Chapter 390: Someone Needs a Knocking (6)

Chapter 390: Chapter 390: Someone Needs a Knocking (6)

"Hmph! And I’m the one who’s small-minded? You get scared by the first person who comes along! I am Madam Sterling of the Sterling Family! He’s just a soldier! Even if he were an officer, there’s no one I can’t afford to offend! Calling him an ’instructor’ is the nice way to put it. To be blunt, he’s just a grunt! Would I, Madam Sterling, really be afraid of a mere grunt?"

Jasmine Faulkner hated being looked down upon more than anything, especially by Seraphina Sterling! Of course, she wasn’t all bravado and no brains. She was a university graduate, after all, and had been through military training. She knew that the instructors for these programs were usually just new recruits from local units—many didn’t even have a rank. It was precisely this knowledge that made her so fearless. She could only blame her own bad luck that this year’s instructor at Aethelgard University was someone she absolutely could not afford to provoke.

"I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Aunt. Soldiers protect our nation and defend our homes. They maintain peace and order to give people a stable life. Every single soldier deserves our respect. To put it nicely, you are Madam Sterling, living a life of luxury. To put it bluntly, you’re nothing but a parasite. The clothes you wear, the jewelry you flaunt—did you earn a single one of those things through your own labor? So you see, you’re nothing special yourself."

Seraphina Sterling retorted sharply. ’She dragged me all the way back here in such a panic, only to stand around and stir up trouble. If I don’t use this chance to teach her a lesson, this trip will have been a complete waste!’ Seeing Jasmine Faulkner’s thunderous expression, Seraphina felt a sense of satisfaction. Then, her tone shifted. "Of course, as your junior, perhaps it wasn’t my place to say those things. I just wanted to give you a little reminder: my instructor’s name is Ethan Thompson. Don’t be shocked, Aunt, and don’t think it’s impossible. Yes, that Ethan Thompson. From the military dynasty—the Thompson Family of Aethelgard."

Jasmine Faulkner stumbled back several steps, nearly losing her footing and collapsing onto the sofa. The Thompson Family of Aethelgard had a long and distinguished military history, wielding immense power within those circles. Over time, their influence had crept into politics and business; their roots ran deep, and their strength was formidable. Just as Jasmine Faulkner was about to try and explain herself, a voice spoke again from the other end of the phone.

"Well, Seraphina Sterling, look at you getting doubted for once! How does it feel? Quite the experience, isn’t it? As for Madam Sterling, you needn’t worry about Seraphina getting expelled. She did indeed finish her training early. Someone who can beat up her own instructor doesn’t need military training! Her physical fitness is superb—better than the average soldier’s, even. She simply doesn’t need it. I wonder, is that answer satisfactory for you, Madam Sterling?"

A hint of laughter laced Ethan Thompson’s voice, but his nonchalant attitude only made Jasmine Faulkner more frantic. The Thompson Family was not one that could be insulted with impunity! ’This is all Seraphina Sterling’s fault,’ she thought. ’If she hadn’t saved his number simply as ’Instructor,’ I never would have spoken to him like that! She did it on purpose! She deliberately set me up to offend the Thompsons!’

A vicious light glinted in Jasmine Faulkner’s eyes, but her tone softened considerably. "Oh, it’s not a matter of satisfaction. Seraphina has always had a mind of her own; advice from her elders goes in one ear and out the other. Ever since my eldest brother passed away, and with her mother coming from a humble family, her upbringing has been... lacking. As her aunt, the heavy burden of disciplining her has fallen to me. Sometimes I have to be strict with her, but it’s only because I hate to see her potential go to waste. I was out of line with my words just now, and I am truly sorry. I hope you can forgive me, Instructor."

Seraphina Sterling wasn’t the least bit surprised by Jasmine Faulkner’s reaction after learning Ethan Thompson’s identity. ’Her ability to change her tune is truly second to none.’

"As for the matter of Seraphina injuring you, I will make sure to teach her a good lesson, so please rest assured, Instructor! That child has always been rebellious, with none of the grace expected of a young lady from a prominent family. I never imagined she’d go so far as to attack her own instructor! I will personally make her go to the hospital and apologize to you!" In just a few words, Jasmine Faulkner sold Seraphina out, breezily papering over the fact that she herself had just offended Ethan Thompson. This, too, was one of Jasmine Faulkner’s greatest skills.