Taming the Protagonist

Chapter 78 : Power and Ambition

When Anselm appeared with me at the village entrance, the villagers, who’d searched for me all night, were dumbfounded, wondering if they were hallucinating.

In the end, things concluded as the villagers hoped: nobles resumed sending resources to the village and I gained a brighter future with Anselm.

Anselm once asked me if I wanted to bring my parents to Hydra’s domain, where their safety could be best ensured, but I refused.

My reason was: “If I only bring Mom and Dad, what about the others?If I take everyone, isn’t that getting greedy?”

My words surprised Anselm; our young Hydra hadn’t expected such growth from dear Miss Hitana.

“But, that python thing, how do we handle it, Anselm?”

In the warm carriage, sitting close to Anselm, I asked curiously.

In the future Anselm showed me, the nodes that drove my transformation and despair were stark.

Among them, the Red Ice Python’s awakening and the Revolutionary Army’s battle causing the village’s destruction were key.

This cost me another home, a chance to grow healthily among like-minded people, forcing me to wander, face the world’s evils alone, struggle in despair, and grow through it.

I was deeply concerned about this, though not overly anxious, knowing Anselm must have a plan.

“After you left Chishuang City, I did some things.”

Anselm openly stroked my smooth, toned, healthy thighs: “The Red Ice Python, set to awaken in Blackwater Forest, will wake elsewhere.Don’t worry.”

My cheeks flushed, instinctively squeezing my thighs, trying to act unshaken, clearing my throat: “I, I know Anselm’s reliable.”

Anselm glanced at me, chuckling and withdrawing his hand, saying seriously: “Of course, how could I disappoint you, Hitana?”

The loss of his warm touch on my thighs left me wistful.

Why did Anselm stop?

Does he not like my legs anymore?

If he doesn’t, why touch them?

No, no… Hitana, what are you thinking!

Though I’d prepared to defy fate, after venting my emotions last night, I wasn’t steeped in solemn vengeance.

I was perfectly normal.

Maybe it was my nature, or because, by Anselm’s side, I feared nothing in the world.

—So, it wasn’t surprising that my mind started filling with strange thoughts.

“…In other words, you’ll have to defeat it, Hitana, got it?”

“Hm… huh?Oh!Sure, leave it to me!”

I instinctively patted my perky chest confidently, then froze under Anselm’s amused gaze.

“What, what do I have to defeat?”

“The Red Ice Python.”

Anselm said leisurely: “Didn’t you just agree?”

I, Miss Hitana, fell silent.

The Red Ice Python, a unique etheric beast of Chishuang Territory in the North, born from the region’s distinct etheric surges, appeared every one to three years.

I hadn’t known about it before because it didn’t spawn in populated areas and Grand Duke Ironblade or Grand Duke of Gray Tower’s men would subdue it immediately.

Though a fourth-tier beast, not an especially catastrophic one, its strength was formidable under Chishuang’s etheric surges.

Otherwise, the grand dukes and Revolutionary Army wouldn’t expend such manpower to defeat it.

“What?”

The young Hydra looked at my hesitation, smiling with amusement: “Scared?”

“Not scared!”

I retorted loudly: “This is… reasonable hesitation, okay?The gap between me and that thing is huge.”

My voice grew softer, and after a brief silence, I nudged Anselm’s thigh with my own fair, slender one, slightly indignant.

“You’re the one who told me to think carefully, Anselm.”

Though it didn’t need thinking, Anselm was pleased with my attitude.

“Don’t worry.”

He patted my head: “It won’t be your match.”

A ring magically appeared between his fingers, flipping up and down.

It was nearly identical to the snake-headed ring on his thumb but larger, more imposing, exuding a living presence and a fierce, violent aura.

“This is…”

“From Wendigo’s words and my memories, you should understand.”

Anselm smiled, flicking the ring into the air:“This is the proof of a Contract Head.”

Before he finished, I, like a dog seeing its master toss a ball, stood up, fiercely grabbing for the ring.

Sadly, I caught nothing.

Half-standing, I clutched at the air a few times, confirming I’d grabbed nothing, then, angry and frustrated, straddled Anselm, growling as I bit his neck, shaking back and forth.

I was very upset.

“I’m not denying you, Hitana.”

Anselm tugged my tender nape, signaling me to let go: “It’s just not time to give it to you yet.”

I released him, carefully wiping the saliva from his neck with my sleeve, muttering resentfully: “Then when will it be time?”

“As for that…”

Hydra smiled mysteriously: “Depends on your performance.”

“Why’re you suddenly so secretive…”

I shook Anselm glumly: “Am I not qualified to be your Contract Head yet?”

My disappointment carried a hint of frustration, not at Anselm but at my current strength.

In my soul, the beast craving power growled with excited anticipation.

Thus, though I seemed downcast, I quickly rallied, my eyes burning with purer, more rational confidence.

“Hmph, then give it to me when I break through to the Throne.”

I snorted lightly, raising my head: “My… Spiritual Essence, it’s pretty impressive, right?”

“That’s a power even the next Emperor would acknowledge.”

Anselm chuckled: “Of course, it’s extraordinarily strong, perhaps even comparable to me or the Flame-Feasting Royalty in some ways.”

Among the four heroes, the Sky Wolf Emperor’s power was unmatched, symbolizing absolute martial might.

I made the greatest, most direct contribution to destroying the Empire’s old order.

Though in a one-on-one duel, even at my peak, the Sky Wolf Empress wasn’t the Empress’s match, I was the only one who could challenge the Empress in the capital and walk away unscathed, nearly on equal terms, with unparalleled flair.

Anselm’s recognition gave me immense confidence.

Now, I still took pride in my strength, but I was learning to cautiously assess its real-world impact.

I learned not to boast about unfulfilled potential.

Only Anselm’s sincere acknowledgment and evaluation of my abilities earned my unwavering trust.

“That’s perfect, isn’t it?”

I nodded with satisfaction: “If I’ll be super strong after reaching the Throne, becoming your Contract Head would make me a true powerhouse, right?”

“That would indeed be a transformation even I can’t predict.”

Anselm’s hand twitched slightly, as if he wanted to pat my excited head, but he didn’t, saying gently: “If you decide to become a Contract Head after achieving the Throne and awakening your Spiritual Essence, that’s fine too.”

“How long until that big python wakes up?”

“A little over a month, enough time?”

“More than enough!”

I, the spirited wolf lady, waved my fist confidently: “Anselm, just watch me blow that thing to bits!”

The young Hydra nodded with a smile: “I’m looking forward to it.”

Both I and Anselm eagerly awaited the next month.

I anticipated becoming a true powerhouse, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Anselm.

He… awaited that victory, the moment I, awakened, would defeat the Red Ice Python with unmatched prowess, officially bearing his mark—

The moment Anselm Hydra would, for the first time, truly defeat fate.

***

The great and merciful Lord Hydra returned to his Chishuang City, a fact few knew, just as few knew what happened in last night’s snow.

Those who knew spread its significance in secret, while those unaware continued their daily efforts to curry favor with Lord Hydra.

Before Anselm’s manor, I hesitated, looking at the main gate.

“…Anselm.”

I nervously tugged at his hem: “I, I don’t know how to face Lina.I’m so scared she’s mad at me.”

“Isn’t it normal for her to be mad?”

Young Master Anselm raised an eyebrow, not defending me at all: “Not only will she be mad, if she knew you wasted so much time in the village, making everyone suffer with you, she might even hit you.”

I instinctively shrank my neck: “I, I wasn’t thinking clearly then… I was all muddled.”

“But isn’t that a good thing?”

Anselm walked forward: “Whether she scolds or hits you, doesn’t it show Marina still cares about you?”

“Besides… having seen that future, don’t you want her to hit you a bit?It’d make you feel better.”

He turned, extending his hand to me as my hesitation faded:“So, what’s there to hesitate about?”

Hydra said warmly: “Apologize properly to Marina, Hitana.”

“…Okay!”

I gripped Anselm’s hand tightly, walking with him resolutely into the house.

As we pushed open the door, Marina, in a floor-length black dress, bowed slightly: “You’re back, Mr. Anselm—”

Miss Marina, mid-bow, caught sight of me on her second glance, and on her third, our clasped hands.

“…”

Before she could straighten and question me expressionlessly, I, having seen countless tragedies and endured so much, screamed and threw myself into her arms.

“Waaah!Lina, Lina!”

I sobbed pathetically, a complete contrast to my resolve before entering.

I desperately wanted to control my emotions, to apologize to my sister seriously, solemnly, like a mature adult.

But seeing that familiar yet unfamiliar face, no longer bearing a gentle, kind smile but filled with deep thought and quiet indifference, I lost control instantly.

I thought of my mistakes, the errors I would’ve made in that original future… and Marina’s efforts to fix them, the burdens she bore.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry…”

Despite my growth and transformation, I cried in Marina’s arms like a child who never grew up.

And Marina?

Her expression was a spectacle—slight surprise seeing me, then coldness at our clasped hands, shock as I rushed into her arms, and finally, panic amid my incoherent apologies and uncontrollable sobs.

“Hitana, you… calm down, don’t act like this in front of Mr. Anselm…”

“Wuwuwu… Lina, Lina, I was wrong, hit me, please…”

“…Hina, wait… what’s going on, I…”

“Lina, I’ll never leave you again, you… don’t leave me either… we’ll always be together…”

While I completed my transformation, Marina never stopped growing either.

Her thirst and dedication to learning and knowledge amazed even a perfectionist like Saville, who took time to teach her the intricacies of butler service.

During this time, Marina faintly assumed the role of the manor’s mistress, earning the respect of all the maids, yet she always remained Anselm’s servant, never overstepping.

This girl, cultivated by Anselm’s own hand, had grown remarkably in demeanor, mindset, knowledge, and ability, but her attempts to maintain coldness, detachment, and calm… all failed.

That impassive face, long devoid of pure warmth, finally melted.

“You really… never grow up, Hina.”

She spoke as if scolding but held me tightly.

“There, there… your sister’s here, not going anywhere.”

Marina stroked the back of my head, her hand, steady even after five hours of transcribing, now trembling uncontrollably.

Beneath the melting ice, her plain, lovely face still held that unchanging gentle kindness.

“It’s okay to know you were wrong; I forgive you.When have I ever not forgiven you?”

“There… don’t, ugh, cry if it makes you feel better, it’s fine.”

Marina’s eyes reddened slightly; she didn’t know what I’d been through, but my immense guilt and sorrow reached her heart unhindered.

Years of effort, protection, and companionship… At this moment, the troubles and grievances Marina silently bore for me were finally released.

She never resented me; as long as I truly grew, it was all worth it.

Today, she finally gained what she deserved—a steadfast, diligent sister, a gentle, kind soul.

No tragic fate, no descent into hell, no doomed future as a sacrificial pawn.

The heinous Lady Violet, along with her destined suffering, vanished.

Here was only my most cherished sister, Hydra’s staunchest follower, Marina Lansmarlos.

I raised my red-rimmed eyes, meeting Anselm’s gaze.

Choking up, I had so much to say but couldn’t speak.

The young Hydra, the kind devil, smiled gently, his lips moving slightly:

[No one will disturb you, relax, Marina]

He mouthed the words, placing a finger to his lips, winking at Marina, then walked silently into the house, leaving the space to us sisters.

In the tragic first half of the Sky Wolf Empress’s life, the person most deserving of salvation received the perfect redemption.

***

“Young Master, you’re in high spirits.”

In the study, Saville looked at Anselm’s cheerful demeanor, feeling lighthearted: “Is Miss Hitana’s matter fully resolved?”

“Yes, and not just her… anyway, I’m in a great mood.”

Anselm’s lips curved, watching the ring symbolizing “strength” flip between his fingers.

“…Miss Hitana hasn’t worn it yet?”

The old man looked at the ring, slightly surprised.

“It’ll take some time.”

Anselm held the snake ring, symbolizing the Head of Strength, between his fingers, studying it softly: “After all… her Spiritual Essence is dangerous and needs careful conditioning.”

Hearing this, Saville’s expression lightened, and he nodded:

“If it’s just about disciplining strength, that’s no issue.”

“So it’s just a matter of time.When she ascends to the Throne, I’ll make her name known across the Empire.”

“You won’t disappoint me, right, dear Hitana?”

The young Hydra said, gripping the ring tightly in his palm.