A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

This time, Marlina, who was mentally prepared, did not retreat. She said earnestly, "The rules I follow are simply Mr. Ansel's wishes. I only know about this matter and do not have more information, so I have not understood the specific records. But I believe Mr. Ansel would not resort to private punishment out of mere dissatisfaction, even if he was only eleven years old at the time."

"So..." Nerilia's eyes narrowed slightly, "you think they should be judged by the law, not because you have faith in the law, but because you believe the master would do so?"

"Yes."

Hearing this unequivocal answer, Nerilia's cold expression seemed to soften a bit, but her voice remained indifferent: "That means you don't understand the master, but... I like that statement."

Marlina responded with a sweet smile: "It seems that in this regard, we share a common understanding, Ms. Nerilia."

Nerilia did not respond, merely waved her hand. Though she still appeared cold, at least she no longer showed any disdain towards Marlina.

Unconsciously, the three of them had arrived at the base of the Tulip Clock Tower. Just a short walk remained to reach the Grand Plaza of Flowers, but neither Nerilia nor Malver moved forward, so Marlina naturally stopped as well, looking up at the landmark building.

"Miss Marlina should know who built this clock tower," Malver said with a smile, his hands clasped behind his back.

"Ah, I do. It was a gift from the Duke of Magus Primus to Lady Annelisa on her birthday," Marlina recited with familiarity, still gazing up at the clock tower.

"The four clock faces are made from different types of rare crystals, the three hands are crafted from dragon bones, and the entire dial is made of magic crystal. During festive periods, it has many features to enhance the atmosphere."

"Well then, would you like to go up and take a look?"

"…Go up?"

Marlina was slightly surprised but nodded happily, "Thank you, if it's possible, I would love to go up and see."

Malver then led Marlina up the clock tower. Marlina wondered why Nerilia wasn't leading the way. Turning her head, she saw that the lady was lighting a slender cigarette.

Nerilia glanced at Marlina and gestured for her to hurry up.

Lifting her skirt, the young girl followed her future colleagues up the clock tower. However, the higher she climbed, the more she felt that something was amiss.

The smell inside the tower, growing increasingly strong...

Blood?

The tall clock tower was silent, save for the sound of their footsteps on the stone stairs.

Marlina, who had been walking with her head down in silence, suddenly froze as they neared the top.

She saw... thick blood slowly trickling down the steps.

Above, Malver seemed oblivious, stepping into the flowing blood. Marlina steadied her trembling heart and followed closely behind.

Reaching the top of the clock tower, the young girl was met with a sight that made her pupils contract sharply.

The gift from the Duke of Magus Primus to Lady Annelisa was lavishly decorated even inside. The top platform was designed for viewing, and from the inside, the four clock faces were transparent, offering a decent view of Hydral City, though not entirely comprehensive.

What shocked Marlina was not the view from the clock tower, but the three… people hanging from the top platform.

A middle-aged man, a young man, and a woman, all unconscious, bound and suspended by ropes, their wrists slit, blood flowing down to form a crimson stream.

"This... Ms. Nerilia, Mr. Malver, may I ask what this is...?"

Although Marlina had followed Ansel for a long time, the only great horror she had truly witnessed was the death following the cold wave. In all subsequent dealings and interactions with other nobles, she had never seen such a scene again.

Thus, the current sight was quite a shock to Marlina, but she quickly steadied her emotions and inquired of her future colleagues.

Nerilia leaned against the wall, expressionless, exhaling a faint mist.

"These three…" She remarked indifferently, "Who do you think they are?"

Marlina looked at the three unconscious, pale-faced individuals, hesitated for a moment, and then mustered the courage to step forward and observe them closely.

"...Judging by their attire, they are nobles of considerable rank," she whispered. "The young man bears a strong resemblance to the couple, suggesting they are a family."

"The man has two scars on his face, and his hands..."

Marlina, suppressing her nausea, lifted the blood-soaked sleeve to reveal an arm covered in old scars.

"Is he a warrior? If he were a typical high-ranking noble, he wouldn't have so many injuries. He likely earned his title through extraordinary abilities and merits, probably a former adventurer."

"The woman, though not beautiful… shows clear signs of a pampered life, as does the young man. It's evident they were well cared for by the man."

After saying all this, Marlina exhaled deeply. "That's about all I can deduce, Ms. Nerilia."

Nerilia waved her hand. "Fairly comprehensive... Malver, explain the situation to her."

Even in this chillingly bloody scene, Malver, still smiling, said, "This man is Count Belleconte, a Westerner and a fourth-stage extraordinary being. Three years ago, he exchanged his merits for a title and pledged allegiance to Lord Ansel. Due to his extensive experience as a Zero Realm explorer, Lord Ansel accepted him and granted him a fief."

"As for why he and his family are hanging here..."

Malver's eyes, usually gentle, now gleamed with a chilling light.

"It's because he betrayed Lord Ansel."

"...Betrayal?"

Marlina was stunned, then showed an incredulous expression. "How could anyone betray Mr. Ansel?!"

"Though it seems inconceivable, betrayal of Lord Ansel is not entirely impossible," Malver shrugged. "People are complex, aren't they?"

"The situation in the West is extremely chaotic, especially now. Given Belleconte's former status, part of our network there… had to go through him," Nerilia said, walking up to Count Belleconte and pressing her lit cigarette into his open wound.

"Six days ago, the master assigned us a task. The information was to be passed through Belleconte, but he leaked it to the Duke of Wyvern."

"However, this was intentional on the master's part. He knew Belleconte would do this—while none of us suspected Belleconte of betrayal, the master predicted it."

She slowly, forcefully pushed the entire cigarette butt into the man's wound.

Even in his unconscious state, the count let out a pained groan.

Unable to bear the cruel sight, Marlina looked away, while Nerilia continued, "The master said that Duke of Wyvern once saved Belleconte's life. Belleconte is a warrior who repays his debts. Though master's favor is significant, it doesn't outweigh a life-saving debt."

"So..."

Marlina said softly, not looking at Count Belleconte, "are you going to execute him now?"

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