A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

"Why the Western territory... how could it be the Western?"

Rhine paced back and forth on the desk, her adorable cat face now showing signs of irritation.

The cat lady had considered the possibility of Seraphina being randomly teleported to the Western lands, but given the current chaotic situation there, many teleportation points in the Western lands were either selectively open or completely shut down… Rhine had even had someone investigate, confirming that the Western lands had the fewest fully open teleportation points in the entire empire.

So why did Seraphina end up there?

Due to the low probability of teleporting to the Western lands and to avoid incurring Ansel's displeasure with her clever schemes, Rhine had decided against making Marlina Ansel's accompanying secretary.

Yet, the troublesome wolf girl still ended up in the Western lands, which was… highly disadvantageous for Rhine.

"Lord Ansel is unlikely to actively seek out Seraphina, but if they happen to meet..."

Rhine murmured, her beautiful emerald cat eyes glinting with a cold, gloomy light.

If they did meet, Shadewell would inevitably get involved... that bird hiding in the shadows, like Rhine, would not miss any opportunity.

With the Western lands's situation so chaotic and turbulent, most of Shadewell's members were currently operating within its borders. Due to their different methods, they could more directly assist Seraphina and handle her traces—an unspoken rule in both the Garden and Shadewell was that the capable take precedence.

"Tsk, is it too late to recommend Marlina now? In such an unexpected situation... Lord Ansel might agree, and it would be quite fitting."

Muttering, Rhine jumped off the desk, passed through the automatically opening door, and casually leaped onto the nearest table at the entrance.

"Bone, Layar, Greystone, Flowfire... you four prepare to reach Miss Seraphina's teleportation point within five hours and get ready to start your work."

"...What?"

A young woman nearby looked up at Rhine. "Wasn't the original plan to send only two people? Although I don't have any important tasks in Eastport... it's not ideal to be reassigned on short notice, ma'am."

She tugged at the corner of her mouth, revealing a slightly provocative smile. "Why go to such lengths, adding two more people just because Miss Seraphina teleported to the Western lands? Trying to prevent Shadewell from seizing the opportunity?"

"That's unfortunate, ma'am," the woman spread her hands. "I have no reason to toil for your benefit... you should know, I am loyal to Lord Ansel, not to you."

The previously harmonious office suddenly became tense and confrontational. Rhine's emerald cat eyes slowly contracted, the wildness of a beast spreading, accompanied by a palpable sense of threat that made one's hair stand on end.

Yet, the young woman remained unafraid, lifting her chin and staring at Rhine.

The heads of the Garden and Shadewell, both extraordinary beasts, were not chosen because Ansel had a peculiar fondness for pets, but because beasts were best suited for the role of the Head of Devouring. Moreover… the ability of the Head of Devouring to devour others and make their power their own was perfectly suited for the position of "chief secret agent."

Although the ambitions of those in the Garden varied, most coveted that position, for it symbolized not only power and authority but also the recognition of the one they followed, representing supreme glory.

So… among the outstanding talents selected by Ansel, how many would watch idly as one of those precious positions fell into someone else's hands?

The young woman's response was resolute, even confrontational, but her reasoning was impeccable—nothing was more convincing than "I am loyal to Lord Ansel."

Temporarily altering the original plan and forcibly adding personnel to assist with Seraphina's aftermath…wasn't this undermining Lord Ansel's entrusted mission for personal gain?

Of course, even setting loyalty aside, Rhine was not a short-sighted fool. Coupled with her loyalty to Ansel, it was impossible for her to do anything that would affect the arrangements in Eastport.

"I will take over your task," Rhine said coldly. "Before you say such things, consider whether I am such a narrow-minded fool, Flowfire."

The two people reassigned to handle Seraphina's aftermath were insignificant in the Eastport deployment, having no impact on the overall plan. Such a reassignment would usually go unnoticed, but at this moment, its significance was different.

"Oh? So you admit that this personnel change is for your own benefit?"

Fireflow's lips curled into a sharp smile.

Hearing this, Rhine couldn't help but laugh. The mature female voice made the laughter sound pleasant, yet the condescending tone was unmistakable.

"Are you joking, Fireflow? You've worked in the Garden for two years, seven months, and twenty-five days. Do you still not understand Lord Ansel's benevolence and tolerance?"

She leisurely swayed her tail, arrogantly lifting her chin. "As long as we can perfectly complete our tasks, he never restricts us from pursuing our desires. So, what if I am seeking my own benefit? As long as it achieves Lord Ansel's goals, it is... his reward to me!"

"..." Fireflow's confident expression faltered slightly. Yes, everyone knew this unspoken rule, and it applied not only to the Garden or Shadewell but to all organizations under Ansel's command.

If Rhine can truly manage the work in Eastport and the aftermath of Seraphina's training, then what does this minor personnel adjustment matter?

Seeing that her momentary threat had failed, Fireflow reluctantly conceded, responding with some displeasure, "Understood, ma'am. I will prepare immediately."

"Very well, do your best."

Rhine did not display any disdain or aversion; instead, she nodded with satisfaction, showing no intention of pursuing the matter further.

Evidently, such baffling "office politics" were commonplace in the Garden.

There were always those who sought to challenge Rhine's authority and position, but ultimately... it was all about capability.

As long as Rhine could oversee everything and flawlessly complete Ansel's tasks, she would only get closer to that coveted position.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Like a lioness surveying her territory, the cat lady glanced around the spacious office. Seeing no one else stepping forward to challenge her, she meowed and prepared to announce the next task assignments.

But at that moment, a gentle female voice interjected.

"Miss Rhine, may I ask a question?"

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