"MONRE FAMILY!! COME OUT AND EXPLAIN YOURSELF!!"
The sudden roar outside their doorstep jolted Madam Layla and Ava, causing them to abruptly halt their tasks. Madam Layla delicately placed her feather pen onto the pen stand and exchanged a quick glance with her daughter.
"Just as expected, the Turner family has arrived. Although, I must admit, I didn't anticipate them to come this late. I assumed they would rush here with the first light of dawn. It appears I may have given them too much credit," Madam Layla murmured, a playful smile curving her lips.
'Yuan's prediction about the Turner family's visit was accurate. And judging by Lord Turner's tone, he seems quite furious. Losing his son must have affected him more than I thought,' Madam Layla reflected inwardly, a certain satisfaction gleaming in her eyes at the Turner family's misfortune.
'What's our course of action now that the Turner family is literally at our doorstep? And why is Mother smiling like that in a situation like this?' Ava's thoughts raced with frustration. Her mother's seemingly nonchalant smile was baffling, especially with the impending danger outside.
"M-Mother, what should we do now? Lord Turner is standing right outside, and I can sense his anger from here. Could it be that they've discovered our involvement in Henry's death?" Ava's voice held a mix of anxiety and uncertainty as she spoke to Madam Layla.
But Madam Layla remained unperturbed by Ava's nervousness. She smiled warmly at her daughter and reassured, "No need to worry, Ava. They have no evidence linking us to his son's demise. Without proof, they can't touch us. Besides, with Yuan and his wives around, I doubt they'd try anything foolish."
Indeed, the man who could face the Mountain Lord and emerge unscathed, the man who could take to the skies on a sword, was their ultimate safeguard. With Yuan and his extraordinary abilities on their side, they had little to fear. Not to mention, there were five more powerful individuals standing by.
"Ugh, I can't believe I didn't think of that earlier. How naive of me," Ava chided herself inwardly, her anxiety gradually giving way to reason.
Seeing Ava's demeanor shifting, Madam Layla's smile deepened. The comforting exchange between mother and daughter continued to dispel the tension in the room.
At that very moment, Julie and her twin brother James hurried into the living hall, drawn by the commotion outside the manor. Worry etched their faces as they arrived.
"Mom! It appears that Lord Turner has come to stir up trouble!" James exclaimed, his voice tinged with anxiety.
"Mom! That despicable swine has even brought along a group of formidable soldiers. I'm convinced he's plotting something nasty," Julie added with an expression of disgust, conveying her distaste for Lord Turner.
Madam Layla's brows raised in surprise. The Turner family had the audacity to bring armed soldiers to their doorstep? The situation was undoubtedly escalating.
"It seems the Turner Family came prepared. They want to use this opportunity to challenge our position within the village. How audacious of Lord Turner," Madam Layla muttered with a chilling smile playing on her lips.
Outside the Monroe family's manor, Lord Harrison Turner stood at the doorstep, his expression a mask of rage. Behind him stood a group of 30 soldiers, armed with swords and spears, as well as a few mages with their magical implements, each emanating an overwhelming sense of power.
The commotion caused by Lord Turner drew a crowd of curious onlookers outside the Monroe manor. People whispered among themselves, puzzled by the presence of soldiers and mages at the village head's residence.
"What's happening? Why has Lord Turner brought armed forces to the village head's house?"
"I heard his firstborn passed away yesterday. Perhaps they suspect the Monroe family's involvement."
"The Monroes have been good to us commoners. They've supported us during difficult times and helped develop the village into what it is now. It's unjust for the Turner family to frame them like this."
"I agree. The Turner family is shameless, lacking gratitude for the Monroe family's contributions."
The crowd's hushed conversations revolved around the twisted nature of the Turner family's accusations. The Monroe family's kindness and dedication to the village had earned them immense respect among the villagers.
Lord Turner's ears caught snippets of the murmurs, further fueling his anger. His face twisted in a display of fury, his complexion contorting into an unattractive hue.
"How dare these mere commoners point their fingers at us! Have we stooped so low that anyone can slander the Turner family as they please? And where is the Monroe family? Are they challenging my authority by not coming out? Do they believe they stand above me, Harrison Turner?" Lord Harrison Turner muttered coldly, his voice devoid of emotion, directed toward his loyal butler standing behind him.
'Lord is undoubtedly enraged, and the Monroes haven't shown themselves yet. Are they truly daring to ignore my Lord?' Butler Geoffrey thought, a mixture of irritation and concern crossing his mind.
"My Lord, it's possible that Madam Layla is occupied with administrative matters and hasn't heard your summons. After all, the village has been busy since the Mountain Lord's attack," Butler Geoffrey suggested, attempting to pacify Lord Turner's ire.
However, Lord Turner's suspicion remained unswayed. He believed the Monroe family was deliberately avoiding him.
'Who do they think they are? How dare they show me such disrespect?' Lord Turner fumed inwardly.
"MONROE FAMILY!! STOP HIDING AND COME OUT, OR I'LL HAVE MY MEN DRAG YOU OUT!!"
Lord Turner's second roar resounded after a few minutes of waiting, his patience wearing thin.
Meanwhile, at the Monroe family's backyard, Yuan and his wives exchanged concerned glances upon hearing the angry roar from outside.
"Seems like the Turner family has come for trouble, blaming us for their Young Master's death," Grace remarked to Yuan with a teasing smile.
Quickly activating his divine sense, Yuan peered outside to gauge the situation. He saw a rotund figure standing at the manor's doorstep, his expression a mask of fury, seemingly seething with rage. Behind him stood a contingent of soldiers and mages.
"Indeed, they've arrived. And they've brought soldiers and mages with them. 30 soldiers and 10 mages, to be precise," Yuan reported to Grace, nodding slightly.
"How audacious of them to bring soldiers to the residence of the Village Head. Do they not realize the Monroe family's authority here?" Lily's voice carried a note of indignation.
"Lily dear, strength matters most in such situations. When you're strong, you need not always follow societal norms. The Turner family appears to have more power compared to the Monroes, which likely emboldens them," Anna explained, her hand resting gently on Lily's back, offering comfort and perspective.
A few minutes later, Rose, who had been deeply meditating to learn the cultivation technique, slowly opened her eyes. A smile graced her delicate pink lips as she looked at Yuan and his wives.
"Well, it seems you've picked up the cultivation technique quite swiftly. Impressive, faster than I had anticipated," Grace remarked playfully to Rose, her eyes sparkling with pride.
Rose gazed at her mother-in-law Grace with a somewhat dazed expression. The sudden influx of knowledge into her mind upon comprehending the cultivation technique left her pleasantly surprised and bewildered.
'This is incredible. How could such profound knowledge simply enter my mind when I grasped the cultivation technique? It's truly enigmatic, beyond my comprehension!' Rose pondered internally, still trying to fathom the mysterious phenomenon.
A moment later, Rose turned her gaze toward Yuan with excitement and asked, "Now that I've learned the technique, can I begin cultivating?"
"Of course, you can start your cultivation now if you'd like. However, currently, the Turner family has gathered outside your manor, causing a disturbance. We should go and see what's happening," Yuan replied, meeting Rose's gaze.
"What?! The Turner family is already here?!" Rose was taken aback by the revelation. Time had seemingly flown by, and she hadn't realized how long she had been absorbed in her learning.
'Do they already suspect our involvement in Henry's death? But that can't be true! How could they have found out?' Rose panicked internally, her thoughts racing.
Sensing Rose's unease, Yuan embraced her gently around the waist and whispered in her ear, "Let's go out and see what's going on. Don't worry about the Turner family; we're here with you. If they try anything, I'll personally handle them."
"That's right, Rose. Remember, you're not alone. We're here to support you as well. You're one of us now," Anna reassured Rose, offering a warm smile.
With these comforting words, they left the backyard of the Monroe family's residence.
---
At the same time, Madam Layla opened the main door and stepped outside, accompanied by her son and daughters. A delicate smile graced her features. Her gaze fell upon Lord Turner's angered countenance, and a subtle frown creased her brow.
"Lord Turner, what brings you here? It's quite unexpected to see you without prior notice. Had you informed us of your visit, we could have prepared a welcoming banquet," Madam Layla inquired, her tone courteous but tinged with a hint of concern.
Lord Turner's expression twisted further in anger upon hearing this. He stared at Madam Layla with a gaze as sharp as daggers, as if he wished he could harm her with his gaze alone.
Madam Layla's attention then shifted to the group of well-trained soldiers behind Lord Turner, and her frown deepened.
'He's actually brought soldiers with him. How audacious!' Madam Layla thought, her inner thoughts reflecting her disapproval.
"By the way, Lord Turner, we received the unfortunate news about the passing of your Young Master, and I offer my condolences for your loss. Please, won't you come inside? Join us," Madam Layla invited, gesturing toward the entrance of the manor.
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