A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Seraphina is about to leave, and the Garden has hastily arranged a small gathering to prepare for this event.

The journey of the young Beast King, from its inception to its conclusion, and the events that unfold, are of no concern to Ansel. Even if fate dictates that Seraphina's journey may sow seeds of future adversity, Ansel is willing to let her pursue her heart's desire.

Informing the Garden is merely to ensure they are prepared, to make arrangements in advance, including but not limited to, covertly disguising Seraphina's identity and erasing her traces as much as possible.

For Ansel, since Seraphina seeks to temper herself, he must ensure this trial is flawless and untainted by extraneous factors. Moreover, he always takes Saville with him on his excursions, so he never intended for Seraphina to travel alone. However… the single-minded Miss Wolf is unlikely to notice the Garden's people.

Seraphina's punch to the Empress's face, though unprecedented, is known only to the fifth-stage extraordinary beings who dared to spy on the battlefield that night. During her time with Ansel, her character has become much more composed, and she is unlikely to cause significant trouble, making the aftermath manageable.

The Garden will thus only need to allocate a few people, two or three at most, without affecting their main tasks.

Ansel is also giving Rhine an opportunity, as Seraphina's importance to him is undeniable. The Garden's success in this matter would be a significant merit.

Rhine's considerations are not wrong, but it is too eager and overstepping.

— To think that Ansel would favor Shadewell in the choice of the Head of Devouring due to frequent using them in the Western lands is absurd.

Bringing Marlina into the fray to balance this nonexistent influence is also unwise... However, which beast in this world would not covet the power bestowed by Hydral?

Ansel never allows people from his own force to be troubled — Shadewell will naturally provide many conveniences in the Western territory, but the Garden can also assist the invaluable Seraphina. Ultimately, it is a competition of abilities.

This method is far more equitable than trying to place a secretary by Ansel's side.

Fortunately, the scheming cat lady did not make a mistake due to her greed and minor foolishness.

Only a small adjustment is needed.

"…Cancelled?"

Late at night, Marlina sat at an ordinary wooden table, looking somewhat bewildered at the cat crouching before her.

Since arriving at Hydral's domain, she had been living in a regular staff dormitory next to the administrative building, except for the overtime she spent on the Garden floor.

"Yes, the situation has changed," Rhine slowly licked its paw. "Lord Ansel had already prepared for balance. Garden will handle Miss Seraphina's trial, thus completely neutralizing Shadewell's advantage in the Western lands."

"I should have thought of that."

The cat sighed helplessly, "How could Lord Ansel deliberately favor that damn bird? I was too hasty and almost got severely penalized."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Marlina slowly put down her pen, showing no overt emotion, and softly asked, "So, I don't need to be Mr. Ansel's secretary anymore, right?"

"Yep," Rhine glanced at the documents under its bottom, "You must have paid lots of effort and care into these preparations... sorry."

Although it verbally apologized, there was little sincerity, at most not entirely perfunctory.

The girl merely smiled, showing no negative emotions, "Just some simple data collection and planning, nothing compared to what you do, Miss Rhine."

Ansel's kindness did not create any illusions for Marlina — During this time, she had read many books and met many people, understanding clearly what this world and most of its inhabitants were like. A superior like Ansel, who made people feel like a breath of fresh air in everything and every aspect of thing he did, was as rare as a fifth-stage extraordinary being.

From the moment she joined the Garden, she was prepared to be looked down upon by all her colleagues. Rhine's arrogance had no negative impact on Marlina.

She is a mortal, naturally inferior to extraordinary beings. All the extraordinary beings in Garden could look down on her without reason, especially Rhine as the person in charge. This is the way of the world.

Moreover, the cat did not target Marlina specifically. In fact… it recognized her. If it were someone else, it wouldn't have come personally.

Rhine tilted its head, scrutinizing Marlina for a while, then meowed, "It can't end like this... Here, stretch out your hand."

Marlina obediently extended her hand, and Rhine placed a paw pad on the back of her hand, saying, "This mark allows you to contact me anytime. If you need anything, just let me know, even now."

Rhine believed Marlina was perceptive and knew the limits of asking for compensation. Naturally, the original deal was void.

From Rhine's, and an objective perspective, this was nothing. The original deal was already a boon for Marlina, even if it required significant effort. Since she gained many benefits without prior cost and received compensation for a minor mistake, it was more than fair.

"Thank you very much, Miss Rhine," Marlina slightly bowed her head to Rhine, her tone filled with gratitude and respect, which was pleasing to the ear. "It's just a small matter. I haven't paid any price, so this compensation is entirely unnecessary."

The gentle and serene girl smiled like a blooming flower, her pure kindness swaying hearts, her modesty and simplicity making it hard to harbor ill thoughts.

Rhine was pleased to hear its thoughts spoken aloud. The praise for Marlina in the report submitted to Ansel was not merely to recommend her as Ansel's secretary; the cat lady genuinely admired Marlina, appreciating her abilities, talent, resilience, and...

Her humble recognition of the times and her docile acceptance of her position.

Garden had few members, but each was a difficult-to-manage genius. Rhine became the person in charge purely due to its formidable strength, and disciplining this unruly bunch was a troublesome task.

Among these restless individuals, some even longed for its position… Now, the appearance of such a well-behaved, obedient, and sensible girl naturally endeared Marlina to Rhine.

"Compensation is necessary, so don't refuse me," Rhine said, waving its paw cheerfully.

"Next time there's a similar opportunity, I'll still come to you. Well, hehe… for such personal matters, a reliable girl like you, Marlina, is indeed the best choice."

-->