A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

The man frowned slightly, "But isn't it too early to have them manage imperial affairs?"

"Imperial affairs? Given that this is an assessment, it doesn't necessarily have to be imperial affairs," Ansel responded nonchalantly, "Providing them with a platform to showcase their abilities should suffice, wouldn't you agree?"

A platform to showcase their abilities...

The Duke of Azuregold pondered silently. The empire was currently in disarray, offering numerous opportunities to demonstrate governance skills. Was this Hydral's plan—

As Namo Azuregold's thoughts raced, he inadvertently met Ansel's gaze.

"..."

The playful glint in those sea-blue eyes froze his thoughts.

"Lord Azuregold, tell me..." Ansel leaned forward slightly, "What do you think of the Western Land?"

The Western Land... the Western Land?

Placing the platform in the Western Land would be a tremendous boon for the Duke of Azuregold. He could wield significant influence, and any duke wishing to involve themselves in the matter of the regency would have to come to him. This was a golden opportunity to profit immensely!

Was Ansel offering this opportunity as a gesture of goodwill? Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire

"The war between the Duke of Firmament and the Duke of Bloodust is currently the most intense conflict within the empire," Ansel smiled. "If they can manage the war victims on both sides effectively, it would sufficiently demonstrate their governance abilities, wouldn't it?"

Yes! Absolutely damn right! It was an impeccable reason!

The Duke of Azuregold almost wanted to stand up and applaud Ansel. If Ansel used this justification and personally endorsed it, the assessment of the regent candidates might indeed proceed in this manner, and the benefits he could reap...

If not for the clear playful look in Ansel's eyes earlier, the Duke of Azuregold would have started showering him with praise.

Why did he choose the Western Land, why extend goodwill to me? Could it be... could it be that he knows I might have seen through his plan?

The Duke of Azuregold's throat felt parched.

If it were anyone else, the Duke of Azuregold would never believe it, but if it was this monster before him...

"Your wife once came to me, bearing your intentions, Lord Azuregold," Ansel lazily supported his face with one hand.

"Do you remember what I asked her to convey to you?"

Conveyed words? Faust? Faust indeed... no, no, it wasn't about Faust. It was something else, it was...

["At present, I will not provide any significant assistance to any duke."]

Yes... the message Ulysses brought back included Hydral's declaration of absolute neutrality towards me.

Hydral does not require my power, yet he has now broken his statement, indicating that he is indeed extending goodwill towards me. This means he has truly... truly discerned that I have seen through his schemes! Hence, he is offering me an olive branch!

Hydral's current foundation is far more fragile than anyone imagines!

The Duke of Azuregold had never felt such exhilaration regarding his brilliant insight.

"Lord Hydral... I recall your words now," Namo exhaled slowly.

"Therefore, I believe we can have an in-depth discussion about the criteria for the Regent's assessment."

*

The Duke of Azuregold, brimming with his remarkable wisdom, departed contentedly.

He would discuss this matter with the other dukes, but he would never mention Ansel; he would claim the idea as his own.

Of course, this would provoke intense opposition and disputes, but the Duke of Azuregold, unsurprisingly, had the means to resolve them. Firstly, he genuinely possessed the capability, and secondly, everyone knew that this fellow was indeed only interested in making money.

Thus, he would divert the attention of the empire's nobles to the West's best candidate on Ansel's behalf.

Unaware that he had already become Ansel's vanguard, the self-assured Duke left the scene. To the outside world, the young Hydral… still maintained a purely neutral stance.

Consequently, all the dukes' focus would be drawn to the Western lands.

Ansel gazed at the chessboard, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

If one or two dukes discovered Evora, they might indeed protect her for the sake of furthering their own authority, knowing they couldn't stand against her.

But if... all the dukes, and more than half of the extraordinary beings on the continent, found the frail Evora with Hydral's eyes also upon her—

Then, what fate would befall our Elder Princess?

Fate silently conspires, and Ansel meticulously prepares for other eventualities.

Meanwhile, by placing Suellen in the Western lands, he can attempt to lure out the shadowy forces lurking in the background.

Thus… the arrangements in the Imperial Capital come to a temporary halt. By manipulating the Regent's affair under the guise of Hydral, and after a long period of inactivity, he accomplishes a significant feat, severing the connection between Faust and Hydral completely.

As Ansel exhales gently, confirming that the Duke of Azuregold has indeed left, Ravenna suddenly embraces him.

"Ansel... this is wonderful."

The petite woman nuzzled Ansel's chin softly, "When you were strategizing against fate, did you also consider these matters?"

"...Hmm?" Ansel tilted his head slightly, "What matters?"

"You're pretending again."

Ravenna nudged Ansel, "While utilizing the Duke of Azuregold and manipulating the Regent's affair, you also managed to save countless civilians caught in the West's war... Do I need to spell it out for you to be satisfied?"

Ansel remained silent, but leaning against him, Ravenna, who always hoped to change the sorrow and darkness in Ansel's heart, continued to murmur in relief, "You truly are... a wonderful man."

...Did I consider helping the civilians caught in the war incidentally?

The last time Ansel manipulated the Regent's affair to quell the war, he had specifically mentioned to Ravenna that his aim was to bring peace. But this time, Ansel said nothing. Yet, without Ansel's words, Ravenna simply believed it to be so.

And just as this question surfaced in Ansel's mind, a black feather floated down from the sky.

"..."

The young Hydral caught the feather, and in the next moment, his pupils contracted slightly.

The good news was that he no longer needed to ponder the previous question.

The bad news was that a far graver issue had already unfolded for an entire day.

*