Taming the Protagonist

Volume 3

Chapter 9 : The Well-Behaved Village Miss

“West Kingdom... how could it happen to be the West Kingdom?”

Rhine paced back and forth on the office desk, her cute cat face appearing somewhat irritable at this moment.

The Cat Lady had not considered the possibility of Hitana going to the West Kingdom due to random teleportation.

However, according to the current chaotic situation of the West Kingdom, the teleportation points of many cities were only open for directional access, or even directly turned off the response... She had even specially sent people to check.

Currently, the West Kingdom has the fewest fully open teleportation points in the entire Empire.

Why could Hitana happen to randomly teleport there?

Due to the low probability of teleporting to the West Kingdom, plus in order to avoid her own clever-acting behavior causing Anselm's ill feeling, Rhine, after weighing the pros and cons, still gave up on letting Marina become Anselm's accompanying secretary.

But as a result, this troublesome Lone Wolf Miss still ran to the West Kingdom.

To her... this was hugely disadvantageous.

“Most likely Your Excellency Anselm won't take the initiative to contact Hitana, but just in case they meet...”

Rhine murmured in a low voice; her beautiful emerald cat eyes flashed with a gloomy cold light.

Just in case they met, then Shadow Swamp would entangle them unclearly... That dead bird hiding in the shadows was like her, wouldn't let go of any opportunity.

The situation in the West Kingdom was so chaotic and turbulent.

Most members of Shadow Swamp were currently roaming within the borders of the West Kingdom.

Due to different styles of action, if they wanted to, they could use more direct ways to help Hitana and handle Hitana's traces—the capable get it first, this was the unwritten rule within [Garden] and Shadow Swamp.

“Tsk, would it be too late to recommend Marina now? This kind of unexpected situation... Your Excellency Anselm might not necessarily disagree, and isn't this just perfectly suitable.”

She muttered and jumped off the office desk, passed through the automatically opened door, and jumped casually onto the nearest desk at the door.

“Bone, Rayal, Graystone, Flowing Fire... you four prepare, arrive at Miss Hitana's teleportation point within five hours, and prepare to start your work.”

“...What?”

Not far away, a young woman looked up at Rhine: “Wasn't it just two people in the original plan? Although I don't have important tasks in the Eastern Port... but temporary transfer isn't too good, My Lady.”

She twitched the corner of her mouth, surprisingly revealing a somewhat provocative smile: “Why does Miss Hitana teleporting to the West Kingdom require you, My Lady, to go to such great trouble and add two extra personnel? Want to prevent Shadow Swamp from taking the opportunity to grab credit?”

“Then that is regrettable, My Lady.” The woman spread her hands, “I have no reason to toil for your benefit struggle... You must know, I pledge loyalty to Lord Anselm, not you.”

The originally quiet and harmonious office room suddenly became tense.

Rhine's emerald cat eyes slowly contracted; the wild nature of a beast spread out, and along with it was a threatening feeling that made one's hair stand on end.

But the young woman still looked fearless, just lifting her chin like this, staring at Rhine.

The two persons in charge of [Garden] and Shadow Swamp were both rare beasts with extraordinary abilities.

It was not because Anselm had any special hobby of raising small animals, but because beasts were most suitable for the Head of Devouring, and at the same time... the Head of Devouring's ability to devour others and turn them into one's own use also conversely fit the position of “spy chief” very well.

Although the people in [Garden] had different aspirations, most people still thirsted for that position, because that not only represented power, represented authority, but even more represented the recognition of the person they followed, represented the supreme glory.

So... among this bunch of outstanding talents selected by Anselm, how many would watch helplessly as one of those incomparably precious quotas fell into the hands of others?

The young woman's response was extremely tough, even having the meaning of tearing off face, but her reason was completely impeccable—there was no more persuasive reason than “I am pledging loyalty to Lord Anselm”.

Temporarily changing the original plan, forcibly adding manpower to the task of handling the aftermath for Hitana... Wasn't this sabotaging the heavy responsibility entrusted by Your Excellency Anselm to strive for her own benefits?

Of course, even putting loyalty aside, Rhine wasn't such a short-sighted stupid cat.

Plus her loyalty to Anselm, it was absolutely impossible for her to do things that affected the arrangements over at the Eastern Port.

“I will take over your task.” Rhine said coldly, “Before saying such words, first think about whether I am such a narrow-minded idiot, Flowing Fire.”

The two people transferred to be responsible for Hitana's aftermath matters were both insignificant in the deployment of the Eastern Port, having no impact on the overall planning.

Usually, no one would say anything about this kind of dispatch, but at this time... the meaning was obviously different.

“Oh? So you are tacitly accepting that your personnel transfer this time is for your own benefit?”

Flowing Fire twitched the corner of her mouth, appearing sharp and revealing.

But hearing this sentence, Rhine couldn't help laughing out loud.

This laughter, enhanced by the mature female voice, appeared extremely pleasing to the ear, but that high-and-mighty implication was so distinct.

“Are you joking? Flowing Fire? You have already worked in [Garden] for two years, seven months, and twenty-five days. Could it be that you still don't know Your Excellency Anselm's kindness and tolerance?”

She swayed her tail leisurely, lifting her chin arrogantly: “Under the premise of being able to perfectly complete the task, he never restricts us from seizing the things we want ourselves. So, what if I am pursuing my own benefits? As long as I can achieve Your Excellency Anselm's goal, then this is... his praise for me!”

“...” The confident expression on Flowing Fire's face froze slightly. Everyone of course knew this hidden rule. At the same time, this rule was not only limited to [Garden] or Shadow Swamp; all organizations under Anselm applied.

If Rhine could really coordinate the work of the Eastern Port and the aftermath of Hitana's experience well, then what did this bit of personnel transfer count for?

Seeing her momentary threat failed, Flowing Fire could only honestly accept her fate, responding rather unhappily: “Understood, My Lady, I will go prepare now.”

“Very good, do your best.”

Rhine did not reveal any emotions of disdain or disgust. Instead, she nodded very proudly, having no intention of pursuing it at all.

Obviously, this kind of unbelievable “office struggle” was a common occurrence in [Garden].

There were always people wanting to challenge Rhine's authority and status, but in the final analysis... It was still ability that mattered.

As long as Rhine could still coordinate the overall situation for one day, and complete Anselm's tasks extremely perfectly, then she would only get closer and closer to that position.

The Cat Lady, like a lion patrolling its territory, looked around the spacious office room once.

Only after confirming no one jumped out to continue challenging her, did she meow once, planning to continue announcing the subsequent task arrangements.

But just at this moment, a gentle female voice inserted itself.

“Ms. Rhine, can I ask a question?”

“Oh... Marina, speak, what is it?”

Rhine, who originally wanted to release some majesty, immediately became pleasant upon seeing that the speaker was Marina: “Regarding Miss Hitana's work, I might still need to consult your opinion. Just say it directly if there are any questions.”

The young girl who was originally sitting in her seat working stood up and smiled at Rhine:

“This is my first suggestion—I do not quite agree with your practice of... adding manpower.”

“Mm...” Rhine's ending tone rose slightly, “Tell me about it.”

“The question I wanted to ask just now is, how much do you understand Miss Hitana?”

“The data file regarding Miss Hitana was written by Your Excellency Anselm personally.”

The cat looked at Marina with interest: “So of course I understand Miss Hitana incomparably well.”

“But that is ultimately just text, right?”

Marina smiled: “How did Mr. Anselm describe Miss Hitana's intuition?”

“Intuition...”

Rhine muttered these two words, then couldn't help laughing out loud: “What, you think after adding manpower, there will be a risk of being discovered by Miss Hitana? Then you worry too much. Marina, the four of them—”

“It is you who underestimate Miss Hitana too much.”

Marina interrupted Rhine with that soft voice. Her face still wore that modest smile that one couldn't hate no matter what:

“I can guarantee you one thing. When the number of people handling the aftermath reaches four, plus Shadow Swamp might also intervene, Miss Hitana... will definitely, definitely discover the abnormality within.”

These words made Rhine's cat eyebrows frown slowly.

Did I underestimate that wolf cub? Is her intuition that strong?

Anselm of course emphasized Hitana's intuition in the file, using the adjective “unbelievable”, but just as Marina said, that was ultimately just text.

“Don't forget, she also possesses the power of the Head of Wind, and it is... a specialized Head of Wind.”

Marina emphasized seriously: “If she has any suspicion, the risk of the accompanying personnel being seen through will magnify rapidly.”

“And according to Miss Hitana's thinking, if she knows her experience this time has always been supported by someone, she will mostly think the entire experience is Mr. Anselm's arrangement. With her personality, once she has this kind of thought...”

The young girl paused, revealing a worried expression: “The consequences won't be too good.”

Rhine's cat fur stood up slightly.

Hitana left Anselm with incomparably determined will this time to find an opportunity for breakthrough, so if she knew Anselm was helping her, what she felt immediately wouldn't be warmth and being moved, but a kind of... grievance or even insult.

Even if what Anselm did was only the aftermath, never having any thought of interfering with the experience process, Hitana's competitive personality would really make the direction of things go just as the meaning expressed by Marina's unfinished words.

Although this couldn't be counted as a big problem for the relationship between Anselm and Hitana, for Rhine as the main person in charge... It was an unforgivable big mistake.

What if... what if Hitana's intuition was really as dangerous as Marina said.

What if she really smelled even a trace of suspicious aura because I added manpower...

This time, it was Rhine's tail that became slightly stiff.

Once she thought of Hitana harboring a grudge against Anselm due to her eagerness for quick success and instant benefits, thought of the consequences this kind of mistake would bring to herself, thought of the cold gaze that young man who was usually forever gentle would cast upon her, the Cat Lady subconsciously shivered.

No no no... this indeed isn't worth it. Rather, conversely speaking, if Shadow Swamp's people dared to intervene unauthorizedly, it was possible they would be detected by Hitana.

At that time, they would be the ones ruining things.

Rhine, walking left and right on the office desk, was silent for a long time, finally waving her paw: “Your suggestion is very pertinent, Marina... Flowing Fire, Graystone, you guys don't need to participate on Miss Hitana's side anymore, leave it to Bone and Rayal is fine.”

“...Tsk.”

Flowing Fire clicked her tongue unhappily.

This feeling of being summoned and dismissed at will was naturally unpleasant, but she didn't have much choice either.

Rhine jumped lightly over a few office desks, landing on Marina's desk.

She sat on her haunches, sizing up this well-behaved and lovely young girl in front of her extremely satisfied.

“Your first suggestion was very useful to me, Marina.”

The cat patted the young girl's shoulder with her paw pad: “Very crucial, thank you.”

Marina revealed a somewhat overwhelmed expression: “It is just my duty, Ms. Rhine.”

“Duty... Hmph, if only your colleagues could have this kind of awareness of yours.”

Rhine did not lower her voice when saying this sentence. Quite a few people cast their gazes towards Marina.

There was disdain, contempt, and even scorn; positive colors were few and far between.

Obviously, in this institution composed of brilliant talents personally selected by Anselm, Marina, such an honest “mediocrity”, was not welcomed—even if her business ability was considered not bad.

Marina smiled rather shyly as if completely unaware of these gazes: “Actually I also didn't expect you would choose to give up.”

“Mm? If Miss Hitana's intuition is really like what you described, then of course I couldn't possibly insist.”

Rhine licked her paws lazily: “Compared to the possibility of completely occupying the credit, not making mistakes is obviously more important... Besides, Shadow Swamp's people might also ruin things by acting smart, hehe... isn't this very good.”

Marina blinked: “So it's like this...”

“Your suggestion is very steady. Regarding Miss Hitana's daily actions, I will let Rayal send a copy to you at the same time. You and I will be the people seeing the report at the first moment... I need your suggestions, Marina, this is very important.”

Rhine said so seriously, and at the same time laughed somewhat happily: “Like this, I owe you quite a lot again... let me think, how is it better to repay...”

“Ah, regarding this point.”

Marina tucked the falling hair behind her ear, and said gently: “I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“For the next period of time, I might not be able to stay—”

The office room's main door suddenly opened.

The young Hydra's gaze passed through his followers, landing on that demure and gentle young girl's face at the first moment.

“Ready, Marina? Time to set off.” He called out with a gentle voice.

Marina lifted her skirt to curtsy, saying extremely helplessly: “Why must you come personally, Mr. Anselm. Clearly just notifying me would have been fine.”

“I am a pragmatist. Although this bit of time doesn't matter, since the preparation work is all done, there is no need to wait more.”

Anselm smiled: “So are you all prepared over here?”

“Yes, Mr. Anselm.”

Marina picked up the suitcase by her feet.

Under the incomparably blank gazes of everyone, including Rhine, she walked towards Anselm with brisk steps.

She stood to Anselm's side and rear very naturally and skillfully, carrying the suitcase with both hands.

The snow-white long hair and black long dress set off a plain and pure beauty.

She was such a match with that handsome young noble in front of her that no one could pick out any fault.

“Alright, then let's be like this, we should also set off... Oh right, Rhine, telling you a word, I'm borrowing Marina first.”

Anselm looked back at the frail, harmless, and pure girl, the corner of his mouth raising slightly.

“I need an accompanying secretary. Marina is very suitable, so I'm bringing her along.”

“Here with you.” Anselm raised his chin slightly, “Does she have any important task arrangements?”

“...No, none.”

Rhine answered subconsciously.

“Very good, then let's go, Marina.”

“Yes, Mr. Anselm.”

The young Hydra turned and left without dragging things out in the slightest, and the young girl behind him also turned around together, following to leave.

Just before stepping out of the office room, Marina Lansmarlos turned her head again. Her lips outlined a gentle and graceful arc; bright and beautiful radiance emerged on her clear and charming face.

Those beautiful features with extremely gentle temperament combined together, revealing a sweet smile that made one's mind sway.

The simple girl with such a pure smile continued to use her soft voice to say to Rhine:

“Ms. Rhine, I will pay attention to your contact at all times.”

Marina tilted her head slightly and blinked:

“If you have any ‘needs’, you can tell me.”

Everyone in the office silently added a sentence for Marina in their hearts that she didn't say out loud.

—Only this time, it won't be out of obligation.

The contention for the Head of Devouring is obviously a very important node... that position is still too far away from me, cannot aim too high.

But seizing the things I need as much as possible in this contention is obviously necessary.

Just staying in [Garden]'s office room will get nothing—so, even if Ms. Rhine cancelled the original plan, I must become Mr. Anselm's accompanying secretary.

This is where the only chip that allows me to trade with her lies.

As long as I can follow Mr. Anselm to the West Kingdom, whether increasing Ms. Rhine's influence or revealing Shadow Swamp's actions to her, neither is a problem.

At the same time, as long as I apply in my personal name, there is no negative impact on Ms. Rhine either.

The only problem lies in applying in a personal name... how to succeed?

Under the premise of not relying on Hitana's connection, Mr. Anselm has no reason to accept my application, unless I can demonstrate sufficient value.

Value, mm... value.

A secretary's value lies in the arrangement and handling of all the master's daily affairs.

As long as I can satisfy Mr. Anselm in this aspect, he might agree to my application.

Therefore, understanding why Mr. Anselm wants to go to the West Kingdom, and exactly what he wants to do in the West Kingdom, analyzing the entire West Kingdom's situation, and establishing the daily affairs planning on Mr. Anselm's line of thought, is where the core of everything lies.

Only I know nothing about this, let alone the time is tight, with no possibility of completing it.

—So, I have to thank Ms. Rhine's archive authority and acceleration field, allowing me to submit the application and present the plan to Mr. Anselm.

Mr. Anselm simply didn't expect I would do this, even asked twice if it was Ms. Rhine who asked me to come. I told him no; he laughed very happily, making one's heart beat faster.

He agreed to my application, and told me, this is “the brave one's reward”.

After that I was waiting, waiting for Hitana's departure.

...Didn't expect, she actually randomly teleported to the West Kingdom.

Actually I had considered interfering with Hitana's choice, letting her actively choose to go to the West Kingdom, because this is the best situation for me.

These two tasks, one related to [Garden], one unrelated to [Garden], and regardless of whether related or not, I can provide help to Ms. Rhine.

If they are stacked together, the chips I possess are even bigger.

But I didn't do this, and wouldn't do this... Hitana, I am not willing to rely on you anymore, so how could I utilize you shamelessly?

But you still arrived in the West Kingdom... Can this also be counted as the brave one's reward?

In any case, I am very grateful for your inadvertent help... Hehe, in the end still inexplicably received your favor again, really embarrassing.

During this period of waiting for Mr. Anselm, [Garden]'s performance made me somewhat...

Somewhat dissatisfied.

Their abilities are of course beyond doubt. Although ideas are mostly different, they all persist in the absolute premise of Your Excellency Anselm's interests above all.

The kind and tolerant Mr. Anselm has always turned a blind eye to certain gray practices—as long as they did their own job well, as long as they didn't cross the boundary he set.

...I have known this for a long time, and thought for a long time, finally still sighing in admiration at Mr. Anselm's clear organization.

He never thought of relying solely on some ideal or personal charm to subdue the followers under his command.

Or rather he is very clear, most people working for him are just subordinates of his followers' subordinates... The driving force that can drive them to do things well is never a beautiful tomorrow, but sufficient benefits—I don't deny there are lofty ones expecting the Hydra territory to become better, but even for lofty ones, it doesn't hinder them from being more motivated because of better material conditions.

Having too high moral expectations for people in this twisted world is obviously stupid.

Your Excellency Anselm might be able to create a world that no longer relies on this kind of gray rule, and can also make everyone strive to contribute to society from the bottom of their hearts, but that is also in the very, very distant future, at least... not now.

As long as not violating the rules, rules...

The rules of the gray zone are too ambiguous and unclear... regarding this point, Your Excellency Anselm should also think it difficult to control, so he only set some principles, established some bottom lines. If the rules were more specific... could it let Your Excellency Anselm manage this group of people better?

Just like [Garden], although absolutely maintaining Mr. Anselm's interests, they are surprisingly accustomed to internal strife... If this meaningless internal strife link could be eliminated, [Garden]'s efficiency should be able to go up another step.

Ms. Rhine, as the leader, clearly has the ability to awe everyone, yet is always provoked regarding status and authority. In this aspect, she is not qualified.

Pursuing self-interest is Mr. Anselm's grace, so can one mess around like this? No logic... even if Your Excellency Anselm doesn't care, or can even indulge, there is no such logic.

Even in the gray domain, an order is needed, no... an order is needed even more.

...Thinking too much, it is still too early for me to think about these.

What should be done next is to formulate the subsequent schedule planning according to the specific situation.

Since Your Excellency Anselm gave me this opportunity, I absolutely cannot let him down.

Whether it is my duty, or my own interests.

Ms. Rhine... you indeed should consider what you can give me, not out of reward, but out of what you can exchange from my hands.

After the last letter was printed on the paper in delicate handwriting, Marina closed the notebook contentedly.

Currently sitting in the guest room next to Anselm, she happened to complete today's record.

To Marina, rather than saying this was a diary, it was better to say it was a work notebook.

Display, explore, reflect, summarize... thinking every day, how to go a step further.

Today the harvest was quite abundant.

Recorded her own views on [Garden], Shadow Swamp, and even most organizations under Anselm, clarified the current goal, and at the same time looked forward to the future.

Everything was clear and logical; this represented she was not lost now.

“Still have time... then follow the existing data, confirm tomorrow's planning again. Zero Point Explorers, Realm-Breaking Sword, Fafna's Nest...”

“...Hey, you.”

Just as Marina was preparing to enter work mode, a weak to the extreme female voice came from behind.

The young girl turned her head subconsciously, discovering that petite Miss Mingfuluo had appeared behind her at some unknown time, and at the same time trembled violently, staggering and pouncing onto her body.

Marina said somewhat stunned: “Miss Mingfuluo, you are this...”

“Quickly... come over here.”

Mingfuluo with a flushed face bit her lip: “I can't handle—Ngh ah!”

Before she finished speaking, her body turned into iron-gray particles and dissipated without a trace.

Marina froze for a long time, then a seductive crimson slowly floated up on her face.

She sat on the edge of the bed, took out a pair of light gray semi-transparent pantyhose from the suitcase, put her slender and fair legs into them, and exhaled hot breath gently.

“I also have a day... when I can fall into such trouble that makes one happy.”