A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Hyena, haing swiftly returned to his lair, was in the midst of a thorough purge.

The counterattack of Rodent and Vulture had undoubtedly proven the presence of a traitor in his midst. Those who had accompanied him to meet Ansel were all being interrogated, leaving only his most trusted confidants by his side.

"Boss..." One of Hyena's trusted aides hesitated for a long time before finally murmuring, "Is it possible that it's not a problem with our brothers, but that Fraust... is setting us up?"

Hyena's expression darkened, but he remained silent.

In theory, an extraordinary being capable of contending with grand dukes would have no reason to scheme against a mere underworld boss. But that was only in theory.

If that man was truly so perverse, so deranged, that he would toy with and torment him even without any grudges or grievances... Although the possibility was minuscule, it could not be completely ruled out.

But if that were the case, how could he resist?

Just then, the telecrystal that Hyena had set up suddenly reacted.

The man's face changed slightly. At this time, the only one who would likely contact him… was that mysterious Fraust, and no one else.

"Mr. Hyena," came the voice of the legendary adventurer from the communication crystal, "I've only just left, and it seems like there's been some trouble on your end."

"... Lord Fraust, it's just a minor mishap," Hyena replied, trying to keep his composure. "It's still within my control."

"Really? It seems like you've suffered some... heavy losses."

story by m|v_l,e,m,p,y,r

"I've been operating in the market for many years. My foundation is still trustworthy. As long as I reorganize, taking over other slave markets is not a problem."

"That doesn't sound like a businessman's approach."

"But that's how the black market is... Rest assured, Lord Fraust, I will complete your task."

"Heh, I'm not in a hurry, but since you're so proactive, I'll give you a little help — go check outside, I've left a gift there."

Hyena gave his aide a look, then respectfully said to "Fraust", "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Fraust."

"Keep up the good work. If you're capable, I can even protect you if you take over the entire black market."

This promise ignited Hyena's wavering emotions. He swallowed hard, his voice hoarse, "But that means you'll be making enemies with many powerful nobles, or transcendent forces, Lord Fraust."

"It's a trade-off. You're a businessman, you understand. If it really doesn't work... you can find some nominal help to share the responsibility."

"Anyway."

Hyena thought he heard a chuckle from the other end.

"It's all up to your 'choice'."

The communication ended, and Hyena's aide walked in with the "gift" that Fraust… Ansel had given him.

The moment he saw the gift, it was as if someone had provided him with all the key inspirations in his mind, and he effortlessly pieced together a perfect plan.

And all this was thanks to what Lord Fraust had said during the communication... "Find some help."

Help, gift... This was an opportunity bestowed by heaven.

*

"Ansel, Ansel, that guy must be out of his mind."

Seraphina looked incredulously at the screen, where Hyena was sitting in a room, waiting for someone. "He's actually seeking help from DappleSpider, who was once a slave? Isn't he afraid of falling into a trap and getting killed?"

"Marlina," Ansel simply smiled, "Explain it to Seraphina."

"... Seri," Marlina sighed helplessly, "Don't look at things so superficially... Even if DappleSpider hates the slave trade, she's still one of the four bosses of the market world. Conversely, a person who was a slave three years ago and has risen to this position, do you think she's a fool?"

"Ah? Oh... then, I still don't know why Hyena wants to find her."

"The reason is simple. Because under the stimulation of Mr. Ansel..." Marlina stared at the burning ambition in Hyena's eyes, "He seems to have some, unrealistic ideas."

She raised her index finger, "The guarantee that it doesn't matter if he takes over the whole black market, gave him the greatest confidence."

Then she raised a second finger, "The ability and foundation to place that incredibly precious gift at his doorstep out of thin air, added credibility to Mr. Ansel's words."

"And..." The girl raised a third finger, "The perfect opportunity to strike back when he seems to be in a slump, plus..."

Marlina glanced at the smiling Ansel, "Plus, Mr. Ansel's 'unintentional' little hint, Hyena obviously wants to ally with DappleSpider... to directly kill Rodent and Vulture."

Seraphina was stunned. She scratched her head and thought for a long time, but in the end, she still said in confusion, "But Marlina, you still didn't explain why Hyena dares to find DappleSpider, and how DappleSpider could possibly... agree to ally with him?"

"Among the four bosses, only DappleSpider doesn't engage in the slave trade, which means... she has no good feelings towards the other three bosses, that's the first point."

On the screen, DappleSpider entered the room with a poker face, while Hyena, who was alone, seemed fearless and confident.

"DappleSpider has been in the black market for so long, and being a boss, she knows better than anyone that the slave trade cannot be eradicated, that's the second point."

"And if Mr. Hyena promises at this time..." Marlina slightly raised her chin, "To strengthen the management of the slave trade, such as not arbitrarily capturing civilians, only signing contracts with those who are desperate, or improving the treatment of slaves, so they no longer lose all their dignity..."

"At the same time, agree to let DappleSpider supervise and share the profits with her, do you think, as a boss of the black market, as a businesswoman, DappleSpider... will she agree?"

"As for the problem of killing after benefiting... " Marlina paused, "After all, if Rodent and Vulture are out of the picture, she is indeed very likely to be dealt with by Hyena afterwards. But as the only one without any backstage support, she's not really a boss, at most just a force.

Whether to share a piece of the pie after one dominates, or to continue to seek survival in the cracks, it depends on DappleSpider's choice and their negotiation. Maybe they will use some magic to bind this deal... and so on."

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