A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

In the lounge, Ansel caressed Seraphina's head as he gazed through the window at the workshop's production line below.

"According to Mr. Hendrik's report, the output of the Synthesizers has reached five hundred units per day. Should we overcome the limitations of materials and manpower, this output could potentially increase by another fifty percent."

Standing behind the sofa with a clipboard in hand, Marlina reported in a gentle voice to Ansel, "Mr. Ansel, shall we distribute the first batch of Synthesizers throughout our domain?"

Ansel, who was lightly scratching the chin of the young wolf lady resting on his lap, chuckled amidst her contented purring, "Proceed with the arrangements; someone will liaise with you on this."

"Yes, I understand," Marlina replied, though she was unaware of the Synthesizer's purpose. Ansel, however, seemed to value it highly, for since taking full control of the Tower of Babel, his visits here had become infrequent, and when he did come, it was not for any particular project but rather for Miss Helen, who had become a "daughter" to him.

The rarity of a project warranting Ansel's personal inspection elevated its significance in Marlina's eyes, prompting her to prioritize it highly in her plans.

"By the way, about Miss Helen—"

Her words were cut short by a knock at the door.

"Father, may I enter?"

The previously serene Seraphina furrowed her brows as if bracing for battle. Upon Ansel's response, the petite scholar with a changed attire pushed the door open.

Miss Helen's attire was no longer the unvarying white lab coat of days past but a gray trench coat. The cinched belt accentuated her extremely slender waistline, revealing her curves while highlighting her distinct hip line. The pencil skirt had been replaced with black shorts, and sheer black stockings enveloped her full legs.

The strapped high heels not only endeavored to elevate her stature but also added an alluring charm.

Despite her outfits suggesting a radical different mature beauty compared to her appearance and physique, Helen carried it off with perfection. Perhaps this was related to her figure, which at first glance seemed delicate but was actually quite voluptuous, especially at the hips and legs, giving her a subtly sensual aura.

"Synthesizers... Are you certain you wish to initiate their mass production now?"

Helen appeared somewhat anxious, and it was evident she understood the purpose of the Synthesizers.

She approached Ansel and asked in a soft voice, "Isn't it a bit premature?"

"No, it's perfect timing; the moment has arrived," Ansel reassured her while caressing Seraphina, who was still resting on his thigh, and warily watching Helen. He then reached out and affectionately ruffled Helen's hair.

"It seems the shadow of that day still looms large over you; you haven't moved past it yet."

He said tenderly. "Don't worry, leave everything to me. The mistakes made by Ravenna won't be repeated with me—you've witnessed that, haven't you? My dear Helen."

"..."

Helen's expression gradually softened, and she lovingly grasped Ansel's hand, whispering in response, "Yes, Father, if it's you, it can certainly be done."

This overly harmonious atmosphere irked Seraphina, who was caught in the middle. Despite Helen addressing Ansel as "Father"... why does it feel like I am more the child? This isn't right!

"Cough... Ahem! Ansel!"

Seraphina loudly interjected between the two, "So, so that thing... what exactly is the Synthesizer for?"

"You could think of it as a device that… encompasses the collection, storage, and purification of ether among many other functions—a remarkable, outstanding, and astonishingly effective piece of equipment that, nonetheless, doesn't seem revolutionary," Ansel explained.

The girl, not fully grasping Ansel's words, mumbled in confusion, "If it's not that impressive, then why did you come here personally?"

"Because it's an essential groundwork," Ansel replied with a youthful smile, his gaze flickering over the seemingly ordinary special vessels on the production line.

"It is... the eve of a transformation."

With that, Ansel stood up and extended his hand to Helen, "Let's go, Helen. Let's take a look together."

The petite scholar tightly held Ansel's hand, Seraphina, not to be outdone, clung to Ansel's arm, and Miss Marlina, standing behind, smiled helplessly and shook her head, yet she wasn't troubled by the lack of a place for herself.

On the contrary... she felt there was no place more reassuring than behind Ansel.

*

Ansel and his companions emerged from the workshop's lounge, and Hendrik, who had been directing the production line in anticipation of Ansel's arrival, promptly approached with reverence, proclaiming:

"Lord Ansel! The Synthesizer production is proceeding smoothly!"

Before Hendrik's appearance, Helen had already released Ansel's hand, dutifully fulfilling his request to maintain her guise as Ravenna in the presence of others.

"Marlina has already briefed me," Ansel said with a smile to Hendrik, "Your efforts and Tower's efforts are much appreciated, Hendrik."

"Not at all... It is both an honor and a duty for me, and for the Tower of Babel, to serve you."

Hendrik bowed deeply, making a concerted effort not to gaze upon Ravenna, who stood beside Ansel.

The words of this girl, whom he regarded as his own student, and even own daughter, filled Hendrik with a sorrowful yet impotent grief. He questioned himself, never having harbored even a moment's intention to deceive Ravenna, but the harsh and cold reality, facilitated by Eileen, was indifferent to his desires.

At the same time, he harbored fears about the potential calamity Ravenna's clandestine actions on behalf of Evora could bring upon the Tower of Babel.

However, to his relief, Ansel seemed unaware of Ravenna's actions. Not only had he invested increasingly substantial resources into the Tower of Babel, but he also entrusted it with fulfilling some of his needs. This complete sense of ownership reassured Hendrik considerably.

"Hendrik, what do you think... Wherein lies the value of these Synthesizers?"

As Ansel approached the production line and caressed the smooth surface of a finished product, he posed this sudden inquiry.

"The value of Synthesizers..."

Hendrik hesitated briefly before cautiously offering his response.

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