Chapter 51: Toying with Enemies

Duke Walter's estate was located in the southern district of Alsace, a quarter where the high nobility lived. Luxurious and beautiful estates sprawled side by side, where lush greenery and opulent villas complemented one another, all laid out with grand and sensible planning.

"Lord Viscount!"

Powell gave a bow. The duke had sent his butler to personally welcome him at the entrance. To Xu Feng's surprise, the ne'er-do-well Baron Riva was also there, which showed just how seriously Walter was taking Xu Feng's visit. However, unlike Powell's respectful demeanor, Riva made no effort to conceal his hatred, glaring fiercely at Xu Feng.

This was understandable.

Firstly, Xu Feng and Riva had a prior conflict—though not exactly a life-and-death feud, they were diametrically opposed. Secondly, Xu Feng's visit was to treat the duke's son, Lake. If Lake recovered, Riva would lose his eligibility to inherit the title. Given this, how could he not resent Xu Feng?

However, even if he was unhappy, Xu Feng was, after all, the duke's honored guest, invited here. Yet Riva wore his hatred openly on his face... He couldn't get anything right, only make things worse. Such trash was not worth worrying about.

Ignoring the baron's animosity, Xu Feng exchanged pleasantries with Powell, leaving Riva standing alone. This act of treating him as if he were air was undoubtedly filled with contempt. Riva was furious, but given the time and place, he couldn't lash out. He could only seethe inwardly, his face turning green with rage.

The ducal estate was enormous, both in size and luxury, comparable to Marquis Luoxiqi's estate. Xu Feng was genuinely taken aback. After all, the Walter family belonged to the southern nobility, with their fiefdom in the largest Keyun Province in the south. This residence in the imperial capital was merely a temporary lodging for their once-every-two-years duty reports to the throne, and yet it was opulent to this degree. The Walter family's wealth and status were on full display.

Following custom, the butler led the way, while Riva, as the duke's nephew and representing the host, accompanied Xu Feng. This time, the two of them were surprisingly in sync, deliberately walking slowly to distance themselves from Powell and the servants.

Riva's gaze was fierce and full of malice, but Xu Feng remained completely unfazed. He looked at Riva as he would a pitiful insect.

"Bastard!" Riva clenched his fists but dared not strike, only muttering threats: "You'll regret crossing me."

What nonsense. Such playboys only knew how to threaten or wield their power. Unfortunately, neither of these tactics worked on Xu Feng. A faint, disdainful smile appeared at the corner of the young man's lips: "Kid, if you want to threaten me, bring something substantial. Idiot!"

"You..."

"What about me?"

Xu Feng didn't even let him finish, his eyes filled with contempt: "You want to say you'll get your revenge on me after becoming the duke, right? No chance." Xu Feng shook his finger: "I will definitely cure Lake, so the duke's title is forever out of your reach."

Xu Feng's words struck a nerve. Originally, Riva was just a minor baron, and his arrogance stemmed from becoming the heir to the Walter family. But now... that supreme honor could be snatched away at any moment.

If Xu Feng cured Lake, Riva would revert to being a minor baron—something he could not tolerate. His face shifted through a range of emotions, and he felt a fury that choked him. Finally unable to restrain himself, he threw a punch at Xu Feng.

An idiot remained an idiot. Riva's actions were utterly foolish. What noble would throw a punch at a guest invited by their elder? If word got out, he would undoubtedly become the laughingstock of the empire's upper class.

Riva had indulged in wine and women, his body long depleted. Moreover, he knew no magic or martial arts. Xu Feng paid no mind to this feeble punch. Although he studied magic, he also took care to exercise regularly. With a light flick of his hand, he blocked the attack and then pushed back...

Splash—

Riva fell into the small lake in the garden.

But that wasn't the end. Xu Feng lightly flicked his fingers, and a small wind blade silently flew out, targeting a wasp nest on a willow tree by the lake. Xu Feng's control was precise—the nest landed right on the baron's head.

Instantly, buzzing filled the air as the startled wasps attacked the nearest target. Pig-like screams echoed through the garden.

By the time the servants scrambled to rescue Riva, he was already unrecognizable. His head had swollen to nearly twice its size, and countless stings covered his body. Xu Feng noticed that although the duke's servants offered condolences on the surface, most of them wore expressions of barely concealed glee. Especially the maids—their eyes toward Riva were filled with vengeful satisfaction.

Xu Feng sighed. It seemed this guy was even worse than he had imagined. Who knew how many misdeeds he had committed for the servants to hate him to this extent.

That little lesson was practically a public service!

Being attacked by hundreds of wasps was no joke. Although timely intervention saved Riva's life, he was half-dead from the stings. The servants carried him away.

Butler Powell frowned. He had been walking ahead, and Xu Feng's actions were subtle, so he naturally didn't realize that the baron's severe injuries were the work of this honored guest. He merely thought it was an accident.

"Lord Viscount, please forgive this embarrassment. This way!"

"No need for apologies."

A smile played on the corner of Xu Feng's lips, as if nothing had happened. His demeanor won the admiration of everyone present.

Passing through the beautiful garden and traversing the deep courtyard, Duke Walter himself stood before the reception hall. Beside him was an exceptionally elegant and beautiful woman—she was stunning, pure and simple. The young woman appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen, with skin so flawless it was as delicate as a baby's, smooth as fine jade.

In the entire imperial capital, only Princess Ailiya, hailed as the First Beauty of Mankind, and Miss Keluona, renowned as the Magician's Flower, could compare to her. Even seeing her for the second time, she still delivered a powerful visual impact to Xu Feng. Even Xiuer and Sha Sha paled slightly in comparison.

Duke Walter's beloved daughter, Lingyuesi!