Taming the Protagonist

Volume 3

Chapter 8 : Girls (7K)

Hitana was leaving. Because of this matter, [Garden] temporarily added a small overtime session, considered as preparation in advance.

Where the immature Beast King's hunting journey would begin, where it would end, and how the process would be, Anselm had no intention to interfere.

Even if under the influence of fate, Hitana might plant seeds detrimental to the future during this journey, Anselm was willing to let go and let her pursue the thirst in her heart.

Telling [Garden] about this matter was purely wanting them to be prepared, arrange in advance, and wait to handle related matters well, including but not limited to disguising Hitana's identity in the dark, eliminating the deeds left by Hitana as much as possible, and so on.

To Anselm, since Hitana wanted to temper herself, then he would make this tempering perfect enough, not to be affected by superfluous things.

Moreover, he himself had to bring Saville along when going out, so naturally, he had never planned to let Hitana walk alone... However, the one-track-minded Miss Wolf most likely wouldn't discover the people from [Garden] either.

Although that punch Hitana smashed onto the Emperor's face was unprecedented, its fame was also limited to the Tier 5 transcendents who had the guts to spy on the battlefield that night; during the period following Anselm, her personality had also become much more steady, basically wouldn't cause huge trouble, and the difficulty of cleaning up the aftermath wouldn't be very great.

Therefore, the manpower [Garden] had to spare wouldn't be much either, two or three people were enough, not affecting their main business.

Anselm was also giving Rhine an opportunity.

After all, Hitana's importance in Anselm's heart was beyond doubt. If [Garden] could achieve good results in this aspect, it would be a huge bonus.

Rhine's consideration was indeed correct, but it was too impatient, and also too presumptuous.

—Thinking that when Anselm acted in the West Kingdom, because of frequently use of Shadow Swamp, he would produce bias in the choice of the Head of Devouring, this kind of thing... was originally quite absurd.

In order to be able to level this influence that actually didn't exist, pulling Marina into the game was even more unwise... But then again, in this world, which beast could not thirst for the power bestowed by Hydra?

It was just that Anselm would never make things difficult for his own people—Shadow Swamp naturally would provide a lot of convenience for Anselm in the West Kingdom, but [Garden] could also help Hitana who was incomparably important to Anselm. In the final analysis, it was still a competition of ability.

This method was much fairer than thinking of stuffing a secretary by Anselm's side.

Fortunately, the Cat Lady with stirring thoughts did not commit a mistake because of her own greedy advance and small stupidity.

Just needed to make a little, tiny adjustment.

“...Cancel?”

Late at night, Marina, sitting in front of a plain wooden table, looked at the cat squatting in front of herself, her expression somewhat blank.

Ever since coming to the Hydra territory, besides working overtime on the floor where [Garden] stayed, she had always lived in the ordinary staff dormitory next to the administrative building.

“Yes, the situation has changed.” Rhine slowly licked her paws, “Your Excellency Anselm actually prepared for balance long ago. [Garden] will be responsible for handling Miss Hitana's experience matters, so this can completely wipe out Shadow Swamp's advantage in the West Kingdom.”

“I should have thought of it earlier.”

The cat sighed helplessly: “How could Your Excellency Anselm deliberately favor that dead bird? It was I who was too anxious, and almost got points seriously deducted.”

Marina slowly put down the pen, and did not reveal any overly emotional expression, but just asked softly: “So, there is no need for me to be Mr. Anselm's secretary, is that right?”

“Yes.” Rhine glanced at the documents under her own butt, “To make these preparations, you spent quite a lot of effort and painstaking care, right... sorry.”

Although verbally saying sorry, actually there wasn't much sincerity either, at most just not considered perfunctory.

And the young girl just smiled, not revealing any negative emotions: “Just some simple data collection and item planning, can't compare to what you do, Ms. Rhine.”

Anselm's goodness actually didn't make Marina produce any illusions—during this period, she read too many books, saw too many people, and was too clear about what this world, and most existences living in this world were like.

A superior like Anselm who made people feel like bathing in spring breeze no matter what he did, whether on the surface or inside, was about as rare as a Tier 5 transcendent.

From the moment she joined [Garden], she had long been prepared to be looked down upon by all colleagues.

Rhine's arrogance could not produce any negative influence on Marina.

She was a mortal, she should be one level lower than transcendents.

All transcendents in [Garden] could look down on her without reason, and Rhine as the person in charge was even more so.

This was no problem; this world was just like this.

This cat also didn't target Marina.

Rather... She really recognized Marina.

If it were another person, how would she personally make such a trip?

Rhine tilted her head and sized up Marina for a while, then meowed: “That can't just be let go like this either... how about this, extend your hand.”

Marina very obediently extended her hand towards Rhine.

The latter directly covered the back of her hand with a paw pad, then said:

“This mark allows you to contact me at any time. Tell me anytime if you want anything, even now is okay.”

Rhine believed Marina was a person with discernment.

She should be very clear where the boundary for asking for this compensation was.

At the same time, as a matter of course, the originally set transaction content was also invalidated.

Standing from Rhine's, or even a sufficiently objective perspective, this naturally didn't count as anything.

After all, the original transaction had no harm to Marina to begin with.

Even if it consumed a lot of energy, to her it was also a grace.

Since she just got a bunch of benefits for free, and didn't pay any price in advance, and she herself even made compensation because of this small mistake, it could be said to be the utmost benevolence and righteousness.

“Many thanks, Ms. Rhine.” Marina bowed her head slightly to Rhine.

The gratitude and respect in her tone sounded pleasing to the mind and body, “It is just a small matter. I also haven't paid any price; this bit of compensation is completely unnecessary.”

The gentle and demure young girl smiled like a flower.

That purity and kindness made one's mind sway; that modesty and simplicity made it hard for one to generate evil thoughts.

Rhine, having her thoughts spoken out, was very happy.

In the report she submitted to Anselm, the praise for Marina was not purely to recommend her as Anselm's secretary.

The Cat Lady indeed appreciated Marina very much, appreciated her ability, talent, perseverance, and...

The humility of knowing the times, the docility of recognizing her position.

The number of people in [Garden] was not large, but every one of them was a genius hard to control.

Rhine being able to become the person in charge was also purely because her strength was hard enough.

Disciplining this bunch of guys was a very troublesome thing for her.

And among this bunch of people who were not well-behaved at all, and some even plotted for her position for a long time, there appeared such a well-behaved, obedient, and sensible good girl.

How could Rhine not like her?

“Compensation is definitely needed, you don't decline this with me.”

Rhine waved her cat paw in a happy mood: “Next time there is a similar opportunity, I will still find you. Mm... for this kind of matter leaning towards personal, sure enough, a girl like you, Marina, is reliable.”

After all, she is an honest mortal who can recognize her own position... Oh! Maybe what Your Excellency Anselm appreciates is exactly this point.

Clearly a mortal, yet could decisively give up such an advantage as being a Contract Head's closest kin, indeed a quite amazing girl.

Will be very handy to use... Your Excellency Anselm gave me a very easy-to-use tool.

Mm, better restrain me a bit.

After all, she is still that dangerous wolf cub's sister.

After she comes back... I might not be her opponent.

Oh my oh my, thanks to Your Excellency Anselm being able to find such a monster with foresight.

“If you haven't thought of what you want now, I will leave first—”

Just twisting her butt, Rhine, who was preparing to jump out of the window, suddenly paused her steps. She turned her head back, meowed, and asked:

“Assisting in the aftermath of Miss Hitana's experience work, do you want to take over?”

Marina froze slightly: “...Me?”

“Yes, Marina, your ability is not bad, and you understand Miss Hitana so well... no matter how one looks, you are the most suitable candidate.”

“The execution direction of the mission is not complex. It is just following Miss Hitana's advancing route, paying attention to her experience process, helping her do the wrap-up well after every end... work such as this, not big but not small either.”

Rhine raised her chin slightly; the emerald cat eyes flickered with satisfied light.

Although she was asking, her words were full of the meaning of having already made the decision for Marina.

“I will arrange two well-behaved assistants for you, who won't disobey your arrangements just because you are an ordinary person.”

The cat nodded very happily: “Successfully completing this mission is not a small credit. Plus Miss Hitana benefits, which is also a good thing for you, Marina, so—”

“Can I refuse?” Marina asked with a smile.

“...Hm?”

Rhine, who originally just turned her head, turned her whole body around.

Standing on the window sill, she looked down at Marina, her expression slightly puzzled: “Refuse? Why?”

“I am an ordinary person. Executing this kind of mission relying on transcendent power with other colleagues, I will only be a burden.”

“You don't need to worry about this, their abilities are very—”

“How about, I stay in [Garden], and only be responsible for providing some suggestions when needed.”

The young girl gently interrupted Rhine's words: “Like this, there is no need to spare extra manpower, and I can also do my part, isn't that right?”

“Mm... I actually haven't considered this, but the thing ‘suggestion’ is too vague. After all, in the end, it still requires the executor's implementation, so when allocating credit at that time, you might suffer a loss, oh.”

Rhine reminded me very kindly.

“Then no need to count it. I originally just offered some suggestions anyway.”

Marina smiled: “It indeed can't be counted as any credit.”

“You really are... alright, since you think this way, Marina, then let it be like this.”

A superior had no reason to refuse a subordinate so active in voluntary labor.

Rhine looked at Marina increasingly satisfied, and began to consider her subsequent cultivation.

If I can develop Marina into my person, when getting along with that dangerous wolf cub, I will also have more confidence. Mm... good idea.

Pity her requirement for becoming a transcendent is a bit high. Otherwise, thinking of a way to get a bottle of Water of Redemption should be able to make her dead set on following me.

“Right, about the compensation matter...”

Marina blinked: “Although embarrassed, I suddenly thought of what I needed.”

“Say it.” Rhine waved her paw very generously, “I know you have a sense of propriety, Marina.”

“Hehe, I just want to take a look... at [Garden]'s archives, that's all. Can I, Ms. Rhine?”

“Ah right, if the acceleration field can be turned on, that would be even better.”

***

“Anselm... can, can I go back on my word.”

In front of the teleportation array, Hitana, wearing four rings on her hands, looked at Anselm eagerly.

Two rings symbolize the identity of Contract Heads, one ring filled with various supplies Anselm prepared for Hitana, and one ring used to disguise Hitana's appearance.

This journey, compared to that road when Hitana left the Chishuang Territory alone and drifted to the village, was unknown how many times richer.

Who said going out to gain experience meant suffering?

Hitana was merely going to find suitable opponents and start her own hunt.

Being inexplicably arduous in other aspects was obviously meaningless.

Of course, this was also because Hitana never indulged in material happiness... the only material happiness she indulged in was probably only Anselm.

Anselm reached out to tidy the young girl's collar, and said somewhat amusingly: “Already at this time, still want to go back on your word? Even if you squat down and bark, I will throw you into the teleportation array.”

“I won't bark!” Hitana shouted with a flushed face, “Never have!”

If Mingfuluo were here, she would definitely say expressionlessly that she barked quite vigorously last night.

“Don't regret it after making a decision. Being so hesitant is not your style, Hit.”

Anselm stroked Hitana's smooth hair: “The broad world is waiting for you, go.”

Hitana suddenly hugged Anselm, murmuring softly: “But still want to be with Anselm...”

“This request is a bit excessive.” Anselm hugged her slender and firm waist, answering with a smile.

“I know, won't make things difficult for Anselm.”

The young girl rubbed against her beloved's cheek, revealing a warm and happy smile:

“Because I can feel it, Anselm's heartbeat... is always here.”

She stroked the collar on her neck, hugging Anselm's arm a bit more forcefully: “This is enough. I won't let you be disappointed, Anselm.”

The wolf preparing to step onto the journey released her embrace, her smiling face brilliant:

“I will definitely be... the best!”

Hitana took a step back, stepping into the teleportation array.

The moment she waved to Anselm, her figure disappeared.

Anselm stopped in front of the teleportation array for about three or four seconds, then gently exhaled a breath, turned around, and walked into the manor.

A black feather drifted down from the sky at the right time.

Anselm didn't look, just caught the feather with two fingers, a satisfied smile gradually rising on his face.

“All prepared? Very good.”

The feather casually thrown down dissipated like melting snow without a trace.

At the same time, iron-gray particles condensed into the petite scholar's figure—sixty centimeters tall.

Mingfuluo sat lightly on Anselm's shoulder, reading a book without lifting her head: “Sent her away?”

“Mm, before leaving, still thinking of going back on her word.” Anselm smiled.

“Hmph... that's not her style, just finding an excuse to rub against you a couple more times.”

Mingfuluo sneered and pushed her glasses: “Forget it, not talking about her. The thing you wanted I also made, but to tell the truth...”

The woman's words paused slightly. She turned her head to look at Anselm, saying quite seriously: “I think you leaving the Hydra territory at this time is not any good choice.”

“Changing appearance, planning to act in the West Kingdom with that whatever ‘Faust’ identity, is even less a good choice.”

“Why?” Anselm asked with a smile.

The road back to the manor building wasn't short. Anselm had plenty of ways to go back directly, but he enjoyed the feeling of walking all the way with Mingfuluo like this, chatting all the way, exchanging opinions, discussing non-stop, and even tit-for-tat.

“...Losing Your Excellency Flamel's protection, the influence fate can pry, originally had countless more possibilities.”

Mingfuluo said sternly: “If you temporarily put down the identity of Hydra again... I cannot imagine exactly how much trouble he will create for you using this opportunity.”

“Mm... at worst expose the identity?”

“Expose the identity? Then so all the Grand Dukes know you are sneaking around in the West Kingdom planning to do something? Let them all focus their gazes here, making your steps even harder?”

Mingfuluo pinched Anselm's cheek, saying expressionlessly: “If you want to make me angry, then you succeeded, Anselm.”

“Usually you would use your foot to kick my face.”

“...Hmph, I won't let you get off cheap again.”

“I don't have that kind of fetish.”

“Don't have my... don't interrupt! What exactly do you want?”

Miss Mingfuluo, sixty centimeters tall, still somewhat angrily kicked Anselm's face once. This time it was neither black silk nor white silk, it was bare feet.

“Then you think invading the West Kingdom with cards revealed is the most correct choice?” Anselm asked back.

“Invade what... just leave the matter to Shadow Swamp to do. You stay honestly in the Hydra territory, and expand your influence as much as possible with me in a short time.”

Anselm sighed: “You know what I want to do going to the West Kingdom, Aluo.”

“Find that unstable factor, Ivora. If alive, see the person; if dead, see the corpse.” Mingfuluo said without hesitation, “Don't need you to tell me, I can guess it all, no difficulty.”

“Look, since you already know.” Anselm spread his hands, “Then why are you still thinking of stopping me?”

“Because you—”

Mingfuluo's tone subconsciously raised, but words suddenly stuck. After two or three seconds, she then said with a slightly lower voice:

“Because you will encounter danger... He will definitely utilize this opportunity. And what I can do... is truly limited.”

Mingfuluo leaned her body on Anselm's head, lowering her eyes and murmuring somewhat powerlessly:

“If I could truly achieve Deus Ex Machina, how good would that be?”

The construction of Fantasy Armament, the unfolding of power, all needed not a short time. Being able to fight like that in the Emperor battle was purely because Ephithand didn't look straight at Deus Ex Machina from beginning to end.

And every appearance of Deus Ex Machina was a not small burden to Mingfuluo—in order to realize Fantasy Armament, she discarded her physical body, fell into the abyss, and was no longer a transcendent walking on the Celestial Path.

Every time she incarnated as Deus Ex Machina, every time she utilized the Head of Abyss's power to manipulate endless elements, to Mingfuluo, it meant falling deeper into the abyss.

And Anselm would not watch her sacrifice herself like this.

Mingfuluo could be sure, this dead brat who clearly became much better, but was still stubborn to the point of giving headaches in some aspects, would absolutely not let her turn into Deus Ex Machina again unless at the moment of certain death.

Although in the vast majority of times, Mingfuluo could handle all problems—but similarly, in this kind of vast majority of times, Anselm himself could also handle all problems.

Otherwise, why did Hitana have to leave Anselm to find an opportunity?

Whether it was her or Mingfuluo, both lacked the ability to exert a key effect at all times in truly high-intensity battles.

“So in the end.” Anselm half-squinted his eyes, enjoying the warmth coming from his cheek, “Just because worried about me, right.”

“Yes, I worry about you, satisfied?”

Miss Mingfuluo answered grumpily, but her posture still leaned against Anselm's head.

“Then your worry is somewhat superfluous, Aluo.”

Gleipnir tapped the ground lightly.

The pitch-black chain blade appeared here, flickering with dazzling sharp edges under the sunlight.

“Head of Strength, Head of Wind, Head of Abyss... more or less, I can be considered to have one-third of the power.”

The young Hydra held the sword hilt, and slashed a sword towards the sky lightly.

On the square not far away, among a group of playing children, someone pointed at the sky and exclaimed:

“Cloud! The cloud turned into two pieces!”

“...Eh, not right, it seems more than two pieces?”

Anselm, turning Gleipnir back into a cane, chuckled lightly:

“Guess, how strong... Am I now?”

Mingfuluo looked up at that large patch of clouds shattered by “one sword”, and gently patted Anselm's cheek: “Really know how to show off.”

“And?”

“...And what, you've said this much, can I still stop you?”

The woman complained in a low voice: “Originally, after solving your problem, I could research with peace of mind... I still have to run with you to that kind of place like the West Kingdom, which is troublesome.”

“Declare in advance.” Anselm raised his hand, “I didn't force Aluo you to follow me.”

The tiny Miss Mingfuluo, with tiny tiny lips, bit Anselm's cheek, saying coldly: “Then you take off the bracelet, and scramble quickly.”

The young noble looked troubled: “This is a bit...”

“Then shut up, bring me along.” Although very tiny, the Scholar Lady, still full of strong spirit, interrupted Anselm's words.

“Yes yes yes, dear Aluo.”

“Not allowed to be so frivolous!”

“Uh... most loved Aluo?”

“Not allowed to lie!”

“Then add 'one of'.”

“...You better go die, Anselm.”

Anselm laughed happily.

Mingfuluo, who was not happy at all, glanced at his smiling face, and even more unhappily kicked Anselm again with bare feet, but the corner of her mouth also raised a slightly imperceptible arc.

At the same time, another black feather slowly drifted down from the sky.

And Anselm who caught the feather first revealed a surprised expression, then the smile on his face became more brilliant, and his laughter also became more hearty.

“What now?” Mingfuluo looked at the dissipating black feather, “Your special agents seem very busy?”

“Rhine located Hit's teleportation point. It's just... it was actually Wanderer sending the message, and not Rhine? This is really... hehe, interesting.”

Anselm, who thought of something unknown, chuckled twice.

Just as he expected, Hitana actually had completely no destination, so her teleportation was pure random teleportation—of course teleporting to a place with a teleportation point, wouldn't teleport into some deep mountain and old forest.

“You guess...” Anselm blinked, “Where is she?”

“...This expression of yours.”

Mingfuluo rubbed her temples: “Still need to guess? But if she just happened to be teleported to the West Kingdom so coincidentally, could it be...”

No need to say fully, Anselm could also know the meaning like her.

“Still worrying?” Anselm raised his eyebrows slightly, “Even if you are not confident in yourself, have to be confident in me, Aluo.”

“You really are—”

Mingfuluo opened her mouth, looked at Anselm's handsome and high-spirited face, and finally couldn't help laughing out loud.

“Really can't say nice words, but it doesn't matter.”

She kissed Anselm's cheek, voice gentle:

“This is the boy I like.”

“Mm... am I still a boy?”

“In my eyes, forever are.”

“This is really... a confession that makes one's heart beat.” Anselm smiled, “Alright, then we go pick up another person, and can prepare to set off.”

Mingfuluo, whose mood was quite good, froze slightly, asking suspiciously: “Pick up a person? Who?”

The young Hydra's mouth corners raised:

“An ambitious good girl.”