A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

"Based on the design concepts and principles of creation you provided, the value of the Synthesizers should lie in their storage of ether. If we consider their practical application... they should be used to support entities that have a substantial demand for ether, given the Synthesizers' remarkable efficiency and conversion rates of ether..."

Helen, standing beside Ansel, lowered her gaze slightly, radiating a distinct air of indifference and disdain, seemingly unimpressed with Hendrik's answer.

"Mr. Hendrik's response is indeed to the point... Heh, it was just a casual inquiry, don't overthink it."

Observing Hendrik fall into contemplation once more due to Helen's reaction, Ansel chuckled, concluding the topic: "In any case, should you need anything, just come to me."

This simple promise, as straightforward as it could be, greatly steadied Hendrik's spirit. He bowed once more, with utmost sincerity, and said:

"Rest assured! The Tower of Babel will fulfill your requests to the best of our ability!"

"I trust in your capabilities, keep up the good work," Ansel said, patting Hendrik on the shoulder.

"Yes, Lord Ansel!"

Hendrik's respectful and humble demeanor, yet so genuinely heartfelt, coupled with Ansel's magnanimous and generous attitude, created a harmonious atmosphere between them—a visionary and enlightened sovereign paired with a supremely capable and steadfastly loyal subject. The collaboration between Ansel and the Tower of Babel was, without a doubt, destined to become a storied chapter in history.

In the midst of this harmonious atmosphere, someone suddenly spoke up:

"To the best… of ability."

"Why does the Tower of Babel exist, Hendrik? Can you tell me?"

Everyone turned to look at the petite scholar with her hands tucked into her coat pockets and an expressionless face, as she continued, "When did it start to become a tool for flattering the powerful?"

"Ravenna, you—you must take back what you just said!"

Hendrik's face turned pale as he sharply rebuked, "You must not show disrespect to Lord Ansel!"

Seraphina's mouth fell open in shock as she stepped back to Marlina's side, whispering to her sister, "Has this little one lost her mind?"

"It's merely the prerogative of caprice that comes with Mr. Ansel's favor," Marlina replied with a smile, equally sotto voice, "You too indulge in this privilege daily, Seri."

"Lord Ansel is the powerful one I speak of; where did you hear any disrespect towards him in my words?"

Helen turned to look at Ansel, who appeared serene, and restrained herself from blurting out "father," asking, "Lord Ansel, have I offended you?"

"Hmm... I think I'm alright."

Ansel, struggling to suppress a smile, indulged his daughter's venting of frustrations.

Ravenna, who once would have sacrificed everything for the Tower of Babel, now harbored such disdain and contempt for the organization. Beneath this disdain and contempt was a soul almost entirely devoted to him, and she expressed these sentiments in front of Hendrik, who was both a mentor and a father figure to Helen...

Despite his many responsibilities, Ansel derived a perverse pleasure from this situation.

After receiving a response, Helen continued her indifferent critique without pause: "Your reaction clearly shows how much you wish to please Lord Ansel. Your understanding of the Synthesizer also shows that you have long forgotten the original purpose of the Tower of Babel... No, you have always been this way, I have long known your true nature."

"...How ludicrous."

She walked forward, leaving behind these words:

"My identity has been shaped by such meaningless falsehoods."

Even if all was lost, the current Helen still wished to realize that possibility, or perhaps... that possibility was already everything to her.

But the Tower of Babel was no longer as it once was. Helen had thought they had merely changed their initial purpose, but now it seemed... they had even forgotten their original goals, not just forgotten them but also wholeheartedly... submitted to Ansel, so willingly becoming a tool.

From Helen's perspective, this was not a pleasing development.

The good news was that Ansel had capable support; the bad news was that the Tower of Babel, which once meant everything to her, no longer held any value.

Ansel saw all this, and it was precisely the scenario he had hoped for.

"This is truly..."

Ansel remarked with a half-smile as he gazed at Hendrik, "She harbors considerable resentment towards you, Hendrik."

"I..."

Hendrik began, his mouth opening slightly in hesitation, managing only a rueful smile, "I apologize, Lord Ansel, for making you witness such a farce. I hope it does not leave you displeased."

Ansel simply waved his hand dismissively, "These internal matters of yours, I shall not interfere. I trust you can manage them yourselves—Seraphina, Marlina, let us depart."

"Oh! Cool!"

"Is there anything else that needs to be handed over to Mr. Hendrik, Mr. Ansel?"

The sisters reacted differently, while Ansel, having accomplished his purpose, promptly led them away.

Once Ansel and his party had completely departed, Hendrik took a deep breath, his expression turning exceedingly serious and solemn as he clenched his fists and followed the path "Ravenna" had taken.

It did not take him long to find the rebellious, solitary young woman and bring her to his office, believing a formal and serious discussion was necessary.

Upon seeing Helen's cold, impassive face, a mix of guilt and hesitation uncontrollably surged within Hendrik, but recalling the recent events, he forcefully suppressed these emotions.

"Ravenna... I feel that you and us, you and the Tower of Babel, cannot continue this way."

"What are you trying to say?" Helen asked emotionlessly, her expression as rigid as a doll's, only adding to the discomfort.

"What I mean to say is... no matter how much you despise us, despise that period, despise the designs of the teacher, you are still a member of the Tower of Babel."

Hendrik spoke with a hint of bitterness, "None of us can deny this fact, and we all are well aware of the contributions you've made to the Tower, the efforts you've invested, and the emotions you've harbored, which are no less significant than anyone else's."