The relationship between Ansel and Ravenna is perceived as rather subtle by the outside world.

The majority of alchemical tools developed by Ravenna are conceived by Ansel — a fact that remains their greatest secret, known to only a handful within the empire.

Publicly, however, Ravenna is seen as, well… a failure in the eyes of the masses.

Three years ago, rumors were rife that Ravenna Ziegler would become Ansel’s pact head, but it ended with Ansel leaving the capital, abandoning her.

This public relationship, if false, indeed indicates Ansel’s intention to make Ravenna his pact head, and Ravenna shares this sentiment. But if true, this relationship is more of a cover for their joint research on new alchemical devices.

Therefore, whether it’s the servants or the masters in the Hydral Manor, they all recognize this not-so-friendly female scholar.

Pact heads also have some impression of Ravenna, but it’s just that —an impression.

To them, a character abandoned by their young lord holds no significant value.

But looking at the current situation… does it seem like the young lord is showing signs of interest in her again?

The pact heads cast their gaze towards another corner of the courtyard, where the lush garden greenery conceals a faint silhouette.

They, of course, knew someone was there, but since Flamelle didn’t speak up, they, as pact heads, certainly wouldn’t say much, let alone care.

Seraphina, however, was taken aback, because after yesterday’s “battle”, she didn’t really want to see Ravenna… and speaking of which, how could that weakling, who hadn’t even been touched by Ansel and was lying there twitching like a waste, wake up earlier than her?

Ravenna emerged from the hidden corner of the courtyard, first saluting Flamelle, then slowly shifting her gaze to Seraphina.

The tall girl sitting on Ansel’s lap felt a bit uncomfortable under her gaze. She wanted to stand up and confront her with a high spirit, but her weak body almost fell to the ground due to her foolish movements. Thankfully, Ansel held her steady, but to others… it seemed as if she was flaunting herself in Ansel’s arms while being stared at by Ravenna.

This made the atmosphere a bit awkward.

“Hey, Old Saville,” whispered Lawrence, who had climbed back onto Saville’s shoulder, “What do you think… is the young lord planning to watch the two girls fight for him?”

“Don’t speculate on the young lord’s decisions, Lawrence,” Saville softly replied, “Just watch quietly.”

“…” Lawrence twitched his whiskers, muttered “boring,” and scampered off to Toradon’s feet, starting a conversation.

Ravenna was not moved by Seraphina’s performance. She stared at the girl in Ansel’s arms and calmly said, “I have no right to comment on a battle of this level, but since Lord Ansel requested…”

She paused, then said expressionlessly, “From my understanding, it’s impossible for a third-stage extraordinary being to break through the body of a top-tier fifth-stage warrior. This proves that Miss Marlowe has extraordinary talent and ability in combat.”

This made Seraphina feel relieved, and she found Ravenna more pleasing to the eye.

It seems that what Ansel did yesterday was quite effective! Now you know who’s superior, right?

“But—”

This sudden turn made Seraphina’s slightly improved expression freeze on her face.

“From observing Miss Marlowe’s battle this time, along with previous records, I can confirm one thing.”

Ravenna adjusted her gray glasses and said indifferently, “You, Miss Marlowe, can’t control your emotions or even your power in battle, can you?” ”

…”

Seraphina opened her mouth slightly, unable to speak, while the other pact heads showed a look of amusement.

“Sharp eyes… or is it the effect of those strange alchemical glasses on her nose?”

Toradon looked at Ravenna with interest, “Her current soul state is also interesting, is it Soren’s handiwork?”

“I don’t see anything wrong with being passionate in a fight.” Lawrence crossed his arms, “Passion is a warrior’s best weapon, right Tyrus?”

“A warrior’s best weapon is only himself,” Tyrus said solemnly, “Whether it’s passion or reason, it’s all up to the individual.”

The discourse of the pact heads did not affect Ravenna, who continued to stare at Seraphina, meticulously following Ansel’s orders, and expressing her views without deviation:

“In terms of battle, I lack the necessary resources to critique the stronger Miss Marlowe. However, from a character perspective, I can infer some possibilities from Miss Marlowe’s performance in battle.”

“— She is not only unable to control her emotions during combat, but also, particularly in situations that would greatly affect her emotions, she is prone to making incorrect decisions due to instinctive impulsiveness. Normally, as a pact head, Lord Ansel should be able to control her well, but the reality seems to be…”

Her violet eyes did not shift to Ansel, and the icy gaze beneath her glasses did not waver:

“Lord Ansel not only fails to control her, but indulges her behavior. Now is a critical period of the sixth stage transition, and Miss Marlowe’s character and behavior patterns may cause significant trouble for Lord Ansel.”

“You—”

Seraphina wanted to retort in extreme annoyance, but after a few moments of thought, she seemed unable to find a rebuttal.

After being tamed by Ansel, she had a clear understanding of her own character and temper, as well as her ability to cause trouble. Although she had made some progress, if someone deliberately targeted this aspect… she had no confidence.

So, after arriving in the imperial capital, even though Ansel had hardly given her any tasks, Seraphina had been enduring, fearing that she might cause trouble for Ansel.

“Hahaha, it doesn’t matter, if you make a mistake, you make a mistake.”

Flamelle laughed heartily: “Hydral has the right and ability to make mistakes, and even to continue making them, and as a part of Hydral, the pact heads naturally have the same right.”

“I am not questioning your wisdom and power, Lord Flamelle.”

Ravenna dared to converse directly with Flamelle, even seeming to “refute” his words: “But the imperial capital now appears peaceful, but is actually unstable. The empress’s life has reached its end, and she, who is unwilling to die and is already extremely mad, could do anything. Let me give you a simple example—”

Her unchanging tone was extremely uncomfortable to listen to, and her next words caused a slight change in the faces of the pact heads:

“What if Miss Marlowe, due to her character, is manipulated by someone and then killed by the empress? What would we do?”

–>