A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Once again, emerging from who knows where, Lawrence didn't trouble Toradon this time. Instead, he scurried up Ansel's shoulder and curiously asked, "Young lord, apart from visiting the boss and madam, do you have any other business on this trip?"

Ansel ruffled Lawrence's head: "Can't I simply come back to see my father and mother?"

"Ah, I'm not doubting your affection for the lord and the elder sister, it's just that…"

—I don't believe for a second that you're not planning something else, young lord!

Lawrence glanced around, hoping to find someone who shared his suspicion. Unfortunately, Saville had turned away to trim the flowers, Falcon had flown off, and Toradon remained expressionless, treating him like a dead mouse.

The embarrassed little mouse could only cough awkwardly: "I just wanted, ahem, to see if I could help you with something, young lord."

"I do have matters to attend to, but don't always think about running off, Lawrence."

Gleipnir transformed into a scepter and lightly tapped the ground. The young Hydral slightly raised his chin, exuding an instant aura of nobility that was truly awe-inspiring.

Narrowing his eyes, he chuckled softly:

"The young Hydral has been absent for too long; it's time to accomplish something great."

Before leaving the Hydral domain, Ansel had Ravenna return to her original craft. She created an exquisitely perfect puppet, which Ansel could remotely control with dual concentration to handle necessary daily outings.

However, Ansel was always cautious. Even though he frequently appeared in public, he wouldn't allow his actions to become predictable. Despite Ansel of Hydral's reputation for kindness, in these turbulent times, even the kindest must be ready to act, and conveniently... there was a small opportunity awaiting him.

A promise, waiting for Ansel to fulfill.

*

Washing, bathing, changing clothes, dining.

Suellen's mornings from six to seven have always followed this routine, unwavering.

Even though the Empire has undergone tremendous changes, she maintains her exquisite and graceful lifestyle amidst the turmoil of the imperial capital.

Power? None. Suellen is merely a third-stage extraordinary being. Despite her diligent efforts in training and learning since childhood, she couldn't even glimpse the hem of her sister's garment.

Support? The once influential Young Princess has long lost her greatest patron—Ephesande's favor. The fifth-stage extraordinary beings, who once revered her as a princess and regarded her as a student, no longer bother to cast a glance her way.

So how has she managed to… secure her current stable life?

"Your Highness."

In the quiet study, the maid who knocked and entered bowed slightly: "Lady Diana wishes to see you immediately."

Suellen set down her book and stood up, her brow slightly furrowed: "Immediately? Is the carriage ready?"

"It's already outside the manor."

"Let's go."

The young girl exhaled softly and, before leaving, took with her the book with the gold-embossed title "The Mystery of Hydral."

Diana Flamefeast. Ephesande's sister, the only... survivor of the previous generation of the Flamefeast royalty.

The grand ducal position in the Empire isn't fixed. Some are from immortal families with millennia of heritage, while others are contemporary rising stars favored by Ephesande. However, among the current thirteen dukes, one title is absolutely fixed—the Duke of the Flame Attendant living in the capital.

Chosen by the Emperor from all his blood relatives of this generation, their existence naturally has nothing to do with power but serves to remind the Emperor to retain his humanity.

The founding Emperor's idea was commendable: having a blood relative by one's side as a companion and helper in power would positively anchor one's humanity.

Such a Duke of the Flame Attendant would be the Emperor's most loyal guardian, or, if things went poorly, merely a servant. Yet, even as a servant, a blood relative is more trustworthy than others.

Though an Emperor beyond reproach might not need such trust, the sentiment itself is a manifestation of humanity.

Unfortunately, no matter how good the idea, only those involved know what it truly becomes in the end.

The carriage slowed to a stop, and Suellen closed her book, leaving it on the back seat. She calmly alighted and walked toward the estate closest to the palace.

"Good morning, little Suellen."

Diana, sitting in the garden and sipping her morning tea, greeted her with a smile. She appeared to be a gentle and considerate elder sister, with none of the dignity typically associated with a grand duchess.

"Good morning, lady." Suellen lifted her skirt and curtsied. "You look even more beautiful today than yesterday."

"Do I?"

Diana propped her face on one hand, her smile radiant. "That's wonderful to hear. Your secret recipe is working quickly, little Suellen."

"I'm glad to be of help."

Suellen's face bore the perfect smile of social etiquette but held no genuine warmth toward the woman before her.

"You've been a tremendous help... Ah, right, come, have a seat first."

With a cheerful smile, Diana gestured for Suellen to sit across from her and then pushed a cup of tea toward her.

"Have some morning tea, it's very fresh."

"…"

Suellen noticed the insect remnants floating on the surface of the tea, her eye twitching slightly.

Diana Flamefeast was a madwoman.

Or perhaps she had once been sane, but Ephesande's manipulations had driven her to madness—a madness that wasn't complete but sufficiently terrifying.

The palace at the highest point of the capital had been renovated at Diana's expense, yet she had never moved in, assuming instead the role of regent.

To outsiders, this seemed like a very wise choice: what could a grand duke, kept at arm's length by the Emperor with no actual territory, essentially akin to a servant, possibly achieve?

—But in Diana's eyes, Suellen had glimpsed the same fervor and ambition she herself possessed, along with… a madness she could never hope to emulate.

Not long after Ephesande's disappearance, Diana found Suellen and brought her to the deserted palace.

This woman did not engage in grand rhetoric, nor did she attempt to test, tempt, or recruit Suellen; instead, she did something utterly… inconceivable.

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