A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

"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?"

"Moreover, I don't believe you lack such talent, Ansel."

She swirled her wine glass, slightly tilting her chin up, "You always manage to accomplish anything, don't you."

"There is no one in this world who can achieve everything, Evora."

Ansel gazed into his wine, his tone serene, "My father, your mother, they are no exceptions."

"You're starting again..."

Evora rolled her eyes, a gesture that, despite its commonness, she executed with an air of supreme elegance. The Elder Princess's every action was centered around her absolute self, but it's undeniable... From her birth, she has been striving to become a qualified sovereign, never ceasing her efforts and relishing the journey.

"Whence comes this inexplicable heaviness that burdens you, Ansel?"

Evora leaned forward slightly, her gaze fixed on the youth's handsome visage as she reached out to touch it, only to be grasped by Ansel's hand.

"I prefer to call it a necessary rationality," Ansel replied with a smile, releasing Evora's hand. "It's for the best, for everyone."

"Hmph," Evora scoffed disdainfully, "I have no need for such a thing, for I have no obligation to be kind to everyone."

She crossed her legs and tilted her head back, drinking deeply from her glass. Her lips, moist and glistening, shone with an alluring luster that only Ansel could appreciate.

"Everything," the future empress said with a fierce and self-serving grin, "as long as it benefits me, that's all that matters. That is the empire, that is the value of everyone's existence."

Ansel watched Evora for a while, his playful eyes gradually causing her discomfort.

"What do those eyes of yours… imply?" Evora asked, her brow furrowed. "Are you mocking me?"

"Not at all," Ansel shook his head, his tone laden with meaning, "I merely wish for you to understand, Evora, that oftentimes, the calamities that befall us are not the result of external malice, but rather a simple case of... reaping what one sows."

"It feels like you're just going around in circles to insult me."

Despite her words, the Elder Princess's brow relaxed slightly: "But I don't mind your capriciousness, Ansel. Your eccentric ideas are within the bounds of my tolerance... Oh, I see."

Evora's expression cleared: "I hadn't thought about it much before, but now, after sitting down and talking with you, it's not hard to guess the reason—your little puppet shares many commonalities with you in the realm of fanciful thinking, right?"

"Do I seem like someone who would pay attention to someone for just that reason?" Ansel retorted.

Evora paused, then laughed heartily: "That's true! Without sufficient value, you wouldn't take action. The term 'idealist' has no connection to you. Thinking about it... you and that slightly broken-minded puppet are fundamentally different."

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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