A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

"Oh... Marlina, go ahead, what's the matter?"

Rhine, who had intended to assert some authority, immediately softened upon seeing it was Marlina speaking. "We might need your input on Mis Seraphina's work, so feel free to speak your mind."

The young woman, who had been working at her desk, stood up and smiled at Rhine.

"This is my first suggestion—I don't quite agree with your approach of adding more personnel."

"Hmm..." Rhine's tone lifted slightly, "Go on."

"My question was, how well do you know Miss Seraphina?"

"The dossier on Miss Seraphina was personally written by Lord Ansel."

The cat looked at Marlina with interest. "So, of course, I am very familiar with Miss Seraphina."

"But that is still just text, isn't it?"

Marlina smiled. "How did Mr. Ansel describe Miss Seraphina's intuition?"

"Intuition..."

Rhine repeated the word, then couldn't help but laugh. "Do you think adding more personnel would risk being detected by Miss Seraphina? You're overthinking it, Marlina. Those four people—"

"You underestimate Miss Seraphina."

Marlina interrupted Rhine with her gentle voice, her face still adorned with that disarmingly amiable smile.

"I can assure you of one thing: when the number of people handling the aftermath reaches four, and with the possibility of Shadewell's involvement, Miss Seraphina... will undoubtedly notice something amiss."

These words caused Rhine's feline eyebrows to slowly furrow.

Have I underestimated that wolf cub? Is her intuition really that strong?

Ansel had indeed emphasized Seraphina's intuition in her dossier, describing it as "incredible," but as Marlina pointed out, that was still just text.

"Don't forget, she also possesses the power of the Head ofWind, and a specialized one at that."

Marlina stressed seriously, "If she becomes suspicious, the risk of the accompanying personnel being discovered will increase dramatically."

"And given Miss Seraphina's mindset, if she realizes that her training has been constantly supported, she will most likely believe that the entire training was orchestrated by Mr. Ansel. With her personality, once she has such a thought..."

The young girl paused, showing a worried expression. "The consequences would not be good."

Rhine's fur bristled slightly.

Seraphina left Ansel with a resolute determination to seek a breakthrough, so if she knew Ansel was helping her, her first feelings would not be warmth and gratitude, but rather... resentment and even insult.

Even if Ansel's actions were merely to handle the aftermath without any intention of interfering with the training process, Seraphina's strong-willed nature could indeed lead to the outcome Marlina hinted at. While this might not be a major issue for Ansel and Seraphina's relationship, for Rhine, as the main person responsible... it would be an unforgivable mistake.

What if... what if Seraphina's intuition is as dangerous as Marlina says? What if she really detects even the slightest hint of suspicion because I added more personnel...

This time, it was Rhine's tail that stiffened slightly.

The thought of causing Seraphina to harbor resentment towards Ansel due to her own impatience, the thought of the consequences this mistake would bring, and the thought of the cold gaze from that usually gentle young man made the cat lady shudder instinctively.

No, no... this is indeed not worth it. On the contrary, if Shadewell's people dare to intervene without permission, they might be detected by Seraphina, and then it would be their fault.

After pacing back and forth on the desk for a long time, Rhine finally waved her paw.

"Your suggestion is very reasonable, Marlina... Flowfire, Greystone, you are no longer needed for Miss Seraphina's matter. Leave it to Bone and Layar."

"...Tsk."

Fireflow clicked her tongue in displeasure. This feeling of being summoned and dismissed at will was naturally unpleasant, but she had no choice.

Rhine lightly leaped over several desks and landed on Marlina's desk, sitting and looking at the obedient and lovely girl with great satisfaction.

"Your first suggestion was very useful, Marlina."

The cat patted the girl's shoulder with her paw. "It was crucial, thank you."

Marlina showed a slightly flattered expression. "It is merely my duty, Miss Rhine."

"Duty... Hmph, if only your colleagues had your sense of responsibility."

Rhine did not lower her voice when she said this, causing many people to look at Marlina. There were looks of disdain, contempt, and even scorn, with few positive expressions.

Clearly, in this institution composed of talents personally selected by Ansel, someone as honest and diligent as Marlina was not welcomed—despite her decent professional abilities.

Marlina seemed oblivious to these looks, smiling shyly. "I didn't expect you to choose to give up."

"Hmm? If Miss Seraphina's intuition is as you described, then I certainly couldn't insist."

Rhine lazily licked her paw. "Avoiding mistakes is obviously more important than the possibility of taking full credit... Besides, the people from Shadewell might still mess things up on their own, hmph... Isn't that great?"

Marlina blinked. "I see..."

"Your suggestion is very prudent. Regarding Miss Seraphina's daily activities, I will have Layar send you a copy as well. You and I will be the first to see the reports... I need your advice, Marlina, it's very important."

Rhine said this earnestly, then smiled pleasantly. "Now I owe you quite a bit... Let me think, how should I repay you..."

"Ah, about that."

Marlina tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said softly, "I have something to tell you."

"What is it?"

"For the next period of time, I might not be able to stay—"

The office door suddenly opened.

The young Hydral's gaze passed over his followers and immediately fell on the serene and gentle girl.

"Are you ready, Marlina? It's time to go," he called softly.

Marlina lifted her skirt and curtsied, saying helplessly, "Why did you come in person, Mr. Ansel? You could have just notified me."

"I'm a pragmatist. Although a little time doesn't matter, since the preparations are complete, there's no need to wait any longer."

Ansel smiled. "So, are you all set?"

"Yes, Mr. Ansel."

Marlina picked up the suitcase at her feet and, under the bewildered gazes of everyone, including Rhine, walked briskly towards Ansel.

She naturally and skillfully stood slightly behind Ansel, holding the suitcase with both hands. Her snow-white hair and black dress highlighted a pure and simple beauty, perfectly complementing the handsome young nobleman in front of her, leaving no room for criticism.

"Alright, let's go then... Oh, by the way, Rhine, I'm borrowing Marlina."

Ansel glanced back at the gentle, harmless girl, a slight smile on his lips.

"I need a traveling secretary, and Marlina is perfect for the role, so I'm taking her with me."

"Does she have any important tasks here?" Ansel asked, slightly raising his chin.

"...No, no, she doesn't," Rhine instinctively replied.

"Great, let's go, Marlina."

"Yes, Mr. Ansel."

The young Hydral turned and left without hesitation, and the girl behind him followed suit.

Just before stepping out of the office, Marlina Marlowe turned her head. Her lips curved into a soft, graceful smile, her delicate and charming face glowing with a bright radiance. Her gentle and beautiful features combined to form a sweet smile that could captivate anyone.

With such a pure smile, the innocent girl said in her gentle voice to Rhine:

"Miss Rhine, I will always be available for your contact."

Marlina tilted her head slightly and blinked:

"If you have any 'needs,' feel free to tell me."

Everyone in the office silently added a sentence that Marlina did not say out loud.

—But this time, it won't be out of duty. Find more chapters on empire

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