A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

After all, when Marlina was by Ansel's side, no matter how much she pushed herself, she was always mindful of her health. Even though most of her rest and meals were replaced by spells and nutritional supplements, it didn't mean it was bad for her body. Most people couldn't handle such high-intensity pressure mentally, but Marlina could.

And now, she was neglecting her body? Not because of the workload, but due to some… inexplicable obsession?

Ansel's question left Marlina stunned for two seconds before she hurriedly shook her head, denying it with great fear: "How could that be... Your expectations are my motivation, the source of my strength. How could they possibly bring me pressure?"

"Then what about your recent behavior?" Ansel tilted his head slightly. "Draining yourself to the point of exhaustion before drinking the nutritional supplement... What, do you think I can't afford even a bottle of nutritional supplement?"

Marlina could only weakly deny: "No, I..."

She didn't believe that Ansel didn't understand why she did this.

Because she didn't want to have this privilege.

Because she knew very well where this privilege came from.

I admit I'm lucky, but I don't think... I'm just lucky.

Mr. Ansel must know I think this way... So why is he still asking me?

Ansel looked at the girl, who was silent with her head down, and then at Seraphina, who was on the verge of tears, with a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

"Then, let's make it clear now."

He said, "Marlina, say what you want to say to Seri now... Rhine, please step out."

The ragdoll cat glanced at the two sisters with its big, watery eyes and slowly walked back to its office.

"And what about me?" Ravenna, perched on Ansel's shoulder, rubbed her delicate feet against his cheek. "Should I step out too?"

"Just don't make fun of Seri over this."

Responding softly to Ravenna, Ansel saw Marlina still staring at him blankly and sighed helplessly.

"Marlina... Marlina, do you think I enjoy watching your relationship with Seraphina deteriorate?"

Ansel no longer needed to use Marlina to pressure Seraphina, so such a "falling out due to silence" scenario only belonged in third-rate stories.

After all, if there were any real rifts between the sisters, Seraphina would be very hurt.

Marlina's face turned extremely pale from Ansel's words, and the distressed Seraphina couldn't help but say softly, "Ansel, don't be harsh on my sister. How could she think that way?"

I'm helping you, silly girl.

Ansel shook his head with a slight smile, saying nothing more, and quietly waited for Marlina's response.

"...No, of course not."

Marlina bit her lip and responded softly, "I was too... self-centered. As you said, I should have talked to Seri about this sooner."

She turned to look at Seraphina, who had been pitiful but now managed to show a slight smile. On her pale, fragile face, she tried to maintain a determined expression.

"Seraphina... don't stay too close to me anymore."

"...Huh?"

"I am Marlina Marlowe, an ordinary member of Mr. Ansel's organization, the Garden. That's all, no other identities."

Marlina and Seraphina's expressions gradually swapped; the former became increasingly serious and firm, while the latter's face turned pale.

"What I receive should only come from this identity, nothing else."

"Seri, Miss Seraphina."

Marlina bowed respectfully to Seraphina:

"I can no longer receive any extra grace or care from Mr. Ansel because of your presence."

Marlina had already made up her mind when Seraphina left the village and ventured alone to the imperial capital.

She was uncertain whether her resolve stemmed from disapproval of Seraphina's reckless actions or jealousy of her sister's audacity… Regardless, Marlina knew this was her true desire.

She had received too much special attention from Ansel because of Seraphina's presence and could not continue this way.

Marlina Marlowe needed no other identity beyond being Ansel's follower.

Being favored by Ansel; getting the possibilities to change her own life; joining the Garden without any extra efforts… In the past year, the favor she had received due to Seraphina was already more than enough.

Marlina refused to continue living… as her sister's dependent.

Therefore, she would not accept even the smallest extra grace, such as a bottle of nutrient solution.

Seraphina stared blankly at her bowing sister. In the past, or before meeting Ansel, she would have shouted in confusion.

["You are my sister, what's wrong with relying on me? Why can't there be special treatment? As the pact head's sister, you should be favored!"]

… These annoying words were already on her tongue.

But having experienced so much with Ansel, how could our Miss Wolf not have grown?

Even if she couldn't fully understand Marlina's thoughts, she sensed that Marlina wanted her own… respect.

Although Seraphina herself never considered it wrong to gain without effort, and believed that as Ansel's pact head' sister, there was no issue with Marli living a good life—how well the villagers are living now! She followed Ansel through life and death, and Ansel treated her with boundless kindness; she loved Ansel so much, and Ansel loved her too... So what was the problem?

It was perfectly reasonable!

But since Marli wanted her respect, no matter how unwilling she felt, she should respect her.

Experience more on empire

"...Marli."

Still somewhat saddened, Seraphina whispered, "Even so, you will always be my sister, right?"

Marlina, lifting her head, revealed a gentle smile, "As long as it's in life, not at work, I will always be your sister."

Suppressing the urge to say, "Why must we be so clear-cut," Seraphina responded somewhat dejectedly, "Alright, Marli, I understand. From now on... I won't come to you so casually like I did just now."

"It's Marlina, Miss Seraphina."

"Ugh..."

Feeling awkward, Seraphina stomped her foot, walked to Ansel's side, and let out a distressed whimper.

Ansel patted the girl's head, "It's better to clarify things now than to let conflicts accumulate, isn't it?"

"...Yes, thank you, Ansel."

Seraphina said somewhat despondently, "If it weren't for your reminder, I wouldn't have known Marli felt this way..."

Marli stood properly, showing no emotion.

"Don't be sad, Marli has been running around for me during this time, and you haven't spent much time with her, so it's normal not to understand her thoughts."

Ansel comforted her, then turned to the serene Marlina and said with a smile, "However, relying on your own salary to pay for nutritional supplements is indeed a bit too harsh on yourself... From now on, until the workload decreases, ensure your health, and feel free to get nutritional supplements and various additives from Rhine."

Marli's expression changed slightly, "Please don't..."

"This has nothing to do with Seraphina," Ansel said gently, "It's my investment in you, my recognition of you, Marli."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"I know your colleagues are workaholics far more than you do. Being able to stand firm under such high-intensity work and gain Rhine's approval already shows your ability and value."

"No... it's just, just that the more difficult tasks are done by my colleagues."

Marlina, overwhelmed by the favor, waved her hand, "I only do the most basic coordination and analysis... I can't handle most of the tasks."

Ansel laughed heartily, "How long have you been away from the Red Frost Territory? If you could start from scratch and fully grasp their affairs so quickly, how could I bear to let you work overtime with them? I would only keep you by my side."

Under the girl's suddenly brightened gaze, Ansel's tone was full of encouragement, "You are already excellent, Marlina. There are few ordinary people in this world who can achieve what you have. This is my recognition of you, unrelated to Seraphina."

"Moreover... ensuring your health allows you to better assist me, doesn't it?"

Marli's eyes no longer held hesitation or doubt. She responded with joy and vigor, "Yes, Mr. Ansel!"

As Ansel prepared to head to Rhine's office, he patted Marli's shoulder along the way, "Keep up the good work, I believe you will reach greater heights."

Under the affectionate and intense gaze, Ansel and his two pact heads walked into the office.

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