A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Hope is a powerful thing.

Marlina became who she is today because Ansel gave her hope in the Red Frost Territory, a hope more important than anything else.

Has Seri, unwittingly… also become someone who can give others hope?

Marlina quietly recalled her sister's demeanor and spirit. She had to admit that Seraphina had grown rapidly after leaving Ansel, but by the standard of bringing hope to others... she was still very far from it.

She didn't even know when to do what, only knowing how to recklessly charge forward. Could this… really bring hope to others?

Sooner or later, she would crash and burn, and the hope she brought would shatter into pieces.

You didn't know what was truly right, nor had you witnessed genuine hope, which is why you were captivated by Seri's seemingly brilliant but ultimately hollow and illusory hope.

Thinking of this, Marlina's eyes grew cold.

The word Cliff had spoken caused her emotions to spiral out of control.

Scroundrel...

If only policies could be meticulously executed as soon as they were issued, if every order could be unwaveringly enforced the moment it was given, if everyone interacted with each other with pure sincerity, if merely saying good things could truly make everything better...

If wishing hard enough could make everything perfect, if this world were a colorful fairy tale, if your kindness and expectations could make all these fantasies come true—

Would Mr. Ansel still find it so difficult?

After a slow exhale, Marlina's expression returned to indifference.

Compared to Seraphina and Ravenna, she was weak and powerless. She was acutely aware that her abilities and worth were insignificant in comparison to those two girls.

She knew that the help she could offer Ansel was not even as valuable as a fleeting idea in Ravenna's mind; her contributions paled in comparison to Seraphina's spontaneous punches.

Yet, Marlina believed that no matter how small, if she could make Ansel feel understood, even if only a little, it was worth it.

With this thought, she calmed down and continued to monitor the development of the riot. She needed to carefully control every aspect of the disturbance to ensure the impulsive adventurers did not cause chaos.

Meanwhile, she did not notice her shadow… suddenly twist.

In the next moment, an inky black raven emerged from the darkness, its wings flapping as it flew out.

The sound made Marlina immediately turn her head, only to see the raven leisurely land on the railing of the stand.

"…Lord Crow," Marlina said after a brief silence, "I didn't expect you to seek me out personally." Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire

"You've been quite active lately," Crow replied calmly. "Using the false identity of Milo and the Whistling Legion's network, you've contacted six major adventurers' guilds, expanding your network from Dispute Fortress as a base, efficiently."

"You ceased expansion once you established a stable foundation, choosing instead to solidify and strengthen this information network—a rare precision in judgment."

"Meanwhile, you've also managed to stir up such a significant commotion in the lower district"

Crow finally turned his gaze towards Marlina. "Nerilia's assessment is quite accurate—your skills are... commendable."

Marlina responded to Crow's praise with a simple smile, "Thank you for your recognition, Lord Crow."

"So, will you come to Shadewell?"

"…"

The sudden invitation left Marlina slightly stunned, her eyes showing a hint of confusion.

"Another... invitation?"

"Is that strange?" Crow tilted his head slightly. "It seems you have a clear understanding of yourself and know that your abilities are merely adequate... Recognizing oneself is not easy, and in this regard, you deserve praise."

The girl's smile broke out at the Shadewell leader's straightforward words. Such bluntness was something she had never experienced in the Garden. Rhine, as a leader, gave an impression that was both mysterious and dangerous, starkly contrasting with his adorable and elegant appearance.

Crow, on the other hand, was the opposite. Despite his deep, dark exterior, his straightforward personality was unexpectedly comforting.

"In that case, why are you inviting me to join Shadewell?" Marlina asked.

"Being adequate means you are qualified. With training, you could become a core member. Shadewell isn't as strict as the Garden; we don't have an 'elite only' mentality."

"Moreover..." Crow looked deeply into Marlina's eyes, "you have something unique about you."

"Oh? Me?"

Marlina put on an innocent expression, her eyes sparkling. "I didn't realize I had anything special."

"If you join Shadewell, I might consider telling you," Crow said.

The girl smiled brightly. "If you tell me first, I might really consider joining Shadewell."

After a brief stalemate, Crow shook his head. "Forget it. Nerilia also mentioned that you have an extraordinary ambition and stubbornness... I'm not in a hurry. You are not essential to Shadewell."

Hearing this, Marlina suddenly had a bad premonition.

If Crow, the leader of Shadewell, came all this way just to say these few words, it couldn't be for nothing.

It indeed wanted to recruit her but was also prepared for failure and wouldn't leave empty-handed.

So, would it leave something behind to strengthen my willingness to join Shadewell?

Sure enough, Crow spoke in the next moment:

"Do you know why I came to see you personally? And why now?"

"…"

Marlina's smile vanished as she slowly exhaled, her clear, youthful voice now steady.

"I have trouble, don't I?" she asked.

Crow turned to look at Marlina again, seemingly a bit surprised at how quickly she caught on. Then it nodded.

"Although I don't know what your purpose is for causing this commotion, I must inform you... Miss Seraphina, whom you lured fifteen kilometers outside Dispute Fortress, is on her way back."

As Marlina's pupils suddenly contracted to the extreme, Raven's body turned into shadows and dissipated without a trace:

"That's all I have to say. You are smart; you should know what to do next. Wrap things up quickly. Whatever you plan to do, don't anger Miss Seraphina or make a mess of things. The master will be displeased."

Before completely disappearing, Crow left a brief comment on Marlina's scheme:

"Your plan, though rough, was quite thorough and detailed in many aspects. It probably would have succeeded under normal circumstances, but unfortunately..."

"Luck, it seems, is not on your side."

*