A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Chapter 675 CrossRoad · From Now On - II

Nevertheless, these matters need not be rushed. Seraphina's awakening has necessitated a thorough recalibration of many of Ansel's immediate plans. She has now truly grown into her role as a formidable pact head in her own right.

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Thus far, the crux of the Western expedition revolves solely around the question of Evora's survival.

This uncontrollable contingency must be utterly eradicated.

The Duke of Azuregold, seemingly reluctant to conclude their discourse and eager to further cultivate his rapport with Ansel, broached another subject: "Speaking of which, Miss Marlowe... she is truly a prodigy."

He marveled, his tone laced with admiration, "To slay a fifth-stage dragon with fourth-stage power, relying solely on her innate abilities without any external aid - it's an unprecedented feat of valor."

"I should have foreseen it," he continued, "We all should have anticipated such achievements from Miss Marlowe after she demonstrated the capacity to withstand the power of two pact heads."

This effusive praise, though seemingly heartfelt, would have undoubtedly inflated Seraphina's ego to insufferable proportions had she been present.

However, Ansel's response proved even more audacious than Seraphina herself might have mustered.

"This is merely her starting point," the young Hydral remarked casually. "She will ascend to even greater heights."

"Naturally," the Duke of Azuregold nodded approvingly, then skillfully steered the conversation towards a matter of crucial importance to him and the Western dukes.

"Speaking of which, Miss Marlowe's victory is also connected to a certain individual. Are you aware of this... Lord Hydral?"

Ansel, ready to depart, leaned on his cane with composure. "To whom are you referring? The Duke of Wyvernwho drove the dragon to Dispute Fortress, or...?"

The Duke of Azuregold's heart skipped a beat. He had only recently learned about Wyvern's involvement. How did Hydral already know?

How could anyone in the Western Land have a more powerful intelligence network than his own? Just how many secrets... was this young Hydral concealing?

These thoughts flashed through the Duke's mind momentarily. He bowed slightly, speaking with utmost respect, "I meant the... legendary adventurer, Faust."

Ansel smiled, seeing through his intentions. "You wish to obtain information about him from me?"@@@@

"The genuine Faust..."

The young man tapped his cane lightly, "is far more formidable than that impostor."

*

"So you'll occasionally transform into Faust?"

In the Hydral territory, Seraphina circled a black-haired youth, her nose twitching intermittently.

"Well..." she mused, stroking her chin, "It's indeed similar in every aspect - the aura, appearance, even the scent. However, I think those fifth-stage extraordinary beings might still sense something amiss."

"I only adopt this guise when Ansel cannot appear in person," Ravenna reverted to her original form, her tone impassive.

"Ansel's considerations are more comprehensive than yours. He would never allow me to face fifth-stage extraordinary beings alone."

Seraphina pouted, "It was merely a suggestion. Why so mad?"

"I'm simply illustrating the insurmountable gap between you and Ansel - akin to the intellectual disparity between two distinct species."

"You and Ansel are the different species!"

The two girls, when left unsupervised by Ansel, invariably began quarreling within five minutes - though his presence scarcely improved matters, he could swiftly pacify them.

As their argument subsided, Ravenna, catching her breath, fell silent momentarily before awkwardly changing the subject: "Though your 'might makes right' philosophy is simplistic and absurd, I... acknowledge it."

"...Huh? Who needs your acknowledgment? Don't overestimate your importance, Ravenna."

"It's unrelated to your abilities. I'm acknowledging your resolve to save Ansel through strength," Ravenna continued, surprisingly patient. "Though crude, it's a valid approach. I sensed Ansel's evident wavering due to your words."

"The desire to prevent Ansel from being forced to make cold, ruthless decisions without alternatives - in this aspect, our yearnings align, don't they?" The scholar spoke calmly.

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