Chapter 19: Evil Child Conflict

The conflict between Emma and Esther was still ongoing, or rather, it was white-hot from the start.

In just half a month, the two had fought openly and secretly several times, from the initial framing and scapegoating to the later subtle harm.

But Emma was the one who suffered losses most of the time, and only relied on David's fatherly bias to avoid being crushed by Esther.

Even so, time and again, seemingly accidental events made David feel that this child might need some education; she couldn't keep targeting Esther. Esther was too pitiful!

Emma seemed to have been counterproductive.

As for Louis, he was living a peaceful life. Even when Esther tried to trick him and use him as a tool against Emma, he fooled her and disappeared without a trace.

He was quietly practicing his Spitting Blade Art in peace.

Because of the lack of medicinal herbs for assistance, the cultivation progress was slow. Even so, Louis's talent was truly not bad. At the very least, the needle in his mouth no longer pierced his skin, and he could try to swallow some larger small knives.

It was just that there was still a distance to go before success.

"The express delivery finally arrived. All the pocket money I saved was used to buy medicinal herbs, but the quantity I can buy is limited. From now on, I must cherish every time I use medicine to cultivate."

"It's a pity that the herbs for the witch's body-strengthening potion aren't expensive, but some are plants from Portugal, and it's too troublesome to acquire them. The money isn't enough either. Sigh, money, money, money..."

In fact, among the money for buying secret medicine, there was even a portion from Emma. That's right, he still reached his demonic hand toward Emma's money, and Emma naturally didn't dare not give it. Her only request was to stop the correction during this period; she wanted to focus on dealing with Esther.

Louis agreed to this deal.

Looking at the disassembled express box and the categorized medicinal herbs inside, Louis pondered the configuration method.

The so-called secret medicine, when broken down, actually wasn't too magical; it was just those ordinary herbs. But it had peculiar effects. He had also used it on animals like cats and dogs, and apart from diarrhea, it had no other use. This made him increasingly convinced that the successful use of these techniques had a great deal to do with the *Civil Code*.

Louis began to prepare the medicine. Because it was inconvenient at home, he built a stove on a hillside behind the house to boil it.

The fire was lit, the frying pan was hot, the herbs were pounded, water was added, it was boiled, and from time to time, he added some weighed medicinal powder, stirred...

Before long, a pot of black paste was boiled, emitting a clear fragrance of grass and wood.

Louis didn't hesitate, took a spoonful, and put it in his mouth. The taste was slightly bitter, but it didn't matter; he continued to chew and swallow.

At this moment, from his mouth to his throat and intestines, he was enveloped by a cool sensation, and Louis felt that his control over the subtle muscles in these parts had also increased.

The silver needle entered his mouth.

The next second.

Thud!

A needle pierced into the tree bark, its tail trembling slightly.

"Wonderful!"

Louis began to press on with the effort.

On the other side, Esther, who had been fighting for half a month, felt a trace of impatience toward Emma.

She didn't understand. The other party's age shouldn't be faked, which meant she was a real child. But why did she target herself everywhere? Especially the methods she used, which could be called vicious—not like a child, but revealing a bit of immaturity...

In fact, if it weren't for being a bit green, she was afraid she would have lost David's trust by now.

No, she must subdue this little one as soon as possible. If not...

A dangerous light flashed in Esther's eyes.

And that little boy, he also seemed to have some problems. What was he doing running out all the time?

Forget it, let's go see dear David first.

Thinking of the mature, responsible, and handsome David, the corners of Esther's mouth rose slightly. Only with such a man by her side could she sincerely feel that kind of joy.

She was putting on makeup in front of the mirror. Although it was just light makeup, it added a trace of seductiveness to her.

At the same time, in another room on the second floor, Emma also felt impatient.

She didn't understand!

Why?

Why, since returning home, had everything gone wrong? First Louis, and now this Esther.

She wouldn't feel wrong. This Esther really wanted to snatch her father!

By then, would she still be able to enjoy the life of drinking milk every night, receiving gifts, wearing new clothes, and being pampered?

Click, click.

She gritted her teeth and looked at the mirror, but revealed a smile.

The corners of her mouth curled up, revealing eight white teeth. The smile looked very standard.

At the same time, at the same moment, both were making dark plans in front of the mirror.

Afternoon.

Because it was Sunday, school was closed, and the three were busy with their own things at home. Louis was still like a dragon, seeing his head but not his tail, disappearing without a trace.

Emma came to the dead tree outside the courtyard. At this time, she had changed into a red dress and was dressed very exquisitely. Her clean little face still had a soft smile, looking like a pure child waiting for friends to play.

She was indeed waiting for someone, just not a friend.

"Emma, do you have something to find me for? I am very happy to help my dear sister, as long as you are obedient."

Esther, dressed in black clothes and a black skirt, walked over with a smile.

Facing each other, the two were surprisingly similar and harmonious at this moment.

One red, one black, both smiling, both harboring ghosts.

A strong wind blew, making the leaves rustle.

Emma didn't speak. She took something from the big tree behind her, a box that didn't look small. She used both hands to lift the lid, and a bird's cry came out.

A pigeon was seen with its feet and wings tied, lying in the box and chirping.

"Dear sister Esther, do you think life only happens once?"

Esther frowned and nodded.

Although the little girl in front of her was not as good as herself, she couldn't be treated as an ordinary child. What exactly did she want to do?

Emma's smile grew brighter: "Then, sometimes you have to cherish it, especially don't touch what you shouldn't touch. Otherwise, it will easily become like this!"

In Esther's astonished gaze, she plunged a small knife into the pigeon's body, and blood instantly stained the white feathers red.

The pigeon let out a desperate cry.

Blood, white feathers, red dress, and that smile that should have been cute.

At this moment, they all seemed to become twisted.

However, Esther laughed instead, as if she had seen some funny play, or as if she felt she had worried too much. She laughed heartily. Suddenly, her expression changed. She walked over quickly, put her hands into the box, and stared tightly at Emma.

Her black pupils were like an abyss, reflecting Emma's expressionless little face.

"Then I will also teach you a principle: things should have a beginning and an end."

"Just like this."

Click!

The pigeon with fragile bones died instantly, its body and head separated, and the splashing blood sprayed onto both their cheeks.

The two girls stared at each other with blood-covered faces.

Behind a big tree not far away, Louis was eating roasted ham, watching this interesting bloody play.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 20 =====