CHAPTER 134: TIGRESS

Erwin’s first impression of the girl who introduced herself as William’s girlfriend was... staggering.

He couldn’t believe that idiot brother of his had pulled a woman that beautiful.

While they all were sitting in the reception hall, Erwin couldn’t stop himself from glancing at the silver head who sat beside William, smiling and speaking a few words before turning silent.

Being the son of the Count and having inherited his father’s genes, Erwin was quite charming and was pursued by many maidens. But he had never seen someone as pretty and breathtaking as Emma.

"Stop ogling, you idiot." Fiona, his younger sister, nudged him from the side. "Your gaze is pretty noticeable," she added.

They both weren’t much a part of the conversation, so the silent whispers exchanged between them remained between them.

"I am just appreciating the beauty," he said, unable to take his eyes off Emma. "How do you think William fooled that girl?"

Fiona rolled her eyes. "You really believe women are foolish creatures, no?"

Erwin scoffed. "No, and especially not someone like her. But how would you explain such a perfect woman becoming a partner of that useless piece of human?"

"Aren’t you quite the chatty one?" Suddenly, the whole room froze as Emma turned her attention towards Erwin, her smile still there but her eyes weren’t following the lead.

Erwin stiffened in his seat as he responded, "I don’t understand, Miss Emma. Did I do something to offend you?"

Emma very calmly responded, "I might be imagining things, but I just heard you mentioning your older brother as a useless piece of human being. Am I wrong?"

William exhaled a sigh... the fact is, he heard that too, but as always, he ignored the brat.

The silence grew heavier.

Count Delimore, who was sitting the farthest from Erwin, actually didn’t hear any of that, but looking at Erwin’s pale complexion, he knew Emma wasn’t assuming things.

"Erwin?" In a heavy voice, the Count demanded an answer.

Aleda panicked as she tried to change the topic. "Ah, he must be talking about someone else—"

"Erwin." Carter called out again, cutting off his wife’s futile attempt.

William shook his head and said, "Let’s forget about it, Father. We have guests here, so let’s not stretch this matter."

Hermen Wolfcrest smiled uneasily, not sure what to say about this.

Count Delimore continued to look at his son, his gaze quite commanding, making Erwin shrink back in his seat.

Emma might have endured that annoying gaze of the guy, but badmouthing her lover right before her? Yeah, like the presence of so many people could stop her from pointing it out.

[Look at you, barely hiding those fangs behind that smile.]

Hearing William’s voice in her head, she turned towards him and responded in the same manner,

[Your brother is lucky that I am still trying to make a good impression here.]

William nearly chuckled at those words. This girl is really...

"So, William." Suddenly, Hermen called out, trying to shift the conversation. "Who is that sweet child in your lap?"

William smiled as he rested his hand on Nana’s hand and said, "She is Nana, our adopted daughter."

Nana, feeling that everyone was talking about her, did something her mother had taught her.

Jumping from his lap, she placed her hands on her knees and bowed before them in greeting.

"Awww..." Lavender squealed seeing the sweet little thing.

Count Delimore’s mood eased as well as he asked, "This sudden decision to adopt someone, son?"

William exhaled a sigh. "Long story, old man. Just know that she is my responsibility now."

Aleda looked worried. "It’s quite a big role to play, William. Are you sure you can handle this?"

Carter also nodded. "Yes, son. I agree with Aleda. Raising a child is not easy, especially someone so innocent as her."

William glanced at Emma before he relayed, "We will figure things out, somehow."

"But what about the academy? Surely your academy wouldn’t allow you to keep her, would they?" Lavender asked with a tilt of her head.

Nana had returned to Emma’s side, clutching the hem of her skirt uneasily.

Sensing the distress from the little girl, Emma answered them, "We will arrange her accommodation at my relative’s home who lives very close to the academy (The Tower)."

William’s brows raised at those words, but since she had told them her decision, he didn’t question her.

Carter hummed, "Well, since you two are already grown-ups, it’s not right for us to judge your decision. Just know that, son, you now have two people you must protect at every cost."

William smiled at that. "Don’t worry about that."

The conversation then shifted to other topics.

Erwin had excused himself to his room while Fiona sat there silently.

Just then, Emma said, "I have brought some gifts for you all." She glanced at William, who nodded and got up before bringing the gifts from the table near the entrance.

Emma got up and took the first present and presented it to the Count. "I hope you like it."

Carter blinked in surprise as he smelled a very familiar fragrance from the box.

To sate his curiosity, he unwrapped the box immediately and was fairly surprised to find a whole stack of cigars in there.

"Good old Waituizar." He picked one and took a sniff up close to his nose. "This is some quality stuff. Thank you, girlie."

Emma smiled at the man before she moved to the lady beside him. "I heard you like herbal tea, so I brought this for you."

Aleda, maintaining a calm smile, took the box.

Opening it, she was quite surprised to see the quality of tea, mixed with herbs and petals inside it.

It was definitely of good quality.

She then handed the small and big gifts to the maid nearby before returning to her seat beside William.

Just then, Lavender said, "You must have saved for months, or maybe years, to buy such expensive gifts, didn’t you, Emma?"

Hermen stiffened hearing his daughter saying those words, which clearly signified she was pointing out Emma’s commoner background here.

William frowned as well, clearly displeased by that tone.

Count Delimore didn’t have much of a reaction as he waited to hear what Emma had to say.

In return, Emma calmly smiled at the girl and said, "I don’t need to rely on my parents anymore to wear expensive clothes or buy gifts, Lavender. Participating in hunting jobs, I have earned enough to afford them."

Lavender stiffened at those words. Someone who relies on her father’s money even to buy a hairclip—those words were like a slap to her face.

The hall fell under a brief but heavy silence once again.

The only person who was enjoying himself a lot seeing the tigress not sparing anyone was William.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.