression. Her eyes shimmered, her cherry lips curved upward, and her beauty was like a peach blossom in spring.

Liang Lin knew that Donathew’s word “assist” was another way of saying he would protect her.

When Donathew had mentioned Auston being poisoned, his eyes had fallen on Liang Di.

Clearly, he knew the truth.

If the old man stood on the side of justice, then whenever Liang Di tried to frame her, he would be Liang Lin’s equivalent of a death-exemption token.

But the danger was that family always protected family.

Would he really help an outsider like her?

“I understand. But you don’t need protection, do you?”

“I’ll often be conducting investigations. You’ve seen how chaotic the underground taverns can be. You know, I… can’t act freely.”

“Ha.”

Liang Lin gave a cold laugh.

“Of course. A witch walking through town might frighten everyone.”

Still wearing that punchable smile, Liang Di cursed inwardly.

Looks like the lesson she’d given this girl hadn’t been enough. Liang Lin still hadn’t learned the slightest bit of respect.

From the corner of her eye, Liang Di could see the old man watching from the third floor.

So she didn’t dare go too far. She simply stepped forward.

Liang Lin warily raised her longsword before her neck, looking like some chaste martyr. If Liang Di “defiled” her even a little, she would immediately slit her own throat and die.

Only then did Liang Lin realize that Liang Di was half a head taller than her when standing.

Her own forehead reached just above Liang Di’s nose.

…Damn it!

Liang Lin’s expression twisted into a furious glare.

What was this? Her entire momentum had been crushed by their difference in height!

And, of all times—

“Eh? Are you really this short?”

Liang Lin’s expression became even more murderous.

“Huh?”

“You, you—you…?!”

She was furious enough to spit blood, but Liang Di was stating a fact.

“Pfft… hahahaha!”

Liang Di covered her mouth and laughed so hard that she bent forward and backward.

She had approached Liang Lin intending to whisper a few threats and make her behave.

But Liang Lin’s reaction and expression were so funny that Liang Di completely forgot what she’d meant to say.

Liang Lin: “…”

Was this girl sick?

“Meaningless. Is mocking others the only thing you do with your life? I’m leaving.”

Liang Lin turned around irritably and began to walk away.

“Wait.”

Liang Di wiped the tears of laughter from the corners of her eyes. She struggled to suppress her amusement.

“I have something else to discuss with you. It’s important. I need you to come outside with me.”