Taming the Protagonist

Chapter 39: The Wolf’s Good and Evil

Her sister and the bastard she hated most were getting along famously.

Hitana, who had fled outside, was completely unaware of this.

She wiped her tears haphazardly, walking sullenly through the streets of Chishuang City, out of place with the laughter of passersby and the bustle of carriages.

Though it was the main city of Chishuang Territory, Chishuang City had not been so prosperous before.

Anselm had explained this in detail during Marina’s lessons, covering the unique aspects of Chishuang Territory, the contest between the two grand dukes due to these aspects, and why Count Chishuang acted so recklessly and without limits.

Anselm explained thoroughly, and Marina had fully grasped the situation of Chishuang Territory. Meanwhile, Miss Hitana, deemed “talented” by Anselm, was irritably and helplessly kicking pebbles on the street.

“‘He’s our great benefactor, don’t make mistakes again’... how ridiculous!” The girl mimicked her sister’s words in a mocking tone, “That guy almost had me killed! And he called it ‘just a simple post-lesson test,’ a bastard who doesn’t value human life!”

She gritted her teeth, muttering to herself: “One day, I’ll make you taste what it’s like to be half-dead!”

Hitana angrily kicked a stone, sending it flying like a bullet, smashing a hole in a carriage ten meters away.

A scream came from inside; a well-dressed gentleman pushed open the door, furiously scanning the surroundings: “Who was it! Which lunatic attacks people in the street!”

The gazes of nearby passersby all focused on the striking but somehow troubled snow-haired girl.

“...” Hitana’s face stiffened.

Through the open carriage, she saw a lady inside, her head bleeding, the injury alarming.

Knowing she’d caused trouble, she bit her lip, swallowed her anger, tried not to look murderous, and walked over.

“I did it, sorry.”

She turned her face away, her tone stiff: “How much to compensate?”

“I don’t want a single coin from you!” The gentleman glared at Hitana, “First, apologize to my companion, then we’ll settle this according to Chishuang Territory’s laws!”

“I—”

Hitana’s mind went blank.

In all the trouble she’d caused, there were only ever two outcomes—either she convinced the other party with her fists, or they reached a false reconciliation unrelated to procedure.

Law, trial?

She never thought those things were useful; otherwise, how could so many nobles still lord over her?

The girl was silent for a moment, feeling a natural panic.

Even so, she gritted her teeth and, without any intention of fleeing, said: “Fine, to the lady inside, I’m very sorry, my apologies!”

Hitana drew her hunting dagger from her waist, unhesitatingly slashing a gash across her forehead.

The deep wound was shocking, and the blood-drenched girl spoke firmly: “I don’t know how courts judge, but this is my sincerity.”

The gentleman was startled by Hitana’s action, his anger fading significantly.

He hesitated, but seeing his companion sobbing in pain, he said coldly: “I respect your sincerity, but I won’t withdraw any charges against you, miss. When the guards arrive, we’ll see you in court.”

Hitana sheathed her dagger, wiped the blood from her forehead, and stood there, showing no intention of running.

However, the gentleman and Hitana did not wait for guards but for another expensive-looking carriage.

The carriage soon pulled up; its owner leaned out the window, not looking at the gentleman but greeting Hitana: “Your sincerity is admirable, Miss Lansmarlos.”

“...You know me?”

“How could anyone in Chishuang City not know you?” The middle-aged man, whether merchant or noble, smiled, “Everyone knows the beautiful girl with snow-white hair like mountain peaks is Lord Hydra’s powerful guard, don’t they?”

Before Hitana could respond, the gentleman, shaken by the meaningful mention of “Lord Hydra,” went pale.

“My friend,” the middle-aged man said gently to the gentleman, “Are you new to Chishuang City for business? Under Lord Hydra’s management, Chishuang Territory is showing signs of revival. Remember... in a new place, being lenient can make more friends and fewer troubles.”

He retreated into his carriage, ordered the driver to move, and left amid the rolling wheels.

Hitana didn’t know what this man was playing at, but it didn’t concern her; she was already prepared to wait for the guards.

To her surprise, the gentleman, whose face had suddenly turned deathly pale, opened his mouth.

Looking at Hitana, who stood with arms crossed, calmly letting blood flow down her face, he struggled several times to speak before finally saying hoarsely with difficulty:

“Miss... Miss Lansmarlos, let’s leave it at that. Please forgive my slight offense; I was too angry earlier and lost control...”

“What? What do you mean ‘leave it at that’?”

Hitana was stunned: “What do you mean forgive you?”

“You see... you’ve apologized, and in a more, more brutal way, hurt yourself. I think I have no reason to pursue this further—”

Looking at the gentleman’s weak tone and evasive eyes, Hitana realized something in an instant.

“Hydra...”

She murmured, taking a step forward.

“Because... Hydra.”

“Miss, Miss Lansmarlos?”

“Tell me!”

Walking straight to the carriage, dragging the gentleman out of the compartment and grabbing his collar, Hitana roared: “Is it because of Hydra! That’s why you’re not pursuing this! Say it!”

“No, it’s not! It’s because, I—”

“Enough!” Furious, Hitana let go of the trembling gentleman, words squeezing through her teeth.

“There’s no ‘leaving it at that,’ no stopping just because of Hydra! Only the trial that should happen!”

“I’m right here, I’m not going anywhere.”

She stared coldly at the gentleman collapsed on the ground, indifferent to his despairing look.

“You too.”

***

While Anselm enjoyed lunch amidst Yura’s melodious music, Saville’s figure suddenly appeared behind him.

The old butler’s expression was slightly odd; he bent down, whispering in Anselm’s ear.

The young Hydra listened to Saville’s report while continuing to use his knife and fork, but as he listened, his movements paused, the gleaming silver knife hovering in midair, reflecting the musician’s slender waist and soft arms.

“Pfft... hehe... hahahahaha—”

Anselm laughed heartily, his magnetic yet youthful voice blending with the music, exceptionally pleasant.

“Should I say, as expected of Hitana?”

Anselm, nearly tearing up from laughter, put down his knife and fork, sighing and shaking his head with a smile.

“Even with all my calculations, she’s always a girl who can surprise me.”

“What do you plan to do? It seems Miss Hitana won’t rest unless she’s formally arrested.”

“Do I even need to ask? Of course, handle it by the rules.”

Anselm held the knife before his eyes, gazing at its reflection, chuckling softly: “She didn’t bring money when she went out, and she probably won’t return tonight, meaning she’ll go hungry and sleep in the cold somewhere. I can’t bear that thought.”

“If we put her in a cell, doesn’t that solve the problem? Besides...”

“She hasn’t yet received her punishment from me.”

In the knife’s reflection, the bad snake’s eyes glinted brightly.