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nIn the Count of Stoneheart’s reception hall, the other nobles were either gloomy or cowering; in short… no one’s expression was pleasant, only the Count of Stoneheart himself appeared leisurely. The waiting time was always torturous and lengthy, so much so that they no longer knew how long they had been sitting there. The feeling of waiting for judgment at any moment was unbearable for the guilty. Most of the nobles were well aware of the severity of their sins.

n“Your Excellency, the Count,” someone finally lost patience, “It’s been so long, you should tell us what business Lord Hydral has with us.” Among the many nobles in the Red Frost territory, only the Count of Stoneheart had discerned Ansel’s true intentions. Thus, when the conversation between Seraphina and the Count of Stoneheart was revealed, the nobles in the city of Red Frost were terrified and nearly collapsed, not to mention other places.

nAlthough nothing had happened so far, this kind of “nothing happening” made the nobles even more fearful. After that day, Seraphina left the city alone, and for some reason, Ansel left the city of Red Frost for a full four days before returning today. Upon his return, he asked the Count of Stoneheart to summon the nobles for a meeting.

nThud, thud, thud —

nThe rhythmic sound of a scepter tapping the ground approached from a distance. The expressions of everyone in the reception hall changed instantly, either overly enthusiastic or obsequiously humble, or genuinely respectful… In any case, the atmosphere of self-preservation that had just prevailed seemed to have never existed from the beginning.

nThe Count of Stoneheart tugged at the corner of his mouth, concealing the disdain in his eyes, and likewise, adjusted his collar seriously. He stood up, looking dignified and respectful towards the opened door of the reception hall.

n“Marlina, how is the damage assessment after the great cold wave?” he asked.

n“The protective measures in the inner city were timely and in place, and all the losses are within an acceptable range. It will take half a month to return to normal operation, and if the mages assist, it can be accelerated to a week or even less,” she replied.

n“The outer city has suffered severe losses, with heating and water supply being the most critical issues. According to the current situation, about ten to twenty civilians will die every day, which will have a significant impact on your prestige and the future construction of Red Frost City,” she continued.

nThe nobles listened to the voices coming from outside, their eyes focused, not knowing what each other was thinking.

n“Ah…” The young man stopped at the entrance of the reception hall, pondering, “We need some tangible assistance. However, now is not the time to discuss these matters.”

nAnsel’s gaze fell on the nobles in the reception hall, and their bodies and minds trembled. Most of them could not control their eyes and looked away.

n“Gentlemen, good morning.”

nSaid the elegant Lord Hydral, nodding to the nobles with a smile, “How have you been these days?”

nThe nobles’ minds were only fully engaged at this moment, each trying hard to figure out if Ansel was hinting at something.

nOnly the Count of Stoneheart, as the host, responded promptly. He bowed slightly, his tone humble and respectful, “Under your leadership, both Red Frost territory and ourselves are improving, Lord Hydral.”

nAt this point, the other nobles seemed to wake up from a dream, and they all began to compliment Ansel vigorously.

nAnsel just smiled and raised his hand, signaling them to stop, “You all have contributed to this as well. What can I do alone?”

nMarlina, standing quietly behind Ansel, lowered her head and remained silent.

nShe did not feel disgusted by his words. On the contrary, knowing how disdainful Ansel was of the nobles’ ways, she admired him even more.

nAnsel of Hydral maintained the noble order not because he lacked the ability and needed to integrate into it to gain support. Rather, the so-called noble rules and noble blood honor never had any power to force Ansel to submit. He restrained his nature and perfected his external appearance for one purpose – to achieve his goals in the most perfect way possible.

nWhether it was something he cherished or something he despised, if necessary, Ansel could always play each piece on the chessboard… to its fullest potential in the most perfect manner.

nIn Marlina’s view, this was more awe-inspiring and deserving of respect than the “power” that pushed everything aside recklessly.

nThe atmosphere became more harmonious due to Ansel’s words. Undoubtedly, although the nobles still harbored an indelible fear of Hydral in their bones, at least for now, most of them considered Ansel as “one of their own.”

n“By the way, let me introduce you all. Although you should all be more or less familiar with her, this is probably the first time I’ve brought her to such an occasion.”

nAnsel spread his hands to the side, smiling confidently and proudly, “Marlina Marlowe, my temporary secretary.”

nThe young girl standing behind him took a step forward but did not perform a lady’s curtsy that would showcase her feminine charm. Instead, she bowed slightly, her voice neither humble nor arrogant, “Gentlemen, good day.”

n“Although I have taken back that ring,” Ansel said lightly, stroking the black snake ring on his thumb as if talking about a trivial matter, “Marlina’s words still represent my intentions. I hope you all remember that.”

nThis might be the first time Ansel spoke to the nobles with a hint of warning in his tone. As a result, these keen-sensed individuals immediately expressed their sincerity, their genuine and almost obsequious attitude causing Marlina’s emotions to surge.

nUnlike the respect she received when she held the snake ring and contacted the nobles, Marlina knew that they were only respecting the ring in her hand, not her as a person.

nBut at this moment, their sincerity… was directed at her, at Marlina Marlowe herself.

nRespect.

nFor Marlina, an ordinary person as insignificant as a mayfly, such memorable respect was invaluable.

nThe girl etched this feeling into her heart, along with all the knowledge she had learned day and night, swallowing it as nourishment.

nCompared to Seraphina, Marlina was growing every moment.

n“Today, I asked the Count of Stoneheart to gather you all because I have some tasks for you,” Ansel said as he walked leisurely towards the main seat, “Some simple matters.”

nUpon hearing this, the nobles breathed a sigh of relief.

nAs long as there were still requests, it meant that everything was fine. With that in mind, they would not only willingly do small tasks, but also they would even eagerly offer their wives if Ansel asked for them.

n“First of all, about Seraphina’s village…”

nAnsel, now seated in the main seat, turned his gaze to a portly noble, smiling, “Baron Darkwater, that is your territory, and at the same time, you were the first noble to provide them with good treatment, right?”

nThe chubby middle-aged noble was first taken aback, then hurriedly nodded, “Yes, yes, it’s me! It’s an honor to be remembered by you!”

nHe patted his chest vigorously, thinking he understood Ansel’s intentions, “I got it, I’ll send another batch of supplies to their village tomorrow… No, today! Today!”

nAmong the nobility present, he alone knew best the transformation of that barren village into a prosperous settlement. Not to mention the parents of the calamity-stricken Marlowe, even her fellow villagers could gain weight in this harsh winter! The severe cold wave was a mere jest to the village — thanks to some noble’s generous patronage, a sorcerer was hired to erect an etheric barrier. The villagers were not only spared from shivering in their homes, but they could even venture outside!

nNew nvel chapters are published on freeweɓnvel.com.

nEven the young people who had left the village and were struggling in different parts of the Red Frost territory had turned their fortunes around. Ansel, propping his cheek on one hand, merely smiled at the Baron of Darkwater. The rotund baron, feeling a sense of dread under Ansel’s gaze, quickly changed his expression and asked cautiously, “Should I… should I contact someone right away…?”

n“No, there’s no need, Baron of Darkwater.”

nThe young Hydral calmly uttered a threat meant only for the wolf of homecoming, “I hope you can cease all support for the village of Seraphina.”

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