A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Life is unpredictable, and the members of the Tower of Babel must have gained an unparalleled profound understanding of this phrase.

The vicissitudes of their lives have been vividly exemplified during this period, oscillating from the brink of annihilation by the Elder Princess to the paradise upheld by Hydral. Everything seems so illusory and ephemeral, beyond belief.

Yet the reality is that they have emerged from the despairing hell where they toiled day and night, crafting weapons, into this present heaven where they can truly exhibit their talents and exchange visionary ideas.

All members of the Tower of Babel are now invigorated and full of vitality, rejuvenating this organization that, despite its potential for renewal, had long been oppressed by the Etheric Academy and harsh realities.

Although Tower of Babel currently has a theoretical bent, the backlog of designs co-researched by Ravenna and Ansel three years ago is sufficient to occupy the Tower for an extended period in developing and expanding their production lines, fully reflecting their inherent value.

The Tower of Babel now basks in a bright and promising future.

"Mr. Hendrik seems to be restarting the production line for the soil enhancement potion. Do you have any new projects on your end?"

"Plenty! The energy conversion applications of essence, the reverse engineering of true-word spells, and the expansion of the etheric domain... I'm so busy I can hardly stop. I only slept three hours last night." Discover new worlds on NovelFire-mpyr.

"Ha ha ha, you don't seem too tired to me."

"Tired? Five years ago, I was struggling to extract a theoretical book from the clutches of a worthless lord, cooped up in a shabby house concocting love potions and banned substances. Just over ten days ago, we were being forced by the Elder Princess to research deadly weapons. And now you're asking me to take a break? Not a chance!"

The scholars in the corridor no longer exhibit the tension of recent times. Even though they used to discuss academic topics anytime, anywhere, they now engage in casual, comfortable, and utterly relaxed conversations.

Even the most stern and traditional scholars occasionally allow themselves a smile in this enjoyable atmosphere.

Yet amidst this, there are still those who maintain a somewhat... indescribable air of detachment.

The sound of heels clicking on the floor echoes through the corridor, and as usual, whenever that person appears, all discussions gradually fall silent.

The same blue-gray high ponytail, the same gray-white glasses, the same simple white lab coat, black pencil skirt, and semi-transparent black stockings, along with high heels that are not too exaggerated.

The same cold expression, the same indifferent demeanor.

But the person known for these characteristics among the Tower of Babel has completely changed her appearance.

The tall stature that once matched Seraphina's when wearing high heels is now somewhere between a young girl and a childlike figure. She's not quite a little girl, nor a verdant young lady, but slightly shorter.

The open lab coat reveals only a slight curve, a stark contrast to her previous pride. Fortunately, her figure remains adult-like, with full and slender legs and a waist that appears even more delicate and fragile against her already petite frame.

However, no one pays attention to these details. Upon seeing Miss Ravenna, the members of the Tower of Babel quickly avert their gaze after a brief glance at her head.

"This is truly..." Once Ravenna has passed, the scholars can't help but discuss, "Who would have thought that Miss Ziegler's true form would be so..."

Someone hesitates, gesturing to indicate a certain length.

"I think we'd better not discuss this..."

"Uh, cough, yes, it's a bit disrespectful to Miss Ziegler. Let's change the subject... She seems very busy lately, doesn't she?"

"She's always been busy, but indeed, these days... She doesn't even participate in research discussions anymore, always in a hurry, and it's unclear what she's working on."

"Hasn't she recruited any assistants?"

"Assistants? After what happened last time..." someone says with a complex expression, "Who would dare to become her assistant, although she probably wouldn't recruit one anyway."

The words spoken by Conrad on the battlefield during his countermove against Nidhoggur cast the only shadow over the now thriving Tower of Babel.

Traitors, spies... Even though Hendrik has started to reorganize and attempt to investigate, the results have been mediocre.

"What do you think Miss Ziegler was thinking at that time?"

"Do you mean... when she drove those assistants away?"

"No, no, I mean, when she decided that she would rather start a war than let us concede... What was she thinking?"

The scholars fall silent in their discussion.

"No matter what you think," the scholar who brought up the topic mutters to himself, "I'm grateful to her. Even though the final victory had nothing to do with her, and her decision could have killed many people."

"The Tower of Babel is my only refuge. If it were destroyed, I would have no reason to live."

"But our research... our expansion of the extraordinary and the etheric... it's not for ourselves, it's to change the world!"

"Is changing the world that easy? Sacrifices are inevitably part of the process."

"What a joke, have you forgotten that most of us used to be those who were sacrificed?"

As they resume their debate, some can't help but ponder.

That brilliant young lady, her unwavering resolve to make such a decision, is it because her desire to change the world is so steadfast...

Or is it due to... some intention of her own?

*

Ravenna remained indifferent to the opinions of others. During this period, she methodically pursued her research, developing the devices she had once designed, creating new spells, or conceiving new alchemical tools. She wound herself up to her limits, not resting for a moment until now.

Today, Suellen, with whom she had formed a partnership, sent her the first piece of information.

"The one who murdered your grandfather is still in the capital, but he is merely an assassin, not the mastermind."

This information was of utmost importance to Ravenna, but it was not sufficient. Suellen was well aware of this, and it was clearly intentional on her part.

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