Vincent Swallow's wild laughter echoed through the room. Granny Nina was still kneeling on the ground, repeatedly apologizing.
"Heh, what do you have to apologize to me for? You people of the Nether Syndicate are all the same. As they say, a dying man's words are kind, but that's just talk. Hmph, this world really is small. Who would've thought that after more than three hundred years, I'd meet you again? Good deeds are rewarded, evil deeds are punished. All you're feeling now is regret for what happened back then, but at your core, you are still evil!"
As Vincent spoke, I didn't step forward. Though his words were harsh, I felt little sympathy for Granny Nina. Seeing her kneeling, an old woman endlessly repenting, I felt only a trace of pity—nothing more.
"I suppose you stayed here just to grow old alone, trying to escape your past. But when faced with true evil, you felt nothing at all. That's your nature—evil."
Back when all those tragedies happened in Linland County, Granny Nina could have easily subdued that vengeful ghost, but she didn't. Even when Frank Niu was a child and needed help, she did nothing.
"Forget it. Stand up for now. After all, if anyone is to blame for what happened back then, it's me for being powerless."
As Vincent spoke, he squatted in front of Granny Nina, taking her hands. Granny Nina looked utterly defeated, but Vincent helped her up and sat her down on a chair.
"Master, I..."
"Enough. There's no need to say more. I came here because I don't want to see those same evils happen again. That's why I need your help."
"Alright, I'll go boil some water. You two talk." Frank Niu left with a cheerful smile, seemingly unbothered by Granny Nina's past indifference.