A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

"...No, that's not it." After her initial shock, Ravenna regained her composure. "If you've had this insight, why do you still resent her so?"

"I was angry for days... didn't consider this aspect. Later, when I began to realize, I felt too ashamed to approach her. Besides, as I said, her situation... is terrible."

It was at this juncture that Seraphina finally explained the "terrible" situation she had been referring to.

"Having spent so many time with Ansel, you must be aware of his... special influence."

The young girl said with concern. "Many who stayed by Ansel's side for a long time underwent a transformation... they… they seemed unable to be themselves, their minds consumed solely by thoughts of Ansel."

"Don't you think Marli's current state is just like that?"

Reflecting on their confrontation at Dispute Fortress, this realization was what… truly terrified Seraphina.

Her anger stemmed from Marlina's actions that plunged the lower district's civilians into chaos, her fury from Marlina's apparent indifference to the numerous deaths. Yet, fundamentally, these were issues that could be addressed through open, heartfelt dialogue.

Not every situation demands a clear right or wrong, nor does every conflict require one party to yield. Without this "terrible" element, reconciliation would have been inevitable.

But now... the situation had altered dramatically.

"I see..."

Ravenna fully grasped Seraphina's meaning. "So when you mentioned earlier that her condition was terrible... this is what you meant?"

Both she and Seraphina, in accompanying Ansel, had not only liberated themselves from the shackles of past and future but had also broken free from the predetermined path of fate, becoming increasingly vibrant and independent.

Marlina, however... was gradually losing her sense of self.

"Hm? Oh, yes... that's part of it," Seraphina scratched her head. "Though I'm still somewhat unhappy."

… Seraphina is not an idiot, or perhaps, not entirely an idiot.

In matters concerning Marlina, Seraphina's intuition was remarkably keen. Even Ravenna hadn't immediately perceived this issue, as Marlina's performance had been impeccable. The mortal's dissatisfaction, longing, and struggling anger… had been portrayed so convincingly that Ravenna found it inconceivable that it was merely a façade to shield Ansel.

If this were only partially true, and Marlina genuinely harbored a desire to instill courage and independence in the common folk, that would be more palatable. But if... if Marlina had never truly cared about the civilians, never concerned herself with their welfare, and disregarded her professed notions of self and dignity...

If everything had been orchestrated solely to fulfill Ansel's objectives, even severing ties with her beloved sister without a moment's hesitation...

Then Marlina's condition was beyond terrible; it was utterly irredeemable!

"But what else can I do?"

Seraphina murmured, "Were I to tell Marli, 'Stop starting by Ansel, you will be doomed…' would she listen to my words?"

The young girl's gaze fell, "She would turn a deaf ear. Even if I tell Ansel to convey this message, she would not listen. No... if Ansel said such words to Marli, I fear Marli would... she would shatter entirely."

In moments of solitude with Seraphina, Ansel had occasionally spoken of those who had become utterly enthralled by him, willingly forsaking all aspects of their being. He had disclosed to Seraphina that this was a consequence of his spiritual essence... the price and influence of what he termed the Abyssal Sermon.

Even without intentional use of this power, it gradually lured individuals into an obsessive abyss centered around him, the preacher.

Yet this influence was not insurmountable. Many of Ansel's followers had transcended this longing and infatuation, their success dependent solely on the strength of their will. This had always been one of Ansel's criteria in selecting his adherents.

Seraphina had once harbored contempt for those of weak resolve, but now, as this curse befell someone dear to her, she was overwhelmed by... fear and trepidation.

Should this continue, Marlina would become the most insignificant and worthless individual to Ansel. Not only would she fail to realize her own desires, but she would also be carelessly discarded into a dark corner by Ansel, destined to spend her remaining days in solitude and despair… if any days remained at all.

"So, your decision is..."

Ravenna regarded Seraphina with a peculiar gaze, "To shatter her convictions before she descends into that hell?"

By making Marlina realize her unworthiness to serve Ansel before she completely succumbed to becoming a mere puppet, encouraging her to willingly depart, though it would inflict nearly irreparable pain, it would still be preferable to her complete ruination as a person.

Truly... a reckless and forceful notion, devoid of consideration for alternatives... No, upon careful reflection, it seemed there were no other viable options.

For such individuals, neither words nor threats of consequences could compel them to leave Ansel's side. To prevent her collapse, it was equally impossible to ask Ansel to cease interaction with her... To make her willingly depart, it indeed appeared that the only recourse was to force her withdrawal with harsh reality while she had not yet completely fallen.

Hence the aggressive and caustic attitude, the deliberate undermining of Marlina...

At this juncture, Ravenna finally comprehended Seraphina's position—she wasn't despising her sister out of personal ideology or stance... No, given the nature of this stupid dog, personal grudges undoubtedly played a part, but her primary motivation was an earnest desire to salvage Marlina.

However, Seraphina remained uncertain of Marlina's current state, thus she viewed her own deplorable attitude as necessary, yet struggled to maintain it due to previous regrets, resulting in her vacillating, preoccupied demeanor.

Wait.

In that case... her request for me to monitor Marlina wasn't about overseeing her work performance, but rather observing her psychological state? No wonder she incessantly inquired about Marlina's condition throughout our journey...

Ravenna suddenly felt she was the one who had been oblivious, while Seraphina had been acutely aware all along, merely choosing not to disclose it. Indeed, in such matters... no one can truly offer assistance.

Her own words from not long ago now stood validated.

—She was growing mature, as was Seraphina.

"Don't misunderstand, I still hate Marli's decision, whether it was Ansel's directive or her true intention, I cannot accept it."

Seraphina declared, kicking a pebble on the ground, her face impassive. Seemingly sensing the approving undertone in Ravenna's gaze, she continued, "I simply believe Marli's transformation... is primarily because she cares too much for Ansel, to the point where she can no longer feel her own desires."

Blood may be washed away, corpses may be buried, but deaths that should never have occurred remain etched in the hearts of the living.

"Even if I were to assume Marli spoke those words from the depths of her heart…"

Seraphina turned her gaze towards the blood-flame spewing fissure, then down at the encroaching crimson waves behind them, speaking calmly, "Suppose she truly wished to bestow dignity and value upon normal people at any cost."

"But at this moment, can those things ensure their survival?"

"She knows much, has learned much, yet it's precisely because of her knowledge… that she's grown so distant from them... I too hope that ordinary people can live with dignity, but before that, they must first survive, and in the future, discuss such complicated concepts."

"If she truly intends to pursue this path, I will prove to Ansel, to the world, who is in the right."

"And what if she never harbored such thoughts?" Ravenna inquired.

"Then I shall certainly set her messy mind straight," Seraphina murmured, slowly clenching her fist. "To forsake everything for Ansel, only to be finally discarded by him... I will never allow such a future to happen."

"Her life shouldn't exist solely for Ansel's sake."

Seraphina knew she could no longer afford to waver.

Ravenna had detected the ominous aura enveloping Marlina, but Seraphina's perception of it was far more acute.

It was a grotesque, inhuman essence.

The essence of... a beast.

Though unaware of the exact price Marlina had paid, Seraphina knew that her willingness to go to such lengths for "power" was evidence enough that Marlina had plunged deeper into the abyss.

Power...

Is Marli's relentless pursuit of power a result of my influence?

This, too, is my fault.

Whether to prevent Marli from becoming Ansel's discarded, useless puppet, or to atone for my past error, I must shatter Marli's convictions.

Marli, I'll save my apologies for later.

...If you're still willing to accept them.

After this conversation with Ravenna, Seraphina's mood improved considerably.

Although this shorty always claims to be acting for Ansel's sake, she is actually quite kindhearted.

Hmm... it's a mystery why she was so stubborn before, threatening anyone who stood in her way.

Fortunately, Ansel's personality adjustment worked wonders. Now it's my turn to modify the current Marli!

"So where to next? Surely you know the nearest domain city," Seraphina turned to Ravenna, ready to refocus on aiding the refugees.

"The nearest domain cities have been steadily evacuating... even 500 kilometers away, safety can only be maintained for a short while," Ravenna shook her head. "Without Shadewell's coordination and planning, we alone can't properly accommodate them... Strange." Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire

"What's strange?"

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