A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Chapter 655 CrossRoad · Start - IV

Even though Ansel had numerous opportunities to make them completely obedient, he ultimately chose not to do so.

"Principles and... convictions," Marlina repeated softly.

"Hehe, I'm not saying you lack these things, Marlina. It's just that your starting point is different," Ansel teased, causing Marlina's cheeks to flush slightly. "I—I didn't think you were saying I lacked principles. I understand what you mean, Ansel."

My principles and convictions are you—

"Just like you, a fellow mortal."

"...Eh?" Ansel gazed through the office window at the bustling lower-town residents engaged in reconstruction work and sighed, "Ravenna and Seri's perspectives are entirely different from yours. As extraordinary beings, they cannot see, delve into, or understand what [mortals] as a whole require when faced with the extraordinary."

"What truly constitutes help for mortals?" The young Hydral seemed to be asking Marlina, yet also conversing with himself. "Is it striving to elevate their existence, dignity, and value while neglecting their actual daily lives, a form of arrogance from a higher plane? Or is it the meticulous care akin to tending a pet, cradling them in one's hands, that is true arrogance? Who can say for certain?"

"And if one were to combine both, how could one achieve a balance between them?"

Ansel looked at the stunned Marlina: "You are right, Marlina, it is very challenging. To this day, I find it difficult to see a way forward. That's why I need someone who stands from a different perspective, someone sufficiently intelligent, and capable of keeping up with my vision to bring new thoughts."

A mortal, wise, having read the knowledge Ansel brought from that world, deeply understanding the struggles and pains of mortals, and able to empathize with them. Over these three years, Ansel had confirmed that Marlina was the best candidate.

"Because I can... empathize with the common folk, that's why I'm the chosen one?" Marlina whispered softly.

"Indeed, and now it seems my idea is... barely treading a path that isn't too bad." Ansel shook his head, "But to continue, it is very arduous."

He then smiled again: "But having you here makes it much better, Marlina. Your answers always align with the choices I wish to make. I hope this is not just your talent, but that you are walking the right path alongside me."

"Yes, I will, Mr. Ansel," Marlina bowed deeply, "I will not disappoint... your expectations."

She had never felt that her disguise could be so perfect. Looking back, Marlina realized one thing. She had never truly empathized with the common folk; she simply... did not care about what kind of life the common folk would lead in the future. She only cared about whether this was what Ansel needed, nothing more.

Aridhill suddenly opened his eyes and reached toward the window, which shattered instantly, but he grasped nothing.

"Aridhill... Aridhill? What happened?"

Aridhill did not respond. His robust frame swelled with iron-like muscles, exuding an aura as solid as a mountain.

"Don't mess around; do you want to be discovered?"

Just as he was about to make a move, a melodious but slightly wild female voice echoed in the room.

The uninvited guest appeared boldly: "You must have investigated me many times; you can't possibly not know who I am, right?"

"You..."

Upon seeing her, Aridhill's suspicion deepened: "How are you here, how could you—"

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How could you evade my senses?

The visitor, uninterested in wasting words, got straight to the point:

"I originally just wanted to discuss with you, but I didn't expect... you plan to make a big move."

"Perfect, I have something very important to do as well. How about..."

The wolf grinned, her sharp canine teeth gleaming coldly in the moonlight.

"Let's cooperate?"

*