Upon returning to the Tower of Babel, Ravenna sought confirmation from Ansel once more regarding the matters of the game.
"So, neither you nor I... will intervene or bear responsibility for the operation of this game?"
"Of course," Ansel replied with a smile, "If Helen... ah, I mean Ravenna now, if you wish to attempt to manage the arrangements yourself, I wouldn't mind."
"No, I shall not interfere... with matters beyond my capability."
Ravenna responded calmly, "The management of a domain is far beyond my reach."
She was well aware that venturing into an entirely unknown realm would only invite disaster. How could she foolishly meddle in the affairs of a domain about which she knew absolutely nothing regarding its maintenance or operation?
Her inquiry stemmed from a concern that Ansel might forcefully impose the management of the domain upon her, even finding it peculiar that Ansel would think she harbored any intention to intervene.
Could anyone be so foolish as to meddle in a domain they knew nothing about, based merely on presumption?
"Then... since the outcome is determined based on the development of the two domains."
Ravenna maintained her caution, "Do I need to choose a side?"
Her cautious demeanor amused Ansel, "We're merely playing a game, Miss Ravenna. Do I appear to be someone who cares deeply about winning or losing, to the extent of setting rewards and punishments?"
The young Ansel of Hydral leisurely said, "Whether you choose a side or simply observe the developments, it doesn't matter. The focus is on these two domains, on what they will eventually become. Victory or defeat is their concern."
Without the need for her own arrangements or predetermined stance, and with no penalties involved...
Ravenna meticulously scrutinized every possible trap Ansel might have laid within this game, convinced that Ansel's proposal was not merely for the sake of playing a game, just as in that "father-daughter game," where in less than half a day, he brought her a series of profound impacts.
At this thought, Ravenna immediately halted her contemplation.
That nightmare, which resided deep within her soul, would at any moment, in any place, abruptly swing its scythe—
"What are you truly chasing after?"
A bone-chilling cold spread from Ravenna's soul to her body, causing her to shiver slightly before she forcefully suppressed the thought once more.
This game... Ansel may have set other traps, but from the rules, there is no harm to the two domains and the civilians.
The alchemical devices and props provided will not be plundered by extraordinary beings, and autonomy remains in the hands of the civilians. I am not compelled to make arrangements, nor do I need to place my bets on either side...
Ansel's tone remained nonchalant:
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"After all, that was the only time I was angry with you."
"..." Ravenna did not speak, nor could she respond to his remark.
Ansel's sacrifice, the lost truth... it made it difficult for her to feel completely antagonistic towards Ansel again.
"Thus, regarding the assistance provided to these two cities..."
Ansel refrained from further troubling Ravenna on that topic, instead proposing, "What do you intend to offer them? Within the Tower of Babel, there must be a plethora of those alchemical devices designed for public convenience that never successfully launched, correct?"
Ravenna's mind was flooded with the conversations she had with Ansel.
Necessities of life...
She was eager to attempt a transformation using extraordinary powers for all aspects of daily life, yet she was acutely aware that the more elements mixed in, the more complex and uncontrollable the situation becomes.
She never forgot that Ansel must have thoroughly prepared for this game.
Even so, if she were to recklessly distribute too many alchemical devices into these two cities, leading to catastrophic outcomes due to unforeseen malfunctions... that would be a loss far outweighing any gain.
Indeed, Ansel's opportunity might very well be a trap, luring you into a deeper abyss, Ravenna.
Should these cities collapse due to her oversight, especially due to the very alchemical devices meant to revolutionize them... Ravenna dared not contemplate what she would become then.
Therefore, it was imperative to mitigate such risks, preferably... by temporarily introducing only one type of alchemical tool to ensure controllability and stability.
The petite scholar pondered calmly.
If it were to be just one, it should be what the common folk most desperately need, the most essential...
Indeed, it could only be food.
"Regarding the soil enhancement potion..." Ravenna responded, "I could inquire with Hendrik. If they are nearing completion, I hope to deploy it into those two cities after confirming its efficacy."
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