The Psychotic Girl’s Revenge

Upon hearing this, Jasper looked at her and sighed deeply. “To be honest, when I first learned about you three years ago, I never expected it. To think that I would end up having such a mentor-student relationship with you.”

He had inherited the Medicine Curse Sect and hadn’t anticipated this young girl seeking him out, kneeling at his doorstep, eager to learn.

“…”

Paige remained silent.

“Paige, I know you see me as an enemy, but I don’t harbor any intent to kill you,” Jasper said slowly.

“Not having intent to kill is because you know that as long as I’m alive, the hope of rebuilding the slums will not die. You know I’ll eventually return to The Capital and perhaps become an important part of the chaos you want to create in A Nation,” Paige stated plainly.

“If that were the only reason, I would have announced your survival two years ago,” Jasper said.

“But you know Enrico has fallen ill, and in his weakened state, he cannot resist all the allied financial powers. It would only lead to a one-sided absorption, which is not the revenge the Folsom family seeks,” Paige explained.

In a way, the Folsom family might have hoped that Enrico would recover, allowing them to exploit his feelings for her without regard.

Hearing this, Jasper frowned. “Must you be so aggressive, even in a mentor-student relationship?”

His admiration and affection for her were not entirely false.

“Does the teacher think I’m wrong?” Paige asked, her tone indifferent.

Jasper looked at her with an air of arrogance and sighed. “Paige, you are too idealistic.”

In a country where capital rules and the divide between the elite and the common people is clear, equality is nothing but a joke.

“What would be considered non-idealistic, then?” Paige countered. “Recreating the financial chaos of a century ago and repeating the tragedy-what about the innocent people? Their bodies will be scattered everywhere, and will we just wait for the next avenger to come?”

She had never considered taking such a path in rebuilding the slums, nor would she in the future.

Jasper shook his head, his voice worn. “Innocent? Was the Folsom family not innocent back then?”

“…”

Paige fell silent.

“Moreover, Paige, your current predicament-aren’t the financial powers partly to blame? You say you’re an orphan, not even knowing where your family is, and your country might not even be A Nation. Does it matter if the people of this country are innocent? Holding onto this line of morality, who are you truly loyal to?”

Jasper then looked at Enrico. “Mr. Gustin, what do you think? Isn’t Paige too naive?”

Those who had traversed the path of financial power understood the situation better and wouldn’t fall for such idealistic notions.

“She is naive,” Enrico said.

“…”

Paige pursed her lips and looked at Enrico. Her fingers tightened on his knee, and he, seemingly indifferent, said, “But whatever she wants to do, she can. I’ll back her up.”

Paige felt a sense of relief.

Jasper’s expression darkened, and he was silent for a long time.

In the splendid hall, the lights and candles shone brightly, the air was eerily quiet, with only the distant sound of fireworks and people celebrating the festival.

After a long pause, Paige spoke. “Teacher.”

Jasper looked up at her.

“I was born on this land. I’ve enjoyed every flower and tree, every mountain and river. The people I love are in this country, and those who stand by me are here as well.”

Paige placed her hand in Enrico’s, looking at Jasper with clarity and seriousness. “Even if my path is dark, I’ve seen scattered starlight. My loyalty is to the scenery and the people along my path.”

“…”

Jasper’s gaze was deeply shaken.

The air was once again deathly silent.

Even the subordinates leaning against the wall couldn’t help but glance at the young girl who spoke these words.

Enrico held Paige’s hand tightly.

After a long while, Jasper said, “That’s because you haven’t been deeply immersed in it. If you were a member of the Folsom family, knowing that your ancestors were slaughtered, how could you remain so open-minded?”

“I’ve never claimed to be open-minded. Revenge is necessary; grievances need addressing,” Paige stated firmly. “But to hate the whole world for the actions of a few, I cannot do that.”

“…”

Jasper, who had lived for over eighty years, found himself speechless in front of his young apprentice for the first time.

Perhaps she wasn’t naive but simply had a clearer perspective on life.

But he, and the entire Folsom family, were already deeply entangled, unable to extricate themselves.

Paige had reached the end of her argument.

Jasper, realizing that further persuasion was useless, grew increasingly somber. “Paige, you truly don’t want to help your teacher?”

“Yes. In that case, will the teacher still consider sparing me?” Paige asked directly.

“Perhaps someone else could help persuade you,” Jasper said, his words carrying a sense of finality.

Hearing this, Paige looked at the opposite side of the dining table, where a set of utensils and food had been served, but no one was seated. She guessed there must be someone else involved.

“Is it the young subordinate who has been handling matters in The Capital and controlling Rachel?” Paige asked.

Jasper responded, “Yes, he’s quite capable. Without him, I wouldn’t have known about the relationship between you two.”

After speaking, Jasper looked back and called out, “Alright, come out. I’ve said it before, your methods can’t always trouble my precious apprentice. Look, she’s even investigated River Town. If it weren’t for me, who would handle the situation?”

With his words, the two large doors at the back of the room were pushed open.