Chapter 25 – An Unexpected Apology
“Oh my god, they’re fighting!”
“All over some food? Really?”
“Stop watching—get them apart!”
…
At once, the crowd began pulling the two little brawlers apart.
Truthfully, Erika was still somewhat physically drained at the moment, but she knew that if she really used her strength, she could probably break the little girl’s bones.
But over something like this, there was no need to go all out. Even though she had been knocked over, Erika still had the upper hand—the one actually getting hurt was the other girl.
Once separated, Erika was still visibly angry.
Her crimson eyes burned with fury, and her silver-gray hair bristled like a cat’s. Her tiny tiger teeth bared in frustration gave her a rather comical yet undeniably adorable look.
Damn brat—minding my business when I’m just trying to eat!
On the other hand, the little girl’s arm was red—pinched by Erika—and her teary eyes glistened, as if she were about to cry, painting a pitiful picture.
Seeing that expression, Erika pouted cheekily, as if taunting her.
…
“Kassie!”
After the two were pulled apart, a woman rushed over to the little girl—it was Caroline.
Her eyes filled with concern as she gently rubbed the girl’s slightly swollen arm. “Are you alright? Ahem…”
“I’m fine, Mama,” said the girl named Kassie with a hint of grievance.
That was when Erika froze in shock.
Holy crap—this little brat was her daughter!?
She immediately sensed trouble.
Caroline looked like someone rich and powerful. Her reputation in Palo Village was clearly stellar, and the villagers all supported her.
Now that Erika had hit her daughter, she was sure to cause problems.
Blinking rapidly, Erika looked around for Gladys.
Sure enough, during the brawl with Kassie, Gladys had already appeared behind her.
“Gladys!”
Seeing her, Erika quickly ran over and clung to her arm with both hands like a child seeking protection from a parent.
Then, she didn’t forget to shoot a mocking look at Kassie, as if saying, “Oh, you like getting adults involved? Me too!”
…
The adults stood in silence, while the children glared at each other.
The once lively tavern had been ruined by this childish drama.
Everyone waited in silence, watching how Caroline would handle things.
After all, many had already taken sides in their hearts. Even if Erika and Gladys were both stunning beauties, they were still outsiders.
If things escalated because of the children, the crowd would side with Caroline.
Eventually, Caroline moved. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, she held Kassie’s arm and slowly walked over to Gladys and Erika.
Here it comes—time for trouble…
So what if you’re rich?
Gladys is with me. I’m not scared of you.
Erika pouted defiantly and growled, “She pushed me first! You saw it, Auntie! She deserved it!”
Always take the initiative in an argument—Erika understood that well. And even if Caroline did try to cause trouble, Erika wasn’t worried as long as Gladys was by her side.
However, contrary to everyone’s expectations, Caroline didn’t get angry. Instead, she did something no one anticipated.
She bowed and offered a sincere apology.
“I’m very sorry, beautiful miss, for bringing unpleasantness to your journey. If there’s anything I can do to make it up to you, just say the word—so long as you can forgive my child.”
“???”
The entire room froze—including Erika.
…
It was obvious that Kassie had started the fight. But now she had visible bruises, while Erika looked fine, with only a bit of dust on her skirt.
And clearly, Erika had started it with her own inappropriate behavior.
So why… was Caroline apologizing so earnestly!?
While everyone was still stunned, Gladys glanced down at Erika. She didn’t speak—just silently watched the little girl clinging to her wrist.
“Um…”
Erika looked completely at a loss. She hadn’t expected such a direct apology—it made her feel a bit guilty.
Seeing Erika stammer, Caroline assumed her apology wasn’t enough and pulled Kassie forward.
“Kassie, apologize.”
“I don’t want to!”
Kassie strongly resisted her mother’s command, her face still full of indignation. “Why should I apologize to her? She was the one who was wrong first!
And Mom! Why are you apologizing!? Why would you apologize to someone like her?!”
“What nonsense are you spouting, Kassie! Ahem…”
Caroline looked visibly angry. She tugged on Kassie’s arm. “Now! Right now! Apologize!”
“I won’t! I won’t!”
Smack!
Without hesitation, Caroline slapped her daughter across the face.
The crisp sound silenced the entire room again.
…
“Apologize…”
Caroline’s voice trembled.
Kassie just held her cheek in shock.
Then, suddenly, she yanked her arm free from her mother’s grip. Tears welled in her eyes—tears she had clearly been holding back for some time.
“I hate you! I hate all of you! I’m never apologizing!”
With that, she wiped her tears and bolted out the door.
“Kassie!”
Caroline shouted after her, but Kassie didn’t look back. She was already gone.
The scene left Erika feeling incredibly awkward. She rubbed her nose, overwhelmed with guilt, and couldn’t even bring herself to look at Caroline.
Was I… too selfish?
Why did I act so childish—stooping to that little girl’s level?
“I’m very sorry, miss. Ahem…”
With Kassie gone, Caroline bowed again. “Truly sorry. If I may, I’d like to offer compensation. The prize for this event was a rare four-leaf clover—it’s the emblem of the Aarlan Empire. Children usually love it.”
“Ah… no, no, that’s alright!”
Erika waved her hands frantically. She hadn’t expected the woman to go this far.
“It’s fine—it’s what we should do. Please forgive my daughter’s rudeness.”
With that, Caroline gently but firmly pushed the four-leaf clover into Erika’s hands.
Holding it, Erika’s voice trembled slightly.
“I… I was at fault too. Let’s just forget about it.”
She couldn’t accept this level of apology. Erika didn’t want to stay any longer—she could clearly feel it.
The looks people were giving her now made her feel like the villain.
She didn’t want to keep being the center of attention. She quickly pulled Gladys upstairs and away from the scene.
As they left, quiet murmurs spread among the crowd below, though no one could say what they were whispering about.
Caroline, meanwhile, didn’t go after her daughter.
She now looked desolate—even her steps seemed unsteady.
Eventually, an elderly man came over and helped her to her feet.