My Crybaby Father is the Kingdom's Worst Villain
Chapter 53: Two Tsunamis meeting?

Chapter 53: Two Tsunamis meeting?

Ramiro plucked the parchment from her fingers, his eyes steady. "Now, we make sure Castillo understands that playing games with you means playing games with me."

He tapped the letter against his palm, his expression sharpening with thought. "He wanted to measure the distance between us. We’ll let him think he’s found one."

Luzia frowned. "You’re going to let him believe I’d turn against you?"

A smirk ghosted across Ramiro’s lips. "Let him believe whatever makes him bold enough to make his next mistake."

Esteban exhaled a quiet chuckle. "And when he does?"

Flames erupted from Ramiro’s palm, engulfing the letter. He watched as the edges curled and blackened, his voice calm and certain. "We’ll be ready."

Ramiro shifted his gaze to Luzia, the firelight casting sharp shadows across his face. His expression softened. "You should get some rest, Luzia."

Luzia exhaled, her shoulders rising with the deep breath she took. For a moment, she looked as if she might argue, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her sleeve. But then, with a quiet sigh, she gave a small nod. " I shall leave then."

Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked toward the door, her steps measured but slightly heavier than before.

Once Luzia disappeared beyond the doorway, Ramiro let out a slow breath, only then realizing he had been holding it. The flickering fire cast restless shadows across the room, the scent of burnt parchment still lingering in the air.

"I originally thought she could at least befriend Ignacio," he mused, rubbing his thumb against his knuckles. "But it seems she doesn’t like him."

Esteban let out a dry chuckle, leaning against the edge of the desk. "I think it runs in the family to hate a Castillo."

Ramiro exhaled through his nose, the corner of his mouth twitching. "I suppose."

Then, as if a thought had just struck him, his eyes widened slightly. He straightened, turning to Esteban. "Speaking of that... what about your daughter?"

There was abit of silence as their gaze locked.

Esteban blinked. "Eh?!"

"Yes?" Ramiro said, his tone even.

Esteban forced a smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "My daughter? Why are you suddenly asking about her..." He trailed off, mumbling.

"You mentioned she was having trouble making friends," Ramiro said, his gaze steady. "That’s why I want her and Luzia to meet."

Esteban shifted uncomfortably. "I don’t think that would be..."

Ramiro’s eyes darkened, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Marquis Esteban Almagro."

The use of his full title made Esteban exhale sharply. His smile faltered as he rubbed his neck. "Look, Ramiro... I just don’t think it’s a good idea."

Ramiro crossed his arms. "You said she struggles with friendships. Luzia isn’t much different."

Esteban let out a dry chuckle. "That’s exactly what worries me. You’re pairing a storm with a wildfire."

Ramiro smirked. "Then let’s see which one burns brighter."

Esteban hummed, tilting his head. "Hmm... I don’t know if this is a good idea, my lord."

"Just like you don’t want Cat to be lonely, I don’t want that for Luzia either," Ramiro said, his tone even. "But given their personalities, it’s likely to happen. They’re different from the usual noble ladies—the ones who fit the mold without question."

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady. "That’s exactly why I want them to meet first. They might not blend in with the rest, but maybe they don’t have to."

Esteban exhaled through his nose, his fingers drumming idly against the arm of his chair. I guess he has a point.

But he knew his daughter wasn’t fragile. If anything, she was the opposite.

Would Luzia challenge her, or would they understand each other?

Or worse—would they bring out the worst in each other?

His gut told him it wouldn’t be a peaceful friendship.

"You’re really set on this?" he asked, his voice carrying the weight of reluctant acceptance.

Ramiro tilted his head slightly, amusement glinting in his eyes. "Would I have brought it up if I wasn’t?"

Esteban muttered something under his breath, then shook his head. "Fine. But don’t come crying to me when they tear each other apart."

Ramiro chuckled, leaning back. "Oh, I’d be more worried about the rest of us."

Esteban scoffed. "If they get along, it’ll be a miracle."

Ramiro’s smirk deepened. "Then let’s test our luck."

Esteban exhaled, shaking his head with a tired smirk. "You always make things sound so simple."

Ramiro shrugged. "It’s not about simplicity—it’s about seeing an opportunity and taking it."

Esteban let out a quiet chuckle, rubbing his temple. "And if they hate each other?"

Ramiro’s gaze flickered with amusement. "Then at least they’ll have that in common."

Esteban snorted. "You’re impossible."

A knock at the door interrupted them. Aurelio stepped inside, bowing slightly. "My lord, a messenger has arrived. He claims it’s urgent."

Ramiro exchanged a glance with Esteban before straightening. "Send him in."

Aurelio stepped aside, and a young courier entered, breathless and dust-covered from travel. He clutched a sealed letter in his gloved hand, his fingers tense around the parchment.

Ramiro extended a hand, and the messenger hesitated only for a moment before stepping forward and placing the letter in his palm.

"It comes directly from the Salazar family, my lord."

Esteban’s eyes widened. A message from the emperor’s right hand?

Ramiro’s fingers tightened around the seal as his eyes narrowed. He turned it over, recognizing the insignia pressed into the wax. His jaw set.

Esteban leaned forward slightly. "Bad news?"

Ramiro didn’t answer immediately. He broke the seal, unfolded the letter, and scanned the contents. A slow breath left him, and for a moment, the only sound in the room was the crackling of the fireplace.

Ramiro scoffed and asked, "Was Isidro, Lord Salazar’s son, at Ignacio’s birthday party?"

"Well, since he’s close friends with Ignacio, he should have been," Esteban replied.

Ramiro exhaled through his nose, his expression unreadable. "Lady Salazar is requesting Luzia’s attendance at a tea party she’s hosting for noble mothers and their children."

Esteban frowned. "That’s... unexpected."

Ramiro’s grip on the letter tightened. "Unexpected? No. Calculated? Absolutely."

Esteban leaned back, crossing his arms. "You think this is more than just a social gathering?"

Ramiro’s lips curled into a humorless smirk. "Lady Salazar isn’t the type to extend invitations out of kindness. And Isidro, being Ignacio’s friend, means he’s already too involved in the Castillo family’s affairs."

Esteban exhaled, rubbing his chin. "So, this is either a test or a trap."

Ramiro tapped a finger against the parchment. "Or both."

Aurelio, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward. "Will you accept, my lord?"

Ramiro’s gaze flickered to Esteban before he answered. "Of course."

Esteban raised a brow. "You’re sending Luzia?"

"She’s going," Ramiro said, rolling the letter between his fingers. "But she won’t be going alone."

Esteban scoffed. "You’re planning something."

Ramiro chuckled. "I always am."

He turned toward Aurelio. "Prepare a response. Lady Luzia will attend."

Aurelio bowed. "And her escort?"

Ramiro’s smirk deepened. "Send word to Cat."

Esteban blinked, then let out a short laugh. "Oh, now that’s a move. You’re joking, right?"

Ramiro’s eyes glinted with sharp amusement. "I’m not."

Esteban’s smile faded as realization sank in. "You’re not?"

Ramiro leaned back, his expression unreadable. "No. Don’t worry—Cat and Luzia will get to know each other first before the tea party."

Esteban ran a hand down his face. "That’s not what i’m worried about."

Ramiro raised a brow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Then what are you worried about?"

Esteban exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "I know my daughter, my lord" He let out a dry laugh. "You really think putting them together is a good idea?"

Ramiro leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Good? Maybe not. Interesting? Definitely."

Esteban groaned. "This isn’t a game, Ramiro."

"Everything is a game," Ramiro corrected smoothly. "And in this one, I’d rather have Luzia playing than being played."

Esteban rubbed his temples. "And if she refuses?"

Ramiro smirked. "She won’t."

Esteban arched a brow. "You sound confident."

"I know my daughter," Ramiro said, setting the letter down.

Aurelio, who had remained silent, finally spoke. "Shall I arrange a meeting between Lady Luzia and Cat before the tea party, my lord?"

Ramiro nodded. "Yes. Give them time to... acquaint themselves."

Esteban sighed, already anticipating the chaos. "You really are impossible."

Ramiro chuckled. "And yet, you’re still here."

Esteban shook his head but couldn’t quite hide his grin. "Unfortunately."