A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

"...I am fine," Ravenna murmured, her hand pressed to her forehead as she modestly bowed her head, "It's my memory."

"Memory... The ones previously damaged when placed inside a puppet, are they finally beginning to mend?"

Hendrik exhaled in relief, yet his voice carried a tinge of worry, "But you seem quite distressed, perhaps we should seek—"

"There's no need," Ravenna, now firmly on her feet, shook her head, "Myron, the mentor of Madam Ronger, once told me that sudden flashbacks and feelings of discomfort are normal, indicating that I am recovering well."

"... Very well, but should you feel unwell at any point, you must inform us, understood?"

The middle-aged man, his face showing signs of age, spoke earnestly, "Everything is falling into place, Ravenna, and you shouldn't bear too much pressure. This is what the teacher... cough."

Hendrik suddenly coughed, his voice growing deeper, "This is what the teacher would not wish to see..."

Ravenna, lost in thought over those fragments of memory, failed to notice his concern, but as the conversation turned to Eileen, her thoughts snapped back to reality.

Whether to disclose Eileen's matter to Hendrik and Ronger was a dilemma for Ravenna.

Initially, she had acted alone, at great cost, and wished to keep them in the dark, but now... Ansel could provide clues at a far more reasonable price than the exorbitant one demanded by Suellen, and given their trust in Ansel, they were unlikely to scrutinize the cost too closely.

Just like me.. they had been awaiting the truth for far too long.

Ravenna opened her mouth to share with Hendrik but quickly regained her composure.

Yet, it is merely a clue... If the truth is to be revealed, it should come from me directly.

I shall tell them once I have the answers.

Suppressing the urge within, Ravenna calmly stated, "After the completion of the soil enhancement potion's efficacy test, leave the coordination to me; I shall communicate with Lord Ansel."

Without a second thought, Hendrik replied, "Of course, I believe this task is best suited for you, Ravenna."

He placed his hand on her shoulder with utmost solemnity, forgetting her aversion to physical contact, his eyes brimming with hope and admiration.

"You are undoubtedly the one who can change this world. He believed in you wholeheartedly, and we share that unwavering belief."

"... Thank you, Hendrik."

In the fifteen years since Eileen's death, Hendrik, Ronger, and a few other of Eileen's students had raised Ravenna, providing her with the finest resources and education.

Although their care was almost devoid of… affection, even the maternal Ronger maintained a controlled distance from Ravenna,

But this was precisely what Ravenna needed.

In her life, she no longer required parental figures; simple guidance was far more valuable than anything else.

Gazing at one of the few significant figures remaining in her life, Ravenna softly affirmed her resolve:

"I will, Hendrik, whether it be grandfather, you all, the empire that awaits change, or the common folk."

[What exactly drives you to pursue these endeavors?]

Even as the nightmare loomed again, Miss puppet did not hesitate to declare, "I will not let any of you down."

Hendrik smiled reassuringly, "I know you can do it, Ravenna... Ah, right, I almost forgot to tell you something important, I should have sought you out first."

He patted his forehead, "The matters you've shared have muddled my thoughts... Do you remember Lord Suellen? The Young Princess."

"..."At the mention of this name, Ravenna felt a sense of foreboding, her brows furrowing slightly, "Her? What about her?"

"She has also placed an order with us for a customized data system, and according to her... she has high expectations for this system and wishes to meet with you alone to discuss it."

"Suellen..."

Ravenna mused over the Young Princess, murmuring thoughtfully, "She wants a data system, but for what purpose?"

Is it to continue suppressing Evora according to the empress's wishes? If that's the case... I must not get involved in their conflict. It would bring no benefit to the Tower of Babel and could cause considerable trouble for Ansel.

Regardless, a meeting is at least in order.

"When does she wish to meet with me?" Ravenna inquired.

"I'll make the arrangements for you; she said she would come immediately once I contact her." Hendrik chuckled, clearly pleased, "Her Highness Princess Suellen holds you in high regard, Ravenna."

"... Her Highness," Ravenna mused over the title with a cold laugh, but said no more.

"Then I'll wait for her in your office."

Ravenna turned to leave the alchemy workshop, and halfway through, she looked back at Hendrik, observing his face aged by the constant mental strain, a visage that even a fifth-stage warrior would find weary.

"... Hendrik," she suddenly said.

"What is it, Ravenna?" The man quickly turned, looking at her kindly.

"You should rest as well," Ravenna chose her words carefully, "The Tower of Babel is recovering; you needn't put so much... pressure on yourself."

Hendrik was taken aback.

But Ravenna did not linger to say more, leaving promptly.

Hendrik's gaze remained fixed in place, the petite girl who in his eyes had always been a child, seemingly unchanged… over the fifteen years, had now transformed into someone beyond anyone's imagination.

Though her words were meant to be comforting, after Ravenna's departure, Hendrik's eyes betrayed a sense of sorrowful distraction.

It took him a long while before he lowered his gaze, murmuring to himself softly, "Teacher, if you could see this moment, you would surely... be very comforted."

*

In the office, Ravenna soon met with Suellen, who had come to discuss business.

The Young Princess, always dressed in a pure white, elegant gown, radiated purity and beauty like an iris blooming in a field.

She sat across from Ravenna, her legs neatly together, her smile gentle yet approachable with a hint of playfulness.

"Miss Ziegler, you must understand my intentions from Mr. Hendrik," Suellen began.

"Your intentions…"

Ravenna, flipping through the documents in her hand, furrowed her brows.

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