A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Chapter 452: The Node of Fate - III

In the alchemy workshop, the swarm of Nidhoggurs operated in an orderly fashion, though not as efficiently and extensively as those commanded by the peerless Ravenna, but Helen's control level was also rapidly improving.

Ansel observed all this, his expression one of contentment, as he spoke:

"What progress do you think Helen will make after she consumes you?"

He spoke clearly not towards Helen, so it could only be...

Restrained by the binding device, the silent Ravenna kept her eyes closed, not uttering a word.

That day, the victorious Helen did not slay Ravenna, nor did she consume her soul to make it her own true essence.

For Helen told Ansel that she feared such direct consumption might allow Ravenna's psyche to infect her own, and she did not wish for her newly reborn, pure self to be tainted by the remnants of the past. She wished to wait until Flamelle was available to perform a sufficiently precise "surgery".

Ansel agreed, and so Ravenna was spared.

Receiving no response, Ansel continued his soliloquy: "These three years, you've done nothing but research those arcane tomes and perceive the world through Helen. So I'm quite curious, Ravenna — what is it that has caused your hatred for me to grow to such a degree?"

Hearing this, Ravenna opened her eyes, coldly retorting: "Aren't you the same?"

"Me... the same?"

Ansel paused momentarily, then covered his brow, unable to restrain his laughter.

"Yes, yes... I am the same."

He reached out, caressing Ravenna's blue-grey tresses, his tone gentle but his gaze icy:

"I, too, have hated you for these three years; I, too, have never cared for you; I, too... have no intention of granting you any opportunity."

The young Hydral suddenly grasped Ravenna's hair forcefully, leaning in to murmur:

"If I were like you, there would be no Helen, no Ravenna, nothing... would exist."

Ravenna's expression did not waver despite the pain, her violet eyes meeting Ansel's, shining with icy coldness.

"You wish to disguise your condescending attitude as affection for me? Even after openly admitting that everything was a lie, even now in your triumph, you still seek to stand on high and judge me?"

"How hypocritical, Ansel."

Ansel remained silent, simply releasing Ravenna with indifference, no longer looking at her.

But the next moment, the restrained Ravenna let out a pained groan, and Ansel instinctively turned his head, immediately discerning the issue.

"...Helen."

He averted his gaze from Ravenna, speaking softly: "Enough."

The Helen controlling the Nidhoggurs burrowing into Ravenna's flesh had a cold expression. "She must pay the price for her insolence and arrogance, Father."

It was clear her father still had no intention of revealing the true identity to her.

Helen detected the additional meaning in his words, but showed no displeasure, only nodding solemnly: "I understand. The Empress is your enemy, then... I will most certainly create a weapon capable of slaying even the divine for you. Please have faith in me."

"I have every faith in you, Helen." Ansel replied with a smile.

"I have taken up too much of your time. If you have other matters to attend to, you need not remain here any longer."

Helen turned to him, her lifeless eyes brimming with devotion: "Even without you by my side, I will give my all for you, for the one who can change the world."

Ansel did not speak, but simply nodded with a smile and rose to leave the alchemy workshop.

As he exited the workshop, permeated with the scent of steel and flames, despite having confirmed that everything was progressing in the best direction, he did not feel much joy.

He now had a pact head who was absolutely loyal to him, possessing talents that even fate seemed to favor, and whose loyalty might even surpass that of Seraphina. Yet, once the overwhelming sense of fulfillment and delight had dissipated, Ansel of Hydral could no longer grasp hold of them.

Two faces, identical in appearance yet starkly different in expression, emerged in his mind.

One, so cold, so distant, bearing a deep-seated loathing and rejection, yet so resolute and vibrant.

The other, so devoted, so loyal, permeated with profound dependence and warmth, yet so... desolate and empty.

In this gamble, no matter who won or lost, Ansel would not be the one to lose, for he would obtain what he desired.

Yet, regardless of the outcome...

He had truly and forever lost... his friend.

"I had just spoken those words to Helen."

The young Hydral shook his head with a wry smile: "And now I'm pondering these utterly meaningless matters."

In an instant, the loneliness and bewilderment vanished from his eyes.

Do what is right, Ansel, for your enemy is constantly watching you, manipulating everything around you, even... including yourself.

Therefore, eliminate all possibilities of being disturbed by Its threads, and do what is correct.

Ansel raised his head, his gaze seemingly piercing through the layers of ceiling, reaching the towering fortress miles above.

The pivotal moment to change everything lies here.

"Father,"

he murmured softly:

"I will overcome all, I promise you."

*