The entire Jenkins clan struggled to find another member capable of shifting positions as effortlessly and swiftly as she could.

Canaan, wearing a stern expression, stated, “It's Maria's prerogative to choose her mentees. We shouldn't burden her with guilt, should we?"

Mrs. Jenkins sneered, “If a family can't remain united, it might as well sever all ties and disband!"

Canaan found himself at a loss for words.

He had never emerged victorious in such confrontations with Mrs. Jenkins, so he opted for silence to prevent further defeats.

Mrs. Jenkins persisted, "Maria, you must furnish the family with a rational explanation, or I'll be compelled to enforce the family's regulations!"

"Ha-ha. . Maria laughed out loud.

Her laughter resembled that of an audience member who had just witnessed a circus act and was thoroughly entertained by the antics of the clown on stage.

Her laughter, although charming, carried a hint of haughtiness.

Maria then abruptly inquired, “Barbara, would you want me as your mentor?"

“What? Absolutely not!" Barbara replied without thinking.

She had intended to boast about thinking of a senior pill alchemist who could be her mentor within the Pill Alchemist Association.

But then she realized something.

By declining Maria's offer, she had removed any basis for Mrs. Jenkins to impose a penalty on Maria.

"Just as I thought!" Maria shrugged and remarked, “Isn't this ideal?

I have no desire to mentor you, and you have no interest in being mentored by me. We've come to a mutual understanding. So, could you enlighten me on which family rule I've violated?"

Maria then turned her gaze toward Mrs. Jenkins and suggested, "Or maybe Barbara and I should both face punishment together?"

Fairness was crucial when enforcing family rules.

If both parties were equally unwilling, then it was possible that neither of them was at fault or both of them were at fault.

It would be unfair for Mrs. Jenkins to only punish Maria.

Mrs. Jenkins found herself at a loss for words.

She held Barbara responsible for falling into Maria's trap so easily, making her backtrack on her earlier statements.

With a snort, Mrs. Jenkins glared at Maria for a moment before slowly rising from her chair.

"I'm feeling weary. Enjoy yourself. I will excuse myself."