The young Hydral glanced at the wardrobe and continued in a gentle tone, "That is precisely why, Seraphina, Marlina implores you to rein them in."
"Ordinary people lack the vision and the capability to control themselves in the face of such ascension."
"Therefore, they require guidance, they necessitate restraint. The goodwill you harbor, the blessings you bring, the revolutions you instigate, may not culminate in the vistas you envisage. Without oversight, they may ultimately lead to the... very disasters you wish to avert."
Ansel's words seemed to carry an underlying message, but of course, Seraphina could not discern such implications. She clutched Ansel's garment anxiously, "What - what should I do then? I do not wish for everyone to become detestable nobility... How can one... How can one oppress others after living a better life!"
The thought of her dearest family, elders, and friends—who had been her closest companions for over a decade—potentially becoming the very oppressors she loathed, caused Seraphina's heart to clench, even nauseating her.
"It's alright, just heed Marlina's advice."
Ansel patted Seraphina's back tenderly, "The reason she did not elucidate earlier was to spare you from this distress. See, her considerations are always meticulous, aren't they?"
Just as Seraphina placed absolute trust in Marlina, Ansel's trust in Marlina was nearly equivalent.
On one hand, given the girl's formidable capacity for growth, she had already mastered these affairs and with another month or two of study, managing an entire large territory would be well within Marlina's grasp.
On the other hand, Marlina... would indeed never betray Ansel. Her advice to Seraphina was primarily as Ansel had stated, but it also included the hope that Seraphina would cause less trouble for Ansel.
Due to particular circumstances during their taming, Marlina's loyalty to Ansel had surpassed her sisterly affection for Seraphina, let alone... her emotional ties to the villagers.
If the development of the village and its inhabitants were entrusted to Marlina for management and restraint, any actions that could trouble Ansel or even slightly tarnish his reputation would be eradicated at the root by Marlina... without the hesitation or concern for feelings that Seraphina exhibited.
"Should, should I then leave everything to Marlina then?" Seraphina still hesitated, "Would that be alright? It feels as if I'm pushing her to be the villain..."
"Ansel, I, I...,"
Seraphina began, her voice tender and soft, endearing as a puppy's call, "I've been truly happy today... I've never experienced such a wonderful birthday. No matter... no matter what gift you have for me, I will cherish it, even if, even if..."
Her voice trailed off to a whisper, "Even if you plan to use, use tentacle..."
"Where has your mind wandered off to?" Ansel asked with an amused smile, gently tapping Seraphina's forehead. "I'm celebrating your birthday, how did it suddenly become about me?"
"You... it's just like you to be so mysterious," Seraphina murmured softly, her voice a tender murmur. "Given your character, it's exactly the kind of thing I'd expect..."
"I wonder what kind of image I have in your eyes..."
The young Hydral mused, shaking his head with a smile. "Well, it's not about that, but I'll remember what you just said... and I won't give you a chance to back out in the future."
Before Seraphina could respond, Ansel cradled her cheeks in his hands and softly instructed, "Now, close your eyes."
His gentle voice, caressing as a touch upon her skin, made Seraphina's heart flutter. She obediently closed her eyes, her long lashes quivering slightly, betraying her nervousness.
What...what could Ansel possibly be giving me? Asking me to close my eyes... Is he going to kiss me? Is that the gift? Hmm... Although-although it seems a bit casual, if it's filled with love, I wouldn't mind accepting it—
... Eh?
My neck, feeling cool, why is Ansel removing my collar?
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