In the steamy bath, Ansel sighed softly, leaning against Eula's embrace.
"... What's wrong, master?" Lady musician tightened her hold on Ansel's firm waist, "Is the temperature too high?"
"No, I'm just thinking about some matters."
Ansel, who had returned to bathe immediately after leaving the filthy prison, rested his head on the two damp, soft cushions and said with closed eyes, "Some matters that require self-reflection."
Although the final outcome did not deviate from Ansel's expectations, the slight loss of control during the training process forced him to reevaluate himself.
He knew this had nothing to do with fate; it was simply a lack of self-control.
This was unacceptable to Ansel, as it was not yet time for him to indulge himself.
"Desire..."
Ansel placed his hand on his chest and murmured, "My desire is consuming me."
The madness flowing through the blood and soul of the Hydral lineage had shown signs since Ansel was sixteen.
Even though Ansel had been venting it in various ways and with restraint from an early age, he could not stop the madness and desire that once threatened to devour the world in ancient times.
It was an inescapable curse and the source of countless despair he had witnessed.
Hearing the word "desire," Eula gently licked Ansel's earlobe for a moment before skillfully diving underwater, silent and unnoticed.
Ansel did not react much, only half-closing his eyes in slight comfort and leaning back against the edge of the bath.
The curse in his bloodline was an unavoidable fate; Ansel had taken it into account, but even with determination, sometimes there was nothing he could do.
Fortunately, although the training process had fluctuations, it was still within Ansel's acceptable range.
Seraphina's emotions were well controlled by Ansel within a perfect range—a range where she occasionally remembered his kindness, had no resistance in some aspects she was unaware of, but could still be easily influenced by fate.
However, this state would not last long. Once the young wolf underwent a complete growth and transformation at the end of this training session…
Ansel whispered, "I will help you break free."
With that, he bared his fangs at the fate he despised.
*
In Seraphina and Marlina's room, the sisters were bathing after chatting and finishing their meal.
Marlina gently massaged her sister's soft, short hair, gazing at her delicate, fair shoulders with a tender sigh.
She should have been angry upon learning that Seraphina had caused trouble again, even involving Ansel of Hydral in the punishment. At that moment, Marlina was truly furious and terrified.
However, when Seraphina returned with a weary, fragile expression and tearfully apologized in her arms, Marlina's soft heart couldn't bring herself to say anything more.
By the time she came to her senses, she was already gently bathing Seraphina.
"It's so annoying. Who's in charge of the prison? Just thinking about that plate of food makes me nauseous," grumbled the young wolf sitting on a small stool.
"It's too much! Marli, can you tell Ansel to fire the person in charge of the prison?"
Marlina couldn't help but laugh and tapped the girl's head, "You hate bullying others with power the most, so why are you doing this now?"
"How is this bullying? The food was terrible; it's obvious that the person in charge of the prison pocketed the money," argued Miss Seraphina, feeling justified. "There must be a problem!"
"Even so, your words would be more effective than mine," Marlina scratched behind Seraphina's ear.
"He? He wouldn't listen to me. Even if he did, he'd probably scheme to get back at me later. Let's just forget it," Seraphina pouted.
Marlina sighed inwardly, wanting to reiterate the importance of respecting Ansel, but saying it now would only anger Seraphina and be of no use, so she let it go.
Moreover, Ansel was willing to share the punishment for the trouble Seraphina caused… so he must be much better to her than she imagined.
The girl without extraordinary talent looked at her humming sister with admiration in her eyes.
[How wonderful…]
She thought this countless times.
"Oh, right, Marli, I have good news!"
Seraphina suddenly remembered, turned her head, splashing foam all over Marlina, and excitedly said, "We can go home! For a whole week! Ansel will provide resources for me, and we'll leave today!"
She stood up, hands on her hips, and the bouncy snow rabbits jumped.
"This is called... returning home in triumph! Right! It's time to show everyone how amazing we are!"
"..."
Marlina looked at her sister's joyful expression, her lips moved slightly, but she couldn't speak.
"... What's wrong, Marli?" Seraphina tilted her head, "Isn't this good news? Why do you look... not very happy?"
After about two or three seconds of silence, the snow-haired girl stroked Seraphina's foamy head and said softly, "No, I'm very happy. It's just... Seri, you go back alone. I want to stay here."
Seraphina was stunned, looking at her sister's gentle and peaceful expression. Instead of shouting, she carefully tried to touch Marlina's face.
"Marli... sister, did I do something to make you angry again? Tell me, I'll change… please don't be mad at me?"
Marlina smiled and touched Seraphina's hand on her face, "Seri didn't do anything wrong; it's my fault."
"Sister... don't you want to go back?"
"No," Marlina shook her head, "I can't waste any opportunity."
"Opportunity?" Seraphina looked puzzled at Marlina, "What opportunity?"
"Seri, I'm not like you. I don't have the extraordinary talent that makes Lord Hydral treat me so well."
Marlina's voice was very gentle, without a hint of jealousy, "Staying by Lord Hydral's side is the only chance I have to gain knowledge and grow. If I don't cherish it, I'll definitely regret it."
"Even though it's only seven days... but what if someone more talented is recommended to Lord Hydral during these seven days? How much knowledge can I gain by staying by his side for these seven days?"
Marlina said this, hiding the melancholy and sadness deep in her heart.
How could she not miss her family and friends in the village?
But she didn't have the luxury, the freedom and willfulness like her sister. All she could do was seize the present.
"Tell our parents that I'm doing well," Marlina smiled as she picked up the basin and rinsed the foam from Seraphina's head, "Tell them not to worry, things will get better."
Seraphina wiped her face and suddenly sat down on the floor, mumbling, "Then I won't go back either. There's no point in going back without you, Marli."
"Seri, you—"
"Anyway — Anyway, I can go back anytime! I'll just ask Hydral again if I have to. What's the big deal?"
Seraphina looked up at Marlina, "Marli, how long do you want to stay by his side? You can't stay forever, can you?"
Facing her sister's hopeful and expectant gaze, Marlina was silent for a long time before finally sighing helplessly and indulgently.
"Then... one month. In one month, I should be able to learn a lot, and I have... I have confidence that within a month, I can make Lord Hydral recognize my value!"
"By then, going back for a while shouldn't be a problem."
"Alright! It's settled, one month from now!"
Seraphina stood up suddenly, grabbed the towel hanging nearby, and ran out, "I'll go talk to Hydral right away. You take a bath first, Marli!"
Marlina watched the cheerful figure running out of the bathroom, shook her head with a smile, and then, somehow, her eyes drooped slightly.
As long as you ask, he'll agree...
I envy you, Seri.
*
Dressed and with her hair still damp, Seraphina hurried to Ansel's study, ready to discuss her vacation plans.
When she was about two or three meters away from the door, she suddenly heard a conversation coming from inside.
"Young lord, your decree will be implemented tomorrow, but there seem to be some unresolved issues..."
Seraphina's footsteps slowed to a halt.