A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

The Tower of Babel no longer required her oversight—though it might seem absurd, an academic organization boasting several fifth-stage extraordinary beings needing the concern of a mere third-stage being. Yet, the truth was, without Ravenna's several interventions, the Tower would have dissolved long ago.

… Or rather, without Ansel repeatedly acting as the unseen mover, enabling Ravenna to step forward at critical moments, the Tower would have disintegrated.

Now, Ravenna could concentrate on her own affairs: Ansel's covert schemes, her grandfather's demise, and how to assist Ansel—these three aspects could proceed concurrently under her planning.

Ansel does not trust me now... No, he probably will never trust me again, unless his plan succeeds. And should Ansel's plan come to fruition, it signifies that I will... lose my unwavering pursuit of that future.

Thus, it is imperative to maintain cooperation—or rather, the current hierarchical relationship.

Even if it means being subordinate, even if it entails being mocked, humiliated, or even toyed with by Ansel... as long as this fragile balance can be temporarily preserved.

As Ravenna pondered, she entered the content of the books into her data system.

On this basis, I shall seek ways to minimize the cost of uncovering my grandfather's cause of death from Ansel, who would surely consider this matter a part of his plan, not missing this opportunity, hence vigilance was essential at all times.

The information provided by Suellen seemed futile, yet it revealed a crucial detail—the time left for me was likely short.

The murderer remaining in the imperial capital meant he could leave at any moment, and once this clue was lost, finding the trail again would be uncertain, thus I must seize the opportunity.

Lastly… and most importantly, if I could indeed help Ansel eliminate that threat, everything would lead to a détente, perhaps even reconciliation.

…Could it be?

Ravenna asked herself heavily, wondering if reconciliation with Ansel was truly possible.

If it were as Ansel claimed, even if the threat he faced was removed, he would not assist Ravenna again, or even... this matter itself conflicts with her ideals?

Miss puppet, unwilling to ponder further, knew this was not the time for doubt. Having resolved to assist Ansel, she would continue on her path, regardless of what lay ahead.

Upon entering the alchemical workshop, the entry of the first two books was completed, and Ravenna prepared to input Flamelle's three books as well. However, at the moment she began, her form stiffened.

"What is… this?"

The gleam passing over the lens revealed a chaos of characters, what was entered into the data system was not the knowledge from the book, but a jumble of nonsense.

Ravenna, contemplative, opened one of the three books and began to record its contents on paper with a pen, her hand writing erratically beyond her control—not even feeling "out of control," but fully believing she intended to write these things.

"... This is the power of the divine species."

Ravenna murmured complexly, "No matter the method, it seems impossible to separate the knowledge he bestowed from the medium he designated."

Even a new entity like the data system could not escape the influence, a power almost inscribed upon the world's foundation, absurd and terrifying beyond description.

"Even such power is incapable of resolving Ansel's problem."

She murmured, arranging the three voluminous tomes upon the table. This stark reality seemed to pose a question to Ravenna on Ansel's behalf:

["What right do you have to assist me?"]

Ravenna Ziegler, by what right do you so arrogantly assume you can aid Ansel?

Right...

Indeed, I lack them. Whether it be my current capabilities or my relationship with Ansel.

With these thoughts, Ravenna still reached for the hefty volume, turning its first page without a moment's hesitation.

But this has no bearing on whether I should act.

Recalling Ansel's affection for Seraphina, the unacknowledged sacrifices entwined within that sentiment, and Annelisa's sorrowful expression and words, Ravenna felt compelled to act.

If I am the architect of Ansel's current state... then it is only right that I rectify my mistakes.

"Was that when... Ansel was informing me of the formidable power of the Flamefeast?"

Ravenna pondered aloud, "The primordial fire, the essence that disassembles and incinerates all things to nourish itself, how does one combat such a force?"

"If the fire of the Flamefeast can consume everything, then no element, no method holds significance; the approach is utterly meaningless, so..."

As she spoke to herself, a chill raced from the base of her spine to the back of her head, and she whirled around to find a specter, shrouded in shadows... inexplicably materializing in her alchemical workshop!

"You—"

"Ravenna Ziegler."

The spectral figure spoke with a detached tone, almost monotonous, like a poorly crafted alchemical puppet. Yet its eerie form and the ability to appear suddenly behind her caused Ravenna's heart to skip a beat.

"By the command of Her Highness, the Elder Princess, I am here to extend her invitation to you."

"The Elder Princess... Her Highness?"

Ravenna, regaining her composure, attempted to steady her emotions: "Her Highness... seeks me?"

"It is merely an invitation to a transaction. Her Highness is intrigued by your data system," the ghost stated indifferently, "Out of basic respect for Lord Ansel, Her Highness is willing to engage in a trade with you. Should you surrender the entirety of the data system, Her Highness is prepared to reveal to you the truth behind Eileen's demise."

"!"

Ravenna's already fragile composure shattered instantaneously, her voice rising almost instinctively: "What did you say!"

"The truth behind Eileen's death, in its entirety, every detail you require, Her Highness can disclose to you," the specter maintained its lifeless tone: "The condition is the surrender of the data system. From the foundational construction of this unique alchemical creation, you must offer it all to Her Highness."

There is a chance... a unique opportunity unlike any offered by Suellen, to directly ascertain the truth.

And superficially, it appears to demand no unbearable price, especially when compared to the reckless gambles of life and death made in collaboration with Suellen, it seems exceedingly favorable. Moreover, no matter how one contemplates, it seems a more prudent choice than seeking Ansel's assistance.

The opportunity to resolve her most fervent desire was tantalizingly within reach.

Yet, it was clear that this was not part of Ansel's scheme. Given the stark contrast between him and Evora, and considering the Elder Princess's temperament, it was utterly inconceivable for her to assist Ansel.

If this scenario was indeed within Ansel's calculations… exposing the data system only to attract Evora's attention—it seemed implausible. The potential for unforeseen variables was too significant; Ansel would not devise a plan so susceptible to change. Thus, this was not a trap, but a tangible opportunity.

The truth—

Ravenna's body trembled slightly. For fifteen long years… her life had been consumed by the pursuit of a nebulous future and… the quest for the truth of the past.

Her most revered grandfather, who aspired to transform the empire and propel this stagnant world into a lofty future, met a gruesome end before her eyes. His head severed, his heart excised, he died in a manner that seemed to mock his ambitious endeavors, right in front of Ravenna.

From that moment, hatred and fear became the driving forces behind her progress, as well as persistent nightmares.

Now, the chance to end these nightmares was right before her. By surrendering the data system, by relinquishing this object, she could...

The tumultuous emotions within Ravenna suddenly subsided.

To surrender... the data system.

Was it akin to the time… she created firearms?

To give away something that was not originally hers?

Whether it was firearms or the data system, both were creations of Ravenna.

Yet, she was acutely aware that without Ansel, she could not have produced a new weapon that would catch Evora's interest for the Tower of Babel; without Ansel, she could not have created this data system that brought countless conveniences and elevated the Tower of Babel to new heights, even attracting Evora's gaze.

"Still undecided?" The ghostly voice grew colder, "Do not squander Her Highness's grace."

"...I."

The delicate woman, puppet-like in her finesse, bowed her head, her voice slightly hoarse:

"Th foundation of the data system, I cannot use it as a bargaining chip."

"It belongs to... Ansel."

In Ravenna's mind, the image of Ansel discussing the data system, his eyes sparkling with excitement, resurfaced.

["It's like a net, a net that can connect the entire empire, allowing countless people to transcend countless limitations, to pierce through—"

"To pierce through… that iron wall of knowledge that has stood for thousands of years!"]

At that time… Ansel had described this dreamlike vision with such fervent joy.

Therefore, even when exposing the data system, Ravenna endeavored to conceal its additional capabilities and its potential to revolutionize the future beyond anyone's imagination.

No, it cannot be so...

This is not the firearm, nor is it the violence that sustains the Tower of Babel's existence. Even if its true purpose remains undetected by individuals such as the Elder Princess, its entirety cannot be bartered.

In negotiations with the Duke of Magus Primus, a similar proposition was made, but at that time, Ravenna merely believed the trade lacked equitable value. Now, however, she harbors a novel perspective—

This is an object imbued with Ansel's ideals.

The terror of extreme coercion, the plight of utter isolation, the sacrifices now habitual... All these prevent Ravenna from making the choice that, from her standpoint, would seem natural and justified.

She cannot bear to see something once radiant with Ansel's splendid light treated as a mere bargaining chip by her, to secure advantages solely for herself.

She refuses to allow herself to commit such a despicable act of defilement!

"May Her Highness forgive me."

Ravenna Ziegler, gazing at the dark specter, her voice soft yet resolute, declares:

"I... reject this transaction."

Even if in Ansel's eyes she is unforgivable, a contemptible failure, a traitor...

Ravenna Ziegler, you too have something that must be upheld.

*

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