A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Chapter 601 In Ansel's Eyes - II

In that flower field, as he watched Flamiel fall into slumber, Ansel indeed felt an unprecedented sense of redemption.

The world before his eyes had become broader and more open.

"Basically... This is just a prototype, Ansel. Help me take a look... Ansel? Ansel?"

Ravenna's call brought Ansel back to his senses. He turned his gaze to a large... box-like device on the workbench and tilted his head slightly. "This thing?"

Ravenna found it strange that Ansel had been smiling just now, but since he always had that smiley expression, she didn't think much about it and spoke to him seriously:

"As you said before, a place like the western land... especially a territory controlled by adventurers—they don't understand city planning. No, they don't even care about what a city should look like."

Ravenna placed her hand on the machine and said softly, "There are many things that are too... absurd. If possible, I hope to make a change, even if it's just a little."

"So you... made this?"

Ansel glanced at the box-shaped device and raised an eyebrow. "Purification, transformation... oh, it's for environmental management."

He immediately understood the machine's purpose. "You want to purify the lower district's environment?"

"You've taught me," Ravenna looked up at Ansel, her expression incredibly serious. "Reform is complex and difficult... If not controlled, some will benefit, but others will sacrifice."

"So now, I'm planning to start with small things that can still make an impact."

Although she said this, Ravenna's expression was still somewhat apprehensive. It was clear she lacked confidence in her direction and wanted to consult Ansel for his opinion.

"This device, as you said, is just a very simple... air purification device. It's very easy to mass-produce. Based on the structure of the lower district of Dispute Fortress, about thirty of these should be enough to cover the entire area."

I truly... want to change all of this—not for my grandfather, not out of obsession, but for them, for the future.

This world, and everyone living in it, shouldn't be like this.

Even though she still needed to grow and was filled with uncertainty about the path ahead, a hero always remains a hero.

*

Seraphina was perched on the large chair in the office, hugging her legs obediently. Though she was exceedingly confused by now, she still forced herself to listen intently to Marlina's words.

"They need to genuinely believe that life is valuable and meaningful, not just blindly hope for the whims of extraordinary beings to change their lives." Marlina's voice was soft yet resolute. "Thus, creating more work that can provide positive reinforcement and transforming their life's motivation from unrealistic fantasies to tangible strength is imperative. The specifics..."

In truth, Marlina had a simpler and more efficient method to improve the state of the lower district. It involved directly transplanting the political system and class structure of the Empire. Replacing the chaotic rule of adventurers with the Empire's thousand-year-old, continually refined system would at least bring more stability, if not happiness, to the lower district's common folk.

However, Marlina chose not to do so. Firstly, adventurers were unworthy and incapable of becoming the upper echelons of such a system. Secondly, she did not wish to perpetuate something she had originally despised. Moreover, she had secretly vowed to ensure Seraphina's satisfaction and to dedicate all her strength to aiding Ansel in his pursuit of that path.

Therefore, Marlina was exploring new ways. She was not treating the lower district's people as mere test subjects, for Milo was one of their own, and any oversight could be swiftly corrected. Such opportunities were rare and had to be cherished. Marlina sometimes felt that this was precisely why Ansel had deliberately placed her by Seraphina's side.

It was a tremendous trial, and if she could achieve even Seraphina's impeccable standards, she would undoubtedly advance further.

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"In the name of the common folk, by commissioning the removal of criminals from the lower district, we can unite them, instilling a sense of 'collective honor,' allowing them to—"

Thud, thud, thud—

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