"Even when confronted with such adversities," Ansel gazed into Helen's dim, lightless eyes, "would you not falter?"
"Never, Father," Helen's response came without hesitation, as steadfast as Ravenna's allegiance had always been.
"Be it the Empress or fate itself," she extended her hand, wrapping it around Ansel's neck, pressing closely against his shoulder.
"Trust in me, Father, I shall not allow you to be harmed or sacrificed again."
Helen, with her delicate gaze lowered, seemed to have made a resolute decision.
"Even if it means expending everything I have."
Ansel merely smiled, not in derision of Helen's naivety but finding… a semblance of solace in her words.
Helen, who had never experienced the formidable power of fate, could naively declare the avoidance of sacrifice, much like Seraphina believed she could easily overcome her beastly nature.
