Novel Full Chapter 598 In Ravenna's Eyes - I
The selection tournament at Dispute Fortress was in full swing.
Though the intricacies of the Zero Realm Enigma couldn’t be broadcasted, the organizers would use shadow crystals to record and release footage of the internal competition after the first stage concluded. The silence during this period, where nothing could be seen, heightened anticipation for the results and… conveniently facilitated the setting up of betting pools.
However, during this waiting period for the first phase results, an even more sensational piece of news broke out.
—Faust had appeared at Dispute Fortress.
Not some random imposter from a corner, nor a delusional madman, but the real Faust, the true legend.
Without moving a finger, he instantly killed Inothea and directly challenged the Duke of Azuregold, who didn’t utter a single word in response and allowed Faust to leave gracefully.
Who else but Faust could it be?
Judging by both strength and demeanor, this Faust far outshone any previous or current “Faust” imposters by miles. Although some details—like this Faust inexplicably doing commissions for commoners and lurking around Dispute Fortress suspiciously—led some to question his authenticity, the vast majority of thrill-seeking adventurers were convinced that he was the real Faust.
This news rapidly swept across the Western lands, even reaching the fiercest battlefields where Firmament and Bloodust clashed.
Everyone was eagerly anticipating what kind of raging inferno this legendary adventurer would ignite in the already chaotic West.
At this moment, however, the much-anticipated Mr. Legend was… uh, playing with a cat.
“Meow~”
A patchy, rough-furred cat with a few scars lay on the ground, stretching its body like a noodle.
The great legendary Faust squatted in front of the cat, dangling a specially made cat treat. The cat’s head swayed left and right as it followed the treat.
Initially cautious, it gradually relaxed, tentatively reaching out a paw to bat at the dangling treat. Its pink nose twitched incessantly, and finally, unable to resist the aroma at the tip of its nose, it pressed its forepaws to the ground and leaped, latching onto the treat with its entire body.
Iron-gray particles coalesced behind the cat, forming the silhouette of a petite woman. She swiftly grabbed the cat by the scruff of its neck, lifting it amidst its piercing screeches and struggles, then narrowed her eyes at Ansel.
“I thought you had some earth-shattering plan.”
“How could I possibly be contemplating earth-shattering schemes every day?”
Ansel didn’t even glance at Ravenna but continued to tease the cat with treats, smiling as the once-feral creature gradually calmed down and began to eat obediently.
“One must always… hey.”
He reached out to take the cat Ravenna handed over, gently stroking its emaciated back before looking up at the scholar with a smile. “One must strike a balance between work and rest.” Your next chapter is on empire
“Work and rest,” Ravenna rolled her eyes. “Do you mean slicing people up in the street until there’s not a single piece of intact skin left?”
“You make it sound as though I committed murder.”
“…As if what you did wasn’t as heinous as murder.”
Ravenna walked alongside Ansel towards the lower district, preparing to complete their current commission. She glanced up at him curiously. “Do you really have no other plans?”
While stroking the cat, which was now purring contentedly despite its earlier fierceness, Ansel replied with a question, “Do you think I have to do everything personally, Venna?”
Ravenna paused, taken aback. The meticulous effort Ansel had put into winning her over had left a deep impression, leading her to believe, perhaps mistakenly, that Ansel was always orchestrating and executing his plans personally.
But upon reflection… how could he possibly manage everything single-handedly?
The Shadewell, the Garden, and many other forces—some known, some unknown—were actively or passively aiding Ansel, either with their own knowledge or through his influence.
The network Ansel of Hydral had woven throughout the empire was, in truth, unfathomably deep.
Seeing the dawning realization on Ravenna’s face, Ansel knew his astute companion had grasped the reason. He then took her hand, his tone filled with both amusement and tenderness:
“In the end, you and Seri are the most important to me. I can’t allow fate any opportunity to exploit, which is why I am so utterly devoted. Beyond you two, what else could command such attention from me?”
“The two other women who will appear in the future, right?” Ravenna glanced sidelong at Ansel but still held his hand.
The current Lord Hydral remained unperturbed. “That’s a different matter.”
Ravenna’s lips curled slightly before she suppressed the smile. “How is it different?”
“Seri’s nature is exceptionally rare. I doubt there’s another soul as pure and capable of moving me as she is in this world.”
“And as for you, Ravenna, three years ago we were on the verge of something more. If fate hadn’t intervened, you would have already been—well, let’s just say we would have been as close as we are now.”
Ansel chuckled and corrected himself after Ravenna playfully twisted his hand. “Seri provides me with solace and peace of mind, and you, Ravenna, have dispelled my inner demons. Both of you have grown and changed, and how could I possibly remain stagnant?”
From the Red Frost Territory to the Imperial Capital, and from the capital to the Western lands, although less than a year had passed, Ansel’s heart and mind had become ever more complete with the help of these two girls.
“Although I can’t claim to be invulnerable, it’s far less likely that I will be so easily swayed again.”
He gently squeezed Ravenna’s delicate fingers. “I can hardly imagine what kind of woman could make me lose control of my emotions, just as you and Seri do.”
“You speak so confidently… but didn’t you once vow never to forgive me?”
“Because you, Venna, are uniquely special to me. I don’t believe there’s another Venna in this world.”
“…Hmph.”
Despite her seemingly mocking words, Ravenna’s barely restrained smile betrayed how much his words pleased her.
For a girl in front of her beloved, nothing brings more happiness and reassurance than being told, “You are special to me.”
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