Depraved Noble: Forced To Live The Debaucherous Life Of An Evil Noble!-Chapter 542: Let’s All Become One Family!

Aqua had gone quiet for a while, absently stirring her tea as her mind replayed everything they’d seen and heard that day.

Then, after a long pause, she finally lifted her eyes toward Joy, hesitating for a second before speaking.

"I think...what you said about my brother might be true."

Joy, who had been silently sipping her tea, froze mid-sip. Her eyes flicked upward in mild surprise, then began to gleam faintly, as if she had finally found a disciple in arms.

"Truly?" She asked, setting the cup down carefully. "I’m glad you finally see it my way. You’ve always been clever, Aqua. But now you have reached the epitome of making sense of the world."

"Perhaps the Goddess has opened your eyes at last."

Aqua blinked. "Eh—wait, what—?"

But Joy just folded her hands together and nodded solemnly as she went on to say like she was recruiting her into the church,

"To accept such a painful truth about one’s own kin requires courage. You’re even more righteous than I am. With you on my side, we can bring proper judgment upon your brother and purge his sins."

Hearing this, Aqua’s eyes widened in panic.

"Wait, wait, no, no! That’s not what I meant!" She waved her hands frantically. "I’m not joining your purging crusade! There’s no way I’m taking down my own brother!"

Joy instantly lost her enthusiasm, while Maria blinked, raising her brows.

"Then what do you mean, dear, when you say you think the rumors are true?"

Aqua bit her lip, cheeks flushing slightly.

"Well, I just meant...maybe some of them are true. Not the criminal parts! Just...the woman part."

Joy frowned. "The woman part?"

"Yes!" Aqua said quickly, exhaling. "He’s...frivolous. You know, when it comes to women. I mean, it’s obvious he’s fond of them."

"I mean, just look at his household! Even his wives don’t seem to think twice about what he’s doing and even let in women from the brothel in like it’s not big deal."

"Nala even looked like she was going to send us to his bedroom herself! It’s like they’ve gotten used to it!"

Maria blushed faintly, lowering her gaze into her cup.

"And it’s not just a one-time thing either." Aqua continued. "You saw it yourself, Auntie. Even while that...scene was happening, the rest of the staff were just calmly going about their business!"

"No one was shocked! That only happens when something’s a regular occurrence!"

Joy sipped her tea silently, clearly uninterested in the trivial details of ’romantic activities.’ But Maria was turning warmer by the second.

"And besides." Aqua added, leaning closer with a whisper. "I also heard what Stella told you while I was sleeping."

Joy’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn’t interrupt.

"She said the maids admitted to...participating."

Aqua said awkwardly, her feet fidgeting around.

"Voluntarily. Repeatedly. Which means they’re not only used to it...they like it."

"Good heavens..." Maria gulped.

"Yes! And—" She faltered, her voice dropping lower as she stared at her teacup. "—and what we saw, that’s something even the most perverted noble families wouldn’t dare do."

"That was..." Her voice trembled, cheeks flaming. "That was something only a man who’s truly passionate about such things could do."

"It’s humiliating, degrading, and...honestly impressive in its own terrifying way."

"Oh dear." Maria clutched her cup tighter.

Aqua sighed heavily.

"So yes, the rumors about my brother being ultra-naughty? Definitely true. But!"

She raised a finger.

"That doesn’t mean he’s a bad person! He’s not forcing anyone. He’s just...a little extra naughty, that’s all."

Joy pressed her lips together, preparing to refute—but to her shock, Maria nodded shyly.

"Actually...Aqua is right."

Both girls turned to her in surprise.

"I mean it was rather intense. A-And incredibly indecent. Something I’ll probably never forget no matter how much scripture I read."

Joy gave her a dead look. "Mother."

"No, listen!" Maria waved her hand defensively. "I’m just saying...despite how shocking it was, those maids looked genuinely happy."

"They were laughing and smiling even before they realized we were there. And when they were caught, they ran off like mischievous children, not terrified victims."

"So perhaps...perhaps the rumors are right in one sense."

Aqua tilted her head. "Which is?"

Maria smiled faintly, blushing again.

"That he seems to be someone who keeps his women happy in every situation. Even...in those kinds of situations."

Joy’s eyes twitched. But Aqua lit up, excited that Maria agreed.

"I know, right?! That’s exactly what I was saying!" She said, grinning. "Say what you want, but that’s the sign of a truly adoring man!"

She leaned forward, her voice gleeful.

"And not to mention, did you see how good-looking he’s become?! He used to be such a cute boy, but now—now he’s grown into a man who could make anyone swoon!"

"Honestly, it’s no surprise women would throw themselves at him."

Maria hesitated, blushing faintly, then smiled.

"I...have to admit, he is handsome. The reports I read said he was as striking as a prince, and I thought they were exaggerating. But after seeing him today, I understand. He’s charming, graceful, and..."

She stopped herself mid-sentence, eyes darting away.

"...he does have a nice figure..."

Joy’s head snapped toward her. "Mother."

"W-What?"

"That’s not something a follower of the Goddess should be saying." Joy said, not expecting her mother to engage in such talk.

"Oh, come on, Joy! Let your mother have a little fun!" Aqua burst out laughing. "You act like she’s not allowed to notice things."

She grinned mischievously.

"Go on, Auntie Maria, you were saying? Sounds like you’ve got a type for my brother."

Maria’s eyes widened in panic.

"Wha—no! Not at all!" She stammered. "It’s not like that! It’s just—he reminded me of a picture book I read years ago."

Joy raised an eyebrow. "A picture book."

Maria nodded frantically.

"Yes. It was a story about a noble knight—charming, strong, and kind. The church received it as a donation, and I used to read it to the orphans. And when I saw your brother’s face, I just thought he..."

"...looks so much like that knight from the story."

Aqua leaned in with a teasing grin.

"Ohhh, so that’s how it is, huh? Falling for my brother at first sight! Even if it was such an embarrassing introduction!"

Maria gasped, mortified.

"No, no, no! Don’t say things like that!" She pleaded, covering her face. "I’m far too old for that sort of nonsense! He’s a young man, and I’m a woman of the church, and—oh dear, this is so improper..."

Aqua chuckled, resting her cheek on her hand.

"Age is just a number, Auntie Maria. Besides, you’re beautiful! No one would ever believe you have a grown daughter. I’m sure my brother would take interest if you spent time together."

But just then, Joy’s patience finally snapped. She slammed her hand on the table, making both of them jump.

"Would you two please stop talking about this?!" She barked, glaring between them. "Aqua, stop trying to set up my mother with your brother! And Mother, stop entertaining her ridiculous fantasies!"

"What? We’re just talking." Aqua blinked innocently.

"You’re trying to set my mother up with a criminal!" Joy glared.

"Joy!"

Maria gasped, but Joy ignored her and pointed at Aqua, her voice rising as she said,

"I know you’ve always us to become one family, but this is not the way to do it!"

Aqua crossed her arms, pouting.

"It’s not like that! I’m just saying my brother’s not as bad as you think. And if your mother happens to think he’s handsome, that’s not a crime!"

Maria hid her burning face in her hands, mumbling.

"Oh Goddess, please strike me down now..."

Joy could only groan, running a hand down her face. "I should’ve stayed in the cathedral..."

But Aqua, ignoring her, leaned toward Maria again and whispered teasingly.

"Still, Auntie, if you did marry him, I’d get to call you Auntie Sister-in-law!"

"Aqua, please!" Maria let out a small squeak, her face turning bright red.

Joy was just about to reach out and pinch Aqua’s cheek in retaliation for her matchmaking nonsense—when suddenly the doors to the waiting room burst open.

Everyone turned toward the entrance and what they saw made all conversation, teasing, and laughter instantly stop.

There, standing framed by the light of the corridor, was Cassius Vindictus Holyfield.

Unlike before, he was no longer a half-naked, chaotic mess surrounded by flustered maids.

He was fully dressed this time. Yet, somehow, that only made things worse all the women.

He wore a simple outfit: a crisp, pure white shirt that fit perfectly across his shoulders and chest, and black pants that accentuated his tall, lean build.

The simplicity only amplified his natural elegance, each step he took exuded quiet power and self-assurance.

His messy hair framed his face neatly, and his eyes—calm, clear, and piercing seemed to capture the light like polished obsidian glass.

Even the nuns of the sisterhood, who had sworn chastity and purity before the Goddess, couldn’t help but falter for a second.

A few pairs of eyes lingered too long.

A couple of cheeks flushed.

One of the younger nuns accidentally whispered, "So handsome..." before clapping both hands over her mouth in horror.

Cassius didn’t seem to notice or perhaps, he was simply too used to it.

But the trio’s reactions were far more dramatic.

Joy’s eyes immediately narrowed like a hawk spotting prey.

The look in her eyes was sharp and analytical, as though she was dissecting every movement, every subtle expression on his face—waiting, begging for him to make a mistake so she could justify swinging her axe.

Aqua, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. Her face lit up with pure joy. Her lips parted in disbelief before a wide, bright smile broke across her face.

"Brother..." She whispered, barely able to contain herself.

Her fingers twitched, she wanted nothing more than to run up to him and hug him tight. But she restrained herself, biting her lip and bouncing slightly in her seat like an excited child.

Meanwhile, Maria...Maria was having her own inner crisis.

Her eyes trembled the moment she saw him and she instantly looked away.

’He looks even better with clothes on...’

She thought before her mind betrayed her with a follow-up. ’

Actually, he looked good even without clothes...’

But then she felt shame about what she was thinking.

’No! Stop it! Goddess above, forgive me!’

She brought her teacup to her lips and drank too quickly, coughing as the hot tea burned her throat.

’It’s the incident earlier.’ She told herself desperately. ’It’s poisoned my thoughts! That’s all! That’s all!’

But when she dared to glance at him again—seeing the faint smile, the quiet grace, the faint irritation furrowing his brows—her heart fluttered again against her will.

But just all three of them were about to get to greet, hug or fight him.

A strange noise came from behind him.

A muffled sob.

All eyes turned toward his back where something, or rather someone, was clinging tightly to him like a desperate child refusing to let go of their parent.

The women’s eyes widened.

"Is that...?" Aqua whispered.

Indeed, hanging on Cassius’s back like a stubborn monkey was none other than Lucius—the ever-loyal butler—his face red and streaked with tears.

His arms were wrapped around Cassius’s shoulders, and his legs were hooked around his waist in a way that looked more tragic than dignified.

"YOUNG MASTER!"

Lucius wailed, tears streaming down his cheeks. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"PLEASE! PLEASE TAKE ME BACK! I BEG OF YOU! I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’LL DO WITHOUT YOU!"