Chapter 448 - 249: I Want to Have a Child with You (Part 2)

The Maid lost her grip and spilled the drink.

The drink soaked the Maid’s already thin dress, leaving it dripping wet and revealing her exquisite curves. As if on cue, the mischievous gentlemen around them began to whistle.

It was the coldest time of year in Great Britain, yet for the sake of aesthetics, the auction house had dressed its maids in nothing but a thin layer of gauze. The organizers likely believed that scantily clad women would effectively stir the guests’ hormones and fuel their bidding passion.

The Maid apologized frantically. The auction house’s Chief Steward immediately came over, sternly reprimanded the Maid, and assured Barbara he would discipline her severely to ensure this never happened again.

Barbara, however, stopped the Chief Steward. "Get her and all the other maids a change of clothes," she said. "It’s dreadfully cold."

The auction was primarily organized by the Hestia Family, and most of the attendants present were seconded from them. Thus, the Chief Steward raised no objection, simply saying, "As you wish," and preparing to lead the Maid away.

"Wait," Baron called out, stopping them. He then draped his suit jacket over the Maid’s shoulders.

Once the Maid and the Chief Steward had left, Barbara remarked, "How very gallant of you."

But Baron replied, "Now I believe you. Tell me what you want. We can exchange information and work together."

"Do you think I’m a good person just because I helped that maid?" Barbara smiled. "That could have all been an act, you know."

"No," Baron said. "I just think that for someone who seems so clever, you’re quite a foolish woman, Miss Hestie."

’A foolish woman...’ Barbara narrowed her eyes. "And what’s that supposed to mean?"

"Your Shelter Stone Necklace." Baron held out his hand to Barbara. Resting in his palm was, indeed, a necklace.

Barbara froze.

Baron said, "Don’t bother calling anyone to look for her. The girl is probably long gone by now."

The previous Maid had been a Westminster Commissioner in disguise. The only reason Baron recognized her instantly was because Jack had told him how to quickly spot one.

Barbara took the necklace and put it away safely. "I didn’t expect you to be the one putting on an act," she said hollowly.

"So, what’s the exchange?"

Barbara said, "You must be thinking, ’What is wrong with this woman? How can she be Jill and Roy’s older sister? Is the Hestia Family’s moral standing so low? Their Legitimate Daughter acts like a prostitute from the red-light district.’"

"No, you’re mistaken, Miss Barbara."

Baron didn’t use her family name, which gave Barbara a moment’s pause. "I simply know that a woman like you can get anything she wants with ease," he said. "I’m just curious why you chose me."

Barbara thought for a moment. "Because you’re handsome, have a great body, and you’re powerful."

’Practical, but I can’t say she’s wrong.’

Baron sighed. "Tell me the truth. I’ll trust you, Miss Barbara, as long as this exchange of ours doesn’t harm any ordinary people."

The look in Barbara’s eyes changed in an instant, becoming as clear as an ancient spring after a monk has swept away the fallen leaves. "I do, in fact, need your help."

Baron nodded. This didn’t surprise him.

Though Barbara and Catherine were both famous socialites on the Inner Side, their reputations were entirely different.

To use a crude and vulgar analogy, Barbara was like a Lamborghini that everyone wanted to take for a spin, but no one ever could.

Catherine, on the other hand, was like a Bugatti Veyron from a rental agency, leased out daily. After a rental, not even the agency itself knew who had driven it or if they’d even bothered to refuel it. One had to feel sorry for—

—her "incompetent husband," Hamilton, for a second.

Although, decades later, a seven-time champion would be born who also had the surname Hamilton and had driven every car imaginable.

Baron’s mind began to wander again, a habit closely linked to his past life’s work, which had, after all, demanded divergent thinking.

Barbara said, "Due to certain unique, hereditary reasons, the Frederick Clan has no branch families. There are only three members in the current generation. I assume you’re aware of this, sir."

’I actually had no idea, but it’s not too late to learn.’ Baron nodded.

Seeing his nod, Barbara continued, "Of the three in this generation, my husband is imprisoned for offending the London Tower. The other two, a man and a woman, were married long ago but have no children... and for certain reasons, both of them are now unable to conceive."

’No heirs? Infertile? Doesn’t that mean the Frederick Clan is facing extinction?’ As the thought crossed Baron’s mind, Barbara spoke.

"Therefore, I need you to help me have a child."

Baron was speechless.

His silence wasn’t for a lack of words, but because he couldn’t think of what to say.

Barbara took in his stunned expression but continued on heedlessly.

"The Frederick Clan values its lineage above all else. As a show of good faith, I can tell you this: though the Fredericks are an Old Blood Clan, they are not like the others."

"Different?" Baron raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

Barbara said, "Their Old Blood can be gifted."

’Gifted?’ Baron was taken aback. He had never heard of Old Blood that could be gifted.

Barbara smiled, as she had been doing all along. "It’s related to the Frederick Clan’s [Blood Curse]. It’s too complicated to explain in a few words, but it is the very reason the Frederick Clan has maintained its lasting prosperity."

’So you came straight to me? Just because I’m handsome and powerful... Hmm, on the Inner Side, those qualities are indeed quite useful.’

’Wait, wait... are you saying that the members of the Frederick Clan aren’t even pure-blooded Fredericks? If what you’re saying is true, then it sounds like the so-called Golden Clan of Frederick is nothing more than a glorified gene bank...’

"But..." Baron began, unsure how to phrase it. "Isn’t your husband still alive? And with the Frederick Clan’s influence, visiting him in prison shouldn’t be a difficult task, should it?"

He phrased the question delicately, though he still couldn’t comprehend how the plot had suddenly shifted from ’the shocking conspiracy of the Dragon Eater Association’ to some kind of family drama.

But Barbara shot the idea down without a second thought. "He’s not as handsome as you, nor as powerful. Furthermore, you’ve been acknowledged by an Ancient Dragon, which means your bloodline is exceptional...

I want my child to inherit our looks and strength. With that foundation, enhanced by the Frederick’s [Old Blood]... he could become the most perfect Old Blood on the Inner Side."

’Lady, you sound like a mad scientist bragging about a research breakthrough that could change the industry.’

Baron complained internally, but said aloud, "I used to be one of the Bloodless."

"That was in the past," Barbara said. "Besides, I never judge a person by their past. I know you’re here for revenge, aren’t you? I understand men like you, sir.

You won’t rest until you’ve achieved your goal. Do you want to kill Elder Pence, or the members of the jury? Or perhaps the Judge from the Prole Court? I can help you with all of that."

"I can swear to the Gods that I will never reveal your purpose for being here, just as I am confiding in you with a woman’s most private, most mysterious plea, rather than choosing to expose you."

"You can ask anything of me, and I will agree to it... And yet, sir, please allow me to emphasize this word—’merely’."

"All I ’merely’ need is a child. One you will never have to concern yourself with, one you will never have to raise."

As Barbara spoke, a blush crept up her face, as vivid as a new begonia blossom falling onto a white lake. She was so captivating, so enchanting, yet she also radiated a child-like innocence, as if she were asking for nothing more than a small toy from a store shelf.

"So, will you grant my plea?"