Jeremiah snorted with amusement at Christopher's greeting, his moustache quivering. "Well, it seems like the apple does not fall far from the tree, does it? What a wonderful son you have. Nevertheless, Baron Shantire, are you sure of your decision? In consideration of the Houston House's goodwill towards your family and fief…I would make my choice wisely." He stressed the last word.
Baron Shantire smiled politely. "As the head of the fief, I will be eternally grateful for the help the Houston House offered, but unfortunately, I will not agree to the sale. I do hope for your forgiveness."
Jeremiah stared at Baron Shantire for a long time before smiling, the edges of his lips creeping towards the ends of his moustache. He walked towards the Baron slowly.
"Forgiveness, Baron Shantire?" he asked menacingly, his index finger tapping his walking cane. "The Houston House never forgives. We will look on as you and your fief fall apart slowly…while your son watches his father be destroyed by pride and meaningless duty." His eyes fell on the trembling Christopher, who looked away immediately.
"Denver," Jeremiah called his servant. "Let's get out of this shithole."
He walked past the carriages and glanced through the windows. Although the windows were tinted, the occupants inside the carriage felt as if Jeremiah had looked at them with his cold, snake-like eyes. Samantha shivered while Libitina frowned.
On the other hand, Sydney seemed used to it. "Don't worry," he comforted them. "That guy's just a puppet for the Prime Minister. He's especially weak in combat once his guard Denver leaves him. He's often flaunting his power in the Palace, but I wonder why he wants to buy the Shantire's fief?"
Once Jeremiah Houston left the fief, Libitina whipped out two masks from her space ring and passed it on to Sydney. She also passed a messy, brown wig to him since Sydney's silver hair was too obviously a sign of royalty. Although they were travelling incognito, Jeremiah Houston was sure to monitor the Shantire fief, and it would be disastrous if he knew about their presence here. Samantha was a frequent visitor to the Shantire's home, so she did not need any disguise.
Sydney put on the mask, which immediately adhered to his face and changed it to a nondescript man's. "Wow, the elasticity is amazing," he exclaimed, pressing his fingers down on the mask and feeling it all around. "Is this the new product that Sperenza was talking about?"
"Yes," Libitina took down her signature silver mask, revealing the deep-seated scares on the left side of her face. Nonchalantly, she switched it for the enchanted mask and pressed it onto her face, changing it to that of a small-faced, sweet female. "How's this?" she asked Samantha.
"Gorgeous!"
"You mean I wasn't gorgeous before?"
"No," Samantha immediately realised her mistake. "No, no, no, that wasn't what I meant! You were already gorgeous."
"I'm kidding, Samantha," Libitina rolled her eyes. "I know I'm always gorgeous."
"You know that weird part of you only comes out when you're around us, right, Lina?" Christopher chuckled.
"Yes, so be grateful for the exclusiveness, dear brother," Libitina tsked as she opened the door of the carriage. The Baron and his son immediately turned towards her. She gave a faint smile.
"You have a beautiful home, Young Master Christopher. Greetings, Lord Shantire."