Once, Berine had to attend a meeting in the Capital for which she had to stay there for a week. At that time, Richard was only seven years old, that''s why she took him with her.


    Naturally, she always took care of him and had him in the range of her perception all the time—except for the time when she had to attend the meeting. That''s why she hired a full-time maid to take care of her baby.


    One of those days, when  Berine returned to her room Richie rushed towards her with tears in his eyes and a ring red mark of a hand on his cheek.


    He cried in her arms for a long time without a word, and seeing him in tears broke her down as well. She kept him holding until he didn''t fall asleep in her embrace.


    That day, Berine realized that for her child she could never hesitate to hurt anyone. The person who dared p her son was begging her to kill him and spare him from the burden of his life.


    For the whole night, Berine kept on torturing that man and healing him continuously. The security guards who were there felt nauseous seeing that gory sight of a beautiful woman digging out the innards of a living man and making him swallow it. And all while wearing a sadistic smile on her face.


    The penalty for hurting her child could only be death, a fact she had resolved long ago. Forget amoner; even if the Emperor or the Demon King dared to harm her Richie, she wouldn''t hesitate to annihte everything they cherished before tearing their heads from their bodies.


    And of all people, the one who tried to take her child away from her was none other than a man she trusted? Indeed a good reason to feel murderous today.


    ***************


    The whole lobby was ignited by the mes that enveloped Richard. His body was burning but not a grunt anyone could hear that could have represented his pain. All one could see about him was that horrifying grin he wore on his face while he advanced toward his prey.


    Albert was left with no other option than to march towards Richard. He knew battling against the Duchess was pointless. She could kill him in a breath.


    His steps advanced toward Richard which shocked Lilia. However, before she could move to chase Albert—who clearly intended to harm Richard—she found her hand being held by the Duchess


    "But mydy..." Despite her protest, Berine remained unmoving with her gaze transfixed on nothing but her Richie.


    In a tone that suggested the flurry of emotions swirling inside her, she conveyed, "Let him have his fun."


    At that time Lilia could only stare at her mistress with eyes of confusion however the moment she looked back straight again, she realized what herdy meant.


    ******


    Albert was strong enough to kill the bastard. Because of this little squirt, herdy was looking at him like he had betrayed her. And now, this boy would go to hell with him.


    Harbouring such thoughts Albert wielded his short knife in a reverse grip and leaped towards the boy who was enwrapped in mes.


    Richard''s arms remained hanging by his side as he looked at the advancing figure of the Butler with a malicious grin on his face.


    The butler swung the knife in a nt shing across Richard''s chest and he did feel the de making a cut on him—however, along with his own attack, Albert felt something burning his torso.


    "Guh!" He eximed before backing off and swatting away the mes that Richard inflicted on him through a decisive punch in his gut.


    Without warning, Richard lunged forward, the mes around him roaring louder. Albert sidestepped with practiced ease, but the heat singed his sleeve. He retaliated with a swift, precise jab to Richard''s midsection, but his fist met a wall of searing heat. He hissed in pain, pulling back.


    Richard grinned wickedly. "You''ll have to do better than that, old man."


    Albert''s eyes narrowed. He moved with calcted precision, ducking and weaving through the hall. He struck at Richard''s weak points, targeting joints and vital areas, but every blow was met with the consuming mes. Richard''s brute strength and fiery aura made him a formidable opponent, even for a veteran like Albert.


    Richard swung a fiery fist, aiming for Albert''s head. The butler barely dodged, the heat singing his hair. He countered with a low kick, trying to unbnce Richard, but the ming warrior stood firm. Richard''s hands mped down on Albert''s shoulders, the intense heat making the butler scream in agony.


    "Feel the pain, bitch," Richard snarled, tightening his grip.


    Albert, gritting his teeth, drove his knee into Richard''s abdomen, forcing him to loosen his hold. He staggered back, gasping for breath. Richard, undeterred, advanced again, his ming form crackling with energy. He swung both fists down, aiming for Albert''s chest.


    Albert crossed his arms, trying to shield himself, but the force of the blow sent him sprawling. Pain radiated through his body as he hit the ground. Richard was on him in an instant, grabbing him by the cor and lifting him off his feet.


    Richard growled, the mes intensifying. He hurled Albert across the hall, the butler crashing into a wooden table that shattered under the impact.


    Albert coughed, struggling to stand. His vision blurred, but he forced himself to focus. Richard was relentless, closing the distance with heavy, meden steps. Albert knew he had to act fast. With a swift motion, he drew a hidden dagger from his boot and threw it at Richard.


    The de cuts through the air, embedding itself in Richard''s shoulder. The fiery warrior roared in pain, the mes around him ring wildly. Albert used the momentary distraction to roll to his feet,unching himself at Richard with renewed determination.


    But Richard, fueled by rage and pain, grabbed Albert''s wrist mid-strike. He twisted, eliciting a cry of agony from the butler. With a vicious snarl, he mmed Albert to the ground face t, and grabbed both of his arms.


    "Now cry!" With a loud roar, Richard nted his leg on his back and pulled Albert''s arms with all his strength.


    "AAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHH!!! STOPP! STOPPPPP IT!!" Albert iled and struggled to get Richard off him, but in the intoxication of rage and frustration, Richard didn''t yield.


    Unbeknownst to himself he utilizes Ether to enhance his strength and in the next moment,


    *CRUNCH*


    Blood began to spray out of his shoulders as Albert cried like a madman after having his forelimbs detached.


    "Hahahahaha hahaha!!!!" Richardughed as he draped the ripped-off arms from the man, on his shoulders. Hisugh sounded more evil than amusing.


    It was fun! This was fun!


    ***********


    A/N:- I will properly exined how Richard defeated Albert and everything that seemed to be betraying the information I have provided until now.


    Drop some Power stones. I need ''em.