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Yet, Ravenna always felt something was amiss, and the subtle discrepancies eluded her analysis.

It was as if Evora believed Ansel had brought Seraphina to assist her with the Tidecaller, with Ravenna merely an accessory.

Conversely, Suellen thought Ansel had brought Ravenna to aid her in retaliating against Evora, with Seraphina serving merely as a convenient pretext.

Both princesses, guided by their respective lines of thought, saw no issue with the situation. Meanwhile, the serpent leisurely manipulated the threads, watching the sisters faithfully follow the path he had laid out.

"I shall also take action, intercepting overly powerful creatures, but some will inevitably slip through the net. When that happens, it will be your responsibility—do extend my regards to Miss Marlowe. Since she is here to hunt, she will surely welcome any prey, will she not?"

Having finally spoken her piece, Suellen sighed deeply, "This is a protracted endeavor; brace yourself mentally."

"... Protracted?"

"Her Majesty's time is precious; she has little patience for waiting on outcomes. The temporal flow of this hunting ground has been adjusted; half a day outside is roughly equivalent to... a week here."

Suellen took out her pocket watch and gently wiped it, "It is precisely for this reason that we have more leeway to operate. My sister will not be constantly vigilant here, and in a moment of inattention, much time will have passed."

No wonder Evora mentioned that Seraphina's playtime would be more than one afternoon... But a week, isn't that excessively long?

Ravenna furrowed her brow, considering her understanding of Ansel, she knew he would never let Seraphina linger here for a week or longer, unless Seraphina herself wished to stay.

Wait... wish.

Ravenna suddenly realized something. Neither Evora nor Suellen had considered… whether Seraphina would be willing to stay for an extended period.

Both assumed that Ansel would ensure Seraphina's presence, regardless of her personal wishes.

But Ravenna now understood—Ansel... would not do that.

If Seraphina lost interest in the hunt, he would surely let her leave, rather than force her to stay until the end of the event.

Why was Ravenna so certain of this?

Because... three years ago, Ansel had done the same, respecting what mattered to her past self.

The fleeting thought crossed Ravenna's mind, involuntarily tightening her fists. She forced herself to discard these notions and continued to ponder.

Given that Seraphina could depart at any moment, Suellen's plan was no longer viable, and she was evidently unaware of this fact, which meant... Ansel's true intentions lay deeper, and his collaboration with Suellen was merely a facade, another layer of deception.

Among all the manipulated puppets, the most vulnerable and powerless Miss Ziegler lifted her head and saw the strings above everyone's heads.

And that face... hidden within the shadows, smiling.

What exactly does Ansel desire? What is he scheming to gain? In theory, he could only obtain Suellen's favor or the benefits of her exchange, but is that all truly worth his elaborate machinations?

"Ah, right, I have some news for you, Miss Ziegler."

With a playful tap on Ravenna's shoulder, Suellen announced, "My quest for vengeance will not cease, but our collaboration must come to an end."

Ravenna instantly grasped Suellen's wrist, turned her head, and stared intently into her eyes, "What did you… say?"

"You seem to be losing control, Miss Ziegler."

Suellen did not take offense at the impoliteness, instead raising an eyebrow, "You should know that showing emotions and revealing weaknesses can be perilous—though I was already aware of your vulnerability."

"Why stop? What about my grandfather's death—"

"Don't blame me; I wouldn't want to lose you, such a... powerful ally," Suellen said with a hint of helplessness, "This is at the behest of Lord Ansel."

The diminutive scholar was stunned.

The anger that had just begun to surface on her indifferent face froze there.

"His exact words were, 'I don't care what you want to do, but if it involves breaking a tool that I find useful, I will be displeased.'"

The Young Princess shook her head, "He believes that collaborating with me would, hmm... break you, hence he instructed me to unilaterally terminate our partnership, and furthermore—"

"Furthermore, according to his wishes, once you fulfill your promise, I will offer you for free a piece of information that will significantly advance your investigation into the true culprit."

"His... wishes?" Ravenna murmured, "He asked you to tell me all this?"

"Yes, that's the nature of our exchange."

Suellen tilted her head, "After all, Lord Ansel also dislikes my sister, so for him, this task is merely a matter of convenience, and thus he was quite generous in not asking for much, just these requests."

She gazed at Ravenna for a moment, then couldn't help but chuckle:

"Though he refers to you as a tool, I believe Lord Ansel still holds you in high regard, Miss Ziegler."

"Well, I must proceed with my observation task. I hope you will also fulfill your responsibilities, Miss Ziegler."

Suellen's figure turned ethereal and vanished, leaving Ravenna standing alone, lost in thought.

Is this... Ansel's purpose?

Is he aiding me in the investigation of my grandfather's death, not wanting me to continue risking myself with Suellen?

No, no, that's not right. He said he wouldn't intervene, that he would merely watch if something happened to me. His actions are meant to... ment to compel me to seek him out? Yes, that must be it. Now I have no choice but to ask for his help, forced into a deeper trap, unable to resist him.

That must be his intention, he must have planned that, must have.

Because the Ansel I know now… is no longer my friend.

"He... must have planned this."

The petite woman sitting atop the floating cannon curled up slightly.

But if it were before.

If it were before, Ansel would have... simply wanted to help me.

*