The Villain Family Opposes Independence (13 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 46

Every social duel, however invisible, followed the classic structure of introduction, development, turn, and conclusion.

To achieve that, sufficient buildup was essential.

Rather than immediately retaliate against Dorothea’s provocation, I calmly asked first.

“What exactly do you wish to say, Lady Dorothea?”

“Oh my… Could it be you’re angry? I had no idea. I didn’t realize it was a truth Lady Elodie wished to hide.”

It was the typical social maneuver—pushing the opponent into emotional agitation to assert one’s own logic as correct.

Had I been my former self, I would’ve lost my temper right here, exactly as Dorothea intended.

But now, I wouldn’t fall for such obvious and amateurish tactics.

“No, I’m not angry at all. Can’t you see I’m smiling?”

I deliberately smiled for her to see.

Perhaps because she’d already witnessed my transformation once, Dorothea wasn’t surprised this time.

She deliberately covered the corner of her mouth with her hand, feigning sorrow as she spoke.

“I’m relieved, Lady Elodie. I’m glad you weren’t hurt. I only spoke out of concern for you. I worried people might view this… matter poorly if word got out.”

As our conversation dragged on, the people gathered around Ishtar’s Spring began watching us even more intently.

It seemed a deliberate attempt to tarnish my reputation.

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