"... You're right, Ravenna."
Ronger said firmly, "We will definitely have a better future, and you no longer need to make any sacrifices for this."
"Firearms, floating cannons, and all those miscellaneous things... let them rust and rot in the corner of the warehouse."
Ronger didn't know how long it had been since she had seen Ravenna's smile. Although it was very faint and could hardly be called a smile, the vitality that the petite girl showed in that moment deeply touched her heart.
Ronger, Hendrik... and many others, many of Eileen's students, knew Ravenna when she was very young.
In a sense, she and Hendrik have somewhat replaced the position of Ravenna's parents.
When this moment came, when that heavy burden could finally be lifted from the petite girl who was still a child in her eyes, the throbbing in Ronger's heart made her somewhat uncontrollable, doing something that Ravenna didn't like on ordinary days.
"..."
Ravenna's arms opened slightly, as if she wanted to hug Ronger subconsciously, but she was not used to it. After hesitating for a while, she hugged her.
She had lost a lot in her life, and she had never thought about getting it all back. Because of this, she seemed a bit at a loss.
Fortunately, Ronger didn't let Ravenna feel awkward for too long. She quickly let go of her and said with a smile, "The lecture will start this afternoon, do you want to go with me?"
"Of course." Ravenna said without hesitation, "I must go... I will contact Ansel and ask if he will come."
"... Isn't that a bit inappropriate? Won't it disturb Lord Ansel?"
"No."
Ravenna subconsciously put her hand into her pocket and stroked her white stockings, saying in a tone that she didn't understand herself, "This will increase our bargaining chips, and as for him... he won't refuse, trust me, madam."
"That's great if you have a way, but Ravenna... remember to keep your attitude and position right. I know you and Ansel have had interactions before, but the situation is different now. He is our savior, we must—"
"Repay him with all our might, I know."
For some reason, Ravenna looked away and emphasized again, "I know, I will repay him."
"...To the best of my ability."
"Hm? Using me to boost your popularity? Did my leniency yesterday give you the wrong impression, Venna?"
Ravenna was silent for a moment, then took a deep breath.
"What do you want?"
She now wished for Ansel to give those vulgar and disgusting answers because they were the simplest to pay.
But it seemed that he knew exactly what she was thinking and chuckled, "This time... let me think..."
The brief hesitation brought long-lasting pressure to Ravenna. After a while, the young Hydral leisurely said, "I'm tired of you always paying the price, Venna."
"The Tower of Babel isn't just yours. If you want it to improve, then others... should also make sacrifices, shouldn't they?"
In the Hydral mansion, Ansel swirled his wine glass and said with a smile:
"Hendrik, Ronger, it's time for these two representatives to set an example."
"I won't allow you to tell them. Instead, I want you to make the decision for them — whether to sacrifice something for the further prosperity of the Tower of Babel."
The devil who was so affectionate to him last night revealed his true nature at dawn.
"Reason," he said as if singing, "or emotion?"
"..."
"You don't have to answer me right away. Contact me anytime before the lecture starts."
Ansel ended the communication, leaned back on the sofa, slightly lifted his head, and stared at his reflection in the wine.
"This is the first test, dear Venna."
Hydral murmured:
"Don't disappoint me a second time."
*