A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Chapter 334: The Self-Crashing Miss Ziegler - I

"The fluctuations of the ether have diminished," Ansel sipped his wine, "It appears the cleansing has also concluded... Venna's floating cannons are indeed well-suited for deployment in such scenarios."

Even without observing or listening to what exactly transpired on-site, the two future deities seated here could sense the changes occurring in that region.

Or rather... despite not looking or listening, their perception remained fixated there—Evora was simply impatient, while Ansel was more cautious.

Suellen clearly did not understand her sister well enough. For Evora, there was never anything beneath her consideration; if she desired to do something, she would undoubtedly pursue it.

"Speaking of floating cannons... How is the mass production of your floating cannons progressing?" Ansel turned his head towards Evora.

"Not bad, I currently have twenty thousand units."

Evora casually mentioned a figure that could send shivers down one's spine: "But the effectiveness is still mediocre, playing a minimal role in battles beyond the fourth stage... I overestimated this device. At that higher level, it seems the mechanical armor from the Etheric Academy is more useful."

"Do you aspire to mass-produce alchemical weapons capable of defeating fourth-stage extraordinary beings?"

Ansel chuckled, "That's rather unrealistic, Evora."

"Oh, and the little toy you value cannot achieve that either?" Evora raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm... That's hard to say."

"...Are you serious?"

This time, it was the Elder Princess who was surprised. She observed Ansel's smiling demeanor for a while before suddenly asking:

"Ansel, I've always been curious, what exactly do you value in Ravenna? Is it just her abilities?"

Evora, cradling her cheek, swirled her wine glass, her slender eyes capable of effortlessly shifting between fierce intimidation and seductive charm, slightly narrowed: "Alchemical talent, creative genius... Ah, do you truly need it?"

"Why not? An excellent alchemist is the most precious treasure in this world."

Ansel raised an eyebrow, "Compared to those who merely delve into theory, exploring the arcane, at least they are engaged in production, aren't they?"

"Before you say that, could you first tell me who your father is?"

The Elder Princess smirked, "Flamelle Hydral, the most powerful alchemist in history. If you have a need in that regard, what is there that he cannot solve?"

The conversation seemed to come full circle—so what value did Ravenna possess that Ansel esteemed? His alchemical talent was indisputable, and as for skilled alchemical assistants, they were even less of a concern.

Yet, at that moment, Ansel chuckled softly, tilting his head to look into Evora's eyes:

"You're so intent on probing whether Ravenna is of any use to me. Are you trying to test something, Evora?"

"It seems... you're quite covetous of that thing."

What Ansel referred to was clear to both, naturally, it could only be the alchemical swarm of insects, Nidhoggur, that Ravenna had just displayed.

The young Hydral set down his glass, propped his cheek with one hand, and said with a smile, "What, are you thinking of hinting that she's of no practical use to me, and then planning to use something to take her from me?"

"Tsk... why are you always so perceptive and cunning."

Evora frowned, "My probing was quite normal; I shouldn't have revealed any flaws."

Of course, this had nothing to do with flaws. It was because our Miss Elder Princess had come to this conclusion, a line of thought that Ansel had deliberately led her to while exaggerating Ravenna's abilities.

Ansel naturally wouldn't answer this question, but instead said with a smile, "So, you really do want her, don't you?"

"To be precise... it's that special alchemical device."

Now that the cards were on the table, Evora dropped the pretense: "That thing is intriguing, I indeed desire it. Can you give it to me, Ansel?"

"You might as well go find Venna yourself," Ansel said leisurely.

"But she's your possession," Evora stated, "With your consent, that's all that's needed, right? Let's make a deal, as we have done in the past."

"I've never been one to force others to do anything. If you can gain Venna's consent, I'll agree to this trade."

"You can be... quite troublesome."

Evora set down her glass and crossed her arms in displeasure, "Your little plaything holds grievances against me, and now with you as her support, how could she agree to me? If you wish to refuse, you can just say so, Ansel."

"Who told you I'm refusing?"

The young Hydral spoke with a meaningful tone, "What makes you think that Venna would definitely refuse you?"

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