A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines-Chapter 252: Snake and Sisters and Rat - IV

Within the training chamber of Nostrom, Seraphina, who had just been drenched in sweat, was changing her clothes. She gazed upon the scattered fragments of puppets on the floor and shook her head in disapproval.

"Ansel, this won't do," she said earnestly, her gaze fixed on Ansel.

"Puppets alone are worthless. I seek not merely combat, but rather..."

She slowly clenched her fist, exhaling the restlessness in her chest with deliberation. The intense training battle had not quenched the flame within Seraphina; on the contrary, it blazed even more fiercely.

"What I require is a struggle that will allow me to achieve my… devouring."

The lifeless puppets, possessing strength but devoid of "life," could not satisfy the Beast King's yearning.

To ascend to the fourth stage, extraordinary beings must choose an essence and master it to a certain degree, thereby seizing the "scepter" that symbolizes dominion over the rules. For Seraphina, the most crucial essence, "beast," could not flourish in such an environment.

"If it's useless, then cast aside these thoughts," Ansel said with a smile.

"Rest well for now. Despite your exceptional talent, Seraphina, the path to transcendence is still long. Do not dwell on the gains and losses of these few days; adjusting your mindset is of greater importance."

"...You're right, Ansel. Marli!"

Seraphina's countenance brightened considerably as she turned her attention to Marlina, who stood behind Ansel, and exclaimed excitedly, "Since Ansel is free these days, let's explore the imperial capital together! It's been a while since we've had a proper adventure here. Sister Anne did take me out for a stroll, but, uh..."

She couldn't help but rub her cheeks, trying to erase the lingering fear from her recent experience: "Anne's enthusiasm was a bit too, too… too overwhelming. It's better to go with you, Marli—at least I won't be treated like a doll, ouch..."

"This shows that my mom is very fond of you. She's warm to everyone, but it's rare for her to be this affectionate," Ansel said, turning to Marlina.

"You and mom had a long talk before coming here. Would you mind sharing what you discussed?"

"... Ah?" Marlina, still pondering Annelisa's words, was momentarily taken aback before quickly regaining her composure.

"Madam was inquiring about... my feelings for you."

Observing Marlina's blushing face, Ansel understood and simply smiled, not pressing further, but gently asked, "So, would you like to join Seraphina and me on a visit to the imperial capital?"

Marlina curtsied gracefully, her smile sweet and elegant, "It would be my utmost honor, Mr. Ansel."

Seraphina, standing with her arms crossed, tilted her head and then looked down at her leather pants and the visible abs under her short vest. She scratched her head, unsure how to mimic her sister's beautiful gestures, and could only place her hands on her hips and declare loudly, "Ansel, I want to wear beautiful clothes too!"

"Didn't mother buy you many?" Ansel inquired.

"Those won't do!" Seraphina's face changed instantly at Ansel's words. "I'm no little princess!"

Young Hydral watched Seraphina with a smile brimming with amusement. "But they are indeed beautiful."

"They're not as beautiful as the ones you make... Make me another one now, please~"

Soon, Seraphina, donning a black cinched waistcoat, hands in pockets, and kicking her platform boots, twirled with satisfaction.

"How do I look? Do I look good?" she asked Ansel and Marlina, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"You look good, indeed..." Ansel stroked his chin, "but it reminds me of something else."

"Something else..."

Seraphina paused for a moment, then quickly recalled her own adventurous experience with the long coat, her cheeks flushing red in an instant: "Go to hell! I wasn't asking you that! You're terrible, Ansel!"

She turned away, huffing, and only after receiving Marlina's gentle and pleasant compliment did her mood— and indeed, her restless heart — calm down somewhat.

"So, where shall we start our sight-seeing?"

Eager to set out, Seraphina led the way through the dim and quiet corridors of the Nostrom, her boots clicking crisply against the floor.

"It has been three years since my last visit, and I am somewhat unfamiliar with the changes in the imperial capital, however..."

Ansel, leaning on his scepter, called out in the vast corridor, "Lawrence."

"I am here, Young lord!"

As his words fell, a plump, grey-black rat emerged from some corner, standing upright and waving its paw in greeting to Ansel, "Do you need me for something?"

"Seraphina, Marlina, and I are planning to explore the imperial capital. Could you kindly act as our guide for the time being, leading us to some interesting places?"

The rat's tiny red eyes lit up instantly, "The Young master actually has a use for me... Wonderful!"

It rubbed its paws together, thumping its chest, "Rest assured, leave it to me! I dare say only Falcon knows the imperial city better than I do. I promise to make your visit enjoyable!"

Lawrence scurried to Ansel's feet, glancing at the tall, short-silver-haired girl on the left and the gentle, long-haired girl on the right, before choosing to climb onto Marlina's shoulder, "Let's start... let's start with the black market. It's the liveliest place, and who knows, we might find something interesting!"

"...Black market?" Seraphina looked surprised, "There's a black market in capital ?"

"How could there not be? Our dear empress doesn't interfere as long as rules are followed and appearances are kept. The black market is just as legitimate as any other market."

Lawrence spoke with an air of expertise, "It's just that ordinary people can't get in. Oh, Young lord, do you want to conceal your identity?"

"If we're going out for fun, it wouldn't be interesting if we didn't hide our identities, would it?"

Ansel reached out and patted Lawrence's head, "We'll need you to get us tickets to the black market, Lawrence."

"Heya, that's easy, leave it to me."

Meanwhile, Seraphina had been observing this seemingly ordinary, talking rat. She had wanted to ask about it during her meeting with Flamelle and the other pact heads, but felt it wasn't appropriate with Flamelle present. Now, she finally had the chance, "Um, Mr. Lawrence..."

"Just call me Lawrence." The rat waved its paw, "What can I do for you, Miss Seraphina?"

"Uh, I wanted to ask... which pact head are you?"

"The Head of Devouring." Lawrence bared his teeth and claws, opening his mouth wide, "The 'devouring' that refers to eating. Scary, isn't it?"

Seraphina couldn't help but laugh impolitely at the rat's adorable antics, managing to suppress her laughter under Marlina's sharp gaze. She cleared her throat, "Then, may I ask... what abilities does the Head of Devouring have?"

"There's no harm in asking. After all, you'll meet your companions sooner or later. It's good to know a bit in advance."

As the three humans and one rat headed towards the teleportation circle of the Nostrim, Lawrence explained, "The so-called 'Head of Devouring' represents the 'beast' essence of Hydral, which is the control and devouring of life. The ability is simple: devour the power of others and use it for oneself."

Lawrence spoke lightly, but Seraphina was stunned.

The Head of Devouring, the beast essence, could devour and seize the power of others... Why didn't I choose this ring back then!

She looked at Lawrence, who was sitting on Marlina's shoulder, with envy, "I wish my other pact power was the Head of Devouring."

"That wouldn't be good."

"I don't think that's necessarily a good thing."

Ansel and Lawrence responded simultaneously.

"...Huh?" Seraphina looked at them in confusion, "Why wouldn't it be good? Ansel, didn't you say that my strongest essence is the beast..."

"Have you forgotten what 'beast' is?" Ansel gently ruffled Seraphina's hair, "It's the wild instinct of life that refuses to submit to any existence. If your root comes into contact with the beast essence of Hydral, it won't be a fusion, but a…fight to the death."

"Yeah, yeah." Lawrence nodded, "When you were fighting with Tyr, I felt... a chilling, dangerous aura. It's a bit risky."

"The Young lord's insight is truly remarkable," it said with admiration, "To pose a threat to Hydral in terms of the beast essence, it means that Miss Seraphina, you have the potential to rival Hydral in this aspect in the future!"

"But it's also quite strange. You're clearly a normal human, so why do you have such a strong beast essence..."

Lawrence was puzzled, but seeing Ansel's calm expression, he didn't say anything more.

After all, his young lord must know everything about this, so there's no need for him to say more. His job now is to be a responsible guide and provide a good touring experience for his young lord and his ladies!

Speaking of which... didn't the black market of the Imperial City fall into factional strife after the death of the Duke of Luminaris?

Well, it's none of my business. I'm just an innocent little mouse responsible for leading the way.

If you guys don't watch tour step and end up causing trouble, forcing the young lord to take over the black market...

That has nothing to do with me, anyway, I'm just a little mouse.

*