Chapter 43: 43

“On the contrary, excessive provision of material things breeds arrogance. I know that those born to a higher position needs to develop self-confidence and courage, but too much of it leads to arrogance, which is a problem.”

“You are telling me that my view of education is not right.”

“I’m telling you that I don’t think this is true education.”

The Grand Duke raised his eyebrows and I smiled brightly in return. There is a difference between telling the Grand Duke that he was wrong and telling him that I think he was wrong.

One side of his lips turned up slightly at my innocent face. It was a smirk; one filled with evil intentions. I won’t be fooled by that anymore, he seemed to be saying.

“Fine. I admit that my method of education might’ve been wrong. But are you saying that violence in the name of punishment is justifiable?”

The Grand Duke was countering my factual argument with other facts. And to say the truth, I had no defense against his question.

Reasonable physical punishment and violence were two different things. And what I did was violence. I had no intention of justifying it. Violence isn’t right, no matter what anyone says.

Though I used it since it was unavoidable under the circumstances, I was also not in support of violence, especially violence against children.

And the justification of violence by the perpetrator is more dangerous than violence itself. If I do so, it would be easy for him to twist my words and use them against me.

I was aware that slapping Kirsec was not the right thing to do. It was an act of violence and not an appropriate punishment.

“No. What I did was wrong. I’m reflecting on that.”

The Grand Duke seemed to be scrutinizing my every word, but I kept explaining.

“Violence cannot be justified, and I’m not advocating education through corporal punishment. Corporal punishment can also adversely affect the character of the child. But in this case, you can say that I used a bit of shock therapy.”

Of course, I held no expectations of Kirsec being shocked and suddenly becoming enlightened due to my actions.

“Moreover, there is something crueler and more frightening than violence to a child whose character has yet to be fully formed, Your Grace.”

“What is that?”

“Apathy.”

“Was my indifference more of a mistake than your act of violence?”

You’re so mean. Do you have to define it like that?

Can’t you tell just by looking at the current situation? Kirsec wasn’t even able to raise his head properly, even though it was about him we were discussing all this while.

Though children are not able to analyze a situation as well as adults, they’re not dense or tactless. It was not as if Kirsec couldn’t analyze what was going on. Even when he knew that the discussion was about himself, he was so scared of the Grand Duke that he was not able to say a complete word in between.

Whenever I pointed out the Grand Duke’s mistakes Kirsec would discreetly nod in agreement. He was looking at me in respect for talking back to this father of his, in front of whom he couldn’t even think properly.

I can’t believe Kirsec, this arrogant child, was looking at me with such respect. It was flattering. I’m getting a rush of energy and a desire to talk more confidently.

All right, then! I’ll set your father straight for you! I’ll make sure this jerk will treat you right!

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I raised my head and addressed the Grand Duke in a strong voice.

“What I did contained more interest and affection than Your Grace’s indifference.”

So isn’t it time you started taking care of your child?

While waiting for the Grand Duke to reply, I glanced at Kirsec.

Look, look. How is it, this big sister’s skills?

But wait a minute? Why are you looking at me with wide eyes, like a surprised rabbit?

What is this!?

I was seeing such an innocent expression from him for the first time, so I felt a little weird for some reason.

He looked so innocent and beautiful, similar to how he seemed when I first met him. Perhaps that is why, for a moment, the little devil almost looked like an angel to me. If one of his cheeks hadn’t been red with my handprint, I might’ve actually been fooled.

No! Get back to your senses! That guy still has a long way to go before his personality gets fixed. And even if the Grand Duke teaches him every day and he develops a proper character, he would still be a very dangerous person. Let’s make sure to not see him other after today.

I quickly turned away from Kirsec. The moment was brief, but I found the Grand Duke watching us closely.

And why does he have that sly expression, now?

“What you’ve said till now, aren’t they just excuses for your actions? There is no way you have that kind of affection for Kirsec.”

Of course, I don’t. But I can’t say so right now, can I?

“I probably have more affection than Your Grace. At least I am ready to express it.”

The Grand Duke stared at me seriously at my reply.

“You’re expressing it quite aggressively.”

“Again, I don’t think my actions were right. I admit my mistake. But it was a much better way of expressing it than indifference.”

I retorted, refusing to admit defeat. The Grand Duke was glaring at me and clenching his teeth. Have I gone too far? I was about to retract my words when the Grand Duke suddenly burst out laughing.

Huh? Why on earth are you laughing now? Perhaps he was holding in his laughter too much, he wasn’t even stopping.

Were you so shocked at being scolded by a kid that you went crazy?

I looked at my father in confusion and found him watching on with a resigned look. The people next to him also seemed to be holding back their laughter.

We’re not in a situation to laugh right now. What’s wrong with everyone? Did you guys go on a group trip to crazyland?

Eh? And why is Kirsec so red in face and looking about to burst? Is he angry? Ashamed?

What is wrong with him!?

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