A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines-Chapter 674 CrossRoad · From Now On - I

In the imperial capital, within the Hydral Manor.

Ansel languidly set down his teacup. "So, the evaluation criteria have been finalized?"

"Indeed. After much deliberation, we've finally reached a consensus," the Duke of Azuregold nodded with a smile.

"The war instigated by the Duke of Firmament and the Duke of Bloodust has affected fifty-nine domains. Excluding the seventeen utterly destroyed, we're left with forty-two ravaged territories and millions of displaced citizens to manage. This undoubtedly serves as the perfect challenge to assess who is more capable of governing the empire in Her Majesty's stead."

After persistent negotiations by the Duke of Azuregold, a decision was finally reached regarding the selection process for the regent.

The three allied dukes from the Eastern Harbor ultimately agreed to conduct the evaluation in the Western Lands, albeit with several stringent conditions. For instance, they demanded permission to deploy additional personnel to oversee the assessment in respective areas—a transparent attempt to embed their own agents in their rival's stronghold.

However, the Western dukes found this relatively inconsequential. After all, those regions were already bereft of any meaningful order, with territories likely teeming with covert operatives from various factions. The addition of a few more outsiders mattered little, as the Eastern Harbor could never truly extend its reach into the Western Lands.

Despite this, the process was far from smooth. The Eastern Harbor only acquiesced under increasingly lucrative offers from the Duke of Azuregold.

Feigning disinterest in imperial affairs, Ansel inquired, as if oblivious to the dukes' deliberations, "In that case, when does the evaluation commence?"

"We've granted the Duke of Flame Attendant and Lady Suellen a fortnight for preparation. Following this, they will journey to the domains of Bloodust and Firmament respectively, for an assessment period spanning six months to a year."

This chapt𝒆r is updated by frёewebηovel.cѳm.

"I see..." Ansel reclined languidly in his chair, offering a slight nod. Though his expression remained impassive, inwardly, he found the situation rather amusing.

"If the aim is to assess governance capabilities, such an extended evaluation period is indeed reasonable. However, it's unlikely the dukes truly intend to earnestly select a regent through this process," Ansel mused internally. "It's merely a buffer, allowing for potential errors. Should Ephesande and Evora remain silent for six months or even a year, it would likely signify their demise.

In such a scenario, the legitimacy of any chosen regent might be questionable."

This arrangement, however, posed no disadvantage to Ansel. The longer this period persisted, the greater Seraphina's potential for advancement. After all, she still possessed Flamelle's birthday gift…

A sigil capable of shielding her from the Empress for ten seconds, also containing coordinates to a certain labyrinth. As Flamelle had stated, should Seraphina reach the fourth stage, venturing there could present an opportunity to ascend to the fifth.

Nevertheless, given the precedent of prolonged stagnation at the fourth stage, Ansel couldn't be certain that Seraphina wouldn't face similar obstacles before reaching the fifth. Moreover, with his limited resources, it wasn't prudent to send Seraphina away at present.

At minimum, he needed to secure two more pact heads or successfully tame a third heroine before considering Seraphina's journey to the labyrinth in pursuit of fifth-stage ascension.

"With this, the matter of the regency seems to be on track," Ansel rose, his tone lighthearted.

"It's time for me to depart from the imperial capital."

"You're leaving?" The Duke of Azuregold appeared genuinely surprised. "Returning to Hydral territory?"

The young Hydral responded with a hint of amusement, "Naturally. Where else would I go?"

"Ah, that's not what I meant, Lord Hydral," the Duke slightly bowed his head.

"It's just... do you truly intend to take no action?"

"Hydral never meddles in imperial affairs," Ansel replied with a genial smile.

Inwardly, the Duke of Azuregold scoffed. This young Hydral seemed increasingly like someone who had been play-acting since childhood, with deception now second nature, deriving pleasure from the performance.

Outwardly, however, he maintained a respectful demeanor as he persisted, "But I've come specifically seeking your assistance. Regarding the regency evaluation... there remains a crucial unresolved issue, Lord Hydral."

"Oh?" Ansel raised an eyebrow slightly. "What issue could be so intractable that our empire's dignitaries cannot resolve it?"

The Duke of Azuregold lifted his gaze, responding with deferential tones:

"As this is an evaluation, it ultimately requires an assessor. You must be aware that we... may not reach a consensus among ourselves. Thus, we need someone of the highest prestige, capability, and qualification to review and judge the candidates' achievements - an examiner, if you will."

The merchant duke's smile exuded warmth and sincerity:

"In my opinion, there's no one more qualified for this role than Lord Hydral, you, who have transformed the Hydral domain into a veritable paradise on earth."

Mutual profit was the Duke of Azuregold's business principle.

Only when everyone prospers can there be opportunities for greater gains in the future. He never hesitated to reciprocate when suitable opportunities arose.

The position of examiner was the reward he had secured for Ansel - after all, the Duke of Azuregold, having glimpsed the true nature of this young lord, was the first to disbelieve Hydral's supposed disinterest in imperial affairs.

Moreover, he had already been considering investing in Ansel due to recent events, especially after the empire-shaking news that had recently spread. The Duke was concerned he might be late in boarding this investment opportunity.

If Hydral accepted the position of examiner, it would indicate... future cooperation was possible.

My dear Lord Hydral, please don't make any strange decisions at this crucial moment.

"Is that so..."

Ansel pondered for a while, then sighed resignedly. "You have a point. The dukes' views on territory governance differ greatly, making consensus difficult indeed. Although I'm reluctant to involve myself, given the circumstances..."

The young man continued with apparent reluctance, "I suppose I'll have to shoulder this additional responsibility."

"That's wonderful news!"

While the Duke of Azuregold privately found Ansel's feigned reluctance somewhat excessive, he was delighted at this successful outcome.

Observing the Duke's visible pleasure, Ansel maintained his facade of resignation while inwardly relishing the moment.

— He should be thanking me.

The plan to expand from the Western Land across the entire empire was now set to unfold gradually.

This self-proclaimed clever merchant duke had unwittingly laid all the groundwork for Ansel, paving the way forward without raising suspicion.

-->