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Yet now, no matter how lucidly she perceives the situation, it is all to no avail.

Or perhaps… it is precisely because her vision is so unobstructed that the mundane, "by-the-way" challenge pierces through her defenses.

Relationships, standings.

The disparity between past and present relationships, the difference in standing between her and Seraphina — it\'s not out of jealousy, but rather... loss.

"...Ansel."

Ravenna rose, her gaze demurely cast downward: "Do you seek anything in particular by coming here?"

Ansel observed Ravenna for a moment before arching an eyebrow: "Judging by your expression, you don\'t seem particularly thrilled to see me."

"No, it\'s just that I was..."

The petite scholar lifted her gaze to Ansel, but quickly diverted her eyes: "I was merely lost in thought."

"That much is obvious without guessing," Ansel, supporting his face with his hand, remarked, "Does it concern your grandfather? What, did you manage to extract something from the Duke of Magus Primus?"

Ravenna fell silent for a moment, then shook her head, "He said he couldn\'t be certain of any suspects, merely directed me towards the Etheric Academy."

"I see..."

Ansel chuckled wryly: "In that case, it seems your goals have not been entirely fulfilled, Venna."

"The data system... such a precious entity, you aim to use it not only to solidify the Tower of Babel\'s position and to fervently demonstrate your worth to me, but also to exchange it for information regarding Eileen\'s demise."

"The first two goals you\'ve achieved quite admirably, attributing all glory and capability to me, signifying a subordinate status, which also shows, Venna, that you are acutely aware of your current place."

With such an endearing moniker and a casual tone, he articulates words that so distinctly delineate the chasm between them, causing Ravenna, her head bowed, to subconsciously twitch her fingertips.

"Yes, I am well aware, An-An... sel."

She intended to utter the honorific \'Lord,\' but her instinctive reluctance prevails—only now does she realize… whether her previous formal address of Ansel was borne out of respect or resentment?

At this juncture, as the boundaries between them were clearly defined and she genuinely intended to address Ansel with respect, she found the word \'Lord\' surprisingly difficult to express.

Ansel appeared utterly indifferent to this, indeed, his nonchalance has always been thus. He never showed any deliberate aloofness, merely a pure... indifference.

"So the trail has gone cold again," Ansel sighed, "Quite the nuisance, isn\'t it? Has our Young Princess Suellen sought you out again?"

"...No."

"Hmm... It should be soon."

After concluding such idle chatter, the young Hydral leaned back against the sofa, languidly stating, "Let\'s get down to business then. Seraphina\'s birthday is the day after tomorrow, and I wish to present her with a gift, one that is nothing short of perfect... I believe you are the most suitable person to craft it."

"..."

"What\'s the matter?" Ansel inquired, looking at the silent Ravenna with interest, "You don\'t wish to do it?"

"...No, certainly not, I will do it, Ansel," Ravenna\'s voice was soft, "But before that, may I pose a question to you?"

"Um..."

Ansel stroked his chin thoughtfully, "Am I to interpret this as you setting conditions?"

"I—"

"Is that so?" the young Hydral inquired nonchalantly once more.

The scholar lowered her head, her voice growing fainter, "My apologies, Ansel, I... I did not mean to."

"That\'s a relief," Ansel\'s smile returned, "For a moment, I thought you had forgotten your place in these few days, my dear Venna."

Such words, coupled with that appellation, were dripping with irony.

"The gift must be the most perfection, seek reimbursement for all materials from me—Marlina will handle it. Remember, what I desire is something that is absolutely, ultimately, unequivocally worthy of Seraphina, perfection itself."

"You should realize the gravity I place on this matter by my personal involvement," Ansel continued, extracting a blueprint from his coat and placing it beside him, "Here are the plans, with all design concepts clearly explained; this should pose no challenge for you."

"... Indeed."

"I have faith in your abilities, Venna."

Ansel spoke with satisfaction, "As for the day after tomorrow... Seraphina loves lively atmosphere, and you are among the few acquaintances she has in the capital."

"Therefore, you shall present the gift in person at the event."

Ravenna\'s hand slowly clenched into a fist.

Ansel, supporting his cheek with one hand, spoke with a smile, "Reluctant, are you?"

"No, I am quite... honored, Ansel."

"That\'s good to hear, do remember to make an appearance."

"I shall."

The young Hydral nodded in approval, rising to leave but then pausing as if a thought had just struck him.

He tilted his head slightly, his sea-blue eyes reflecting the unchanged petite figure of the past three years.

"Do you promise?" he asked.

"I—"

Memories of the past were so vivid, like thunder cleaving through her mind, causing that word she was about to utter to become stuck in her throat, unspoken.

Ansel simply watched her, smiling gently, "Never mind, just be there when the time comes, I won\'t... make it difficult for you."

With these words, he walked away from the alchemy workshop with an even, unhurried pace.

In the silence of the workshop, Ravenna\'s body trembled ever so slightly.

Even in such a trivial matter, she could not bring herself to utter those words:

<I promise.>

*

WebNovel won\'t let me release the chapter unless it meets 1000 words, so I\'m saying 60-word-long nonsense here:

FIRST OF ALL, I LOVE O-Ni-SANS.

SECONDLY, I LOVE HEIGHT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ML AND FL(S).

THIRDLY, I LOVE THAT CONTRAST BETWEEN PHYSICAL FIGURE AND PERSONALITY.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE KIDS DRIVING HUGE TRUCKS =v=

Long live my kinks.