A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

"The construction project in the eastern square of Hydral City is absolutely perfect."

The boy raised a glass filled with juice towards the men: "Here's to you."

The ordinary workers were naturally very apprehensive, not daring to actually raise their glasses. Riley, overwhelmed by the honor, cautiously responded: "This is our job, and you've given us so much in return... how could we possibly accept your toast?"

Ansel set down his glass, placed his hands in front of him, fingers interlaced, and asked gently:

"Mr. Riley, have you visited the new square in the east?"

"Yes, I have," although Ansel's voice was very soft, Riley still seemed a bit nervous.

"How did it feel?"

"...Very good, my wife and daughter enjoyed themselves there."

"Then, you must have seen much more there."

Under the somewhat bewildered gazes of Riley and his colleagues, Ansel smiled and said:

"You must have seen more children happily playing, more couples embracing and kissing, more families enjoying peace and happiness."

He walked step by step towards the workers, whose faces were gradually reddening, and approached their table. With the appearance and voice of a mere ten-year-old boy, he spoke with resonant conviction: "This is the achievement you have created, gentlemen. It is something that cannot be measured in money, nor can I repay it."

Then, he turned to look at the other patrons in the restaurant who were quietly listening, and spoke with an enthusiastic voice:

"And it's not just the new square in the east. I believe everyone here has contributed their strength to this city, to the Hydral estate, making it what it is today."

"Perhaps it's just an ordinary gray brick, perhaps just a grain of ripe rice, perhaps just a simple piece of cloth, or perhaps just a... tender little flower."

Feeling increasingly fervent gazes upon him, the young Hydral felt filled with conviction and strength—even the power to negate and defeat the future.

"Those things may indeed seem trivial, and yes, they have earned you compensation, but that does not mean that the significance of your contributions is limited to this."

"Bricks build a strong city that stabilizes life, gathered rice relieves the scourge of hunger, woven clothes bring warmth, and even a single flower might bring peace and joy to someone."

"So, why should you hold me in such awe, my friends?"

The boy revealed a sincere and radiant smile: "Clearly, it is you who have created your own lives."

Then, he turned his head to look at the men who were decades older than him, their eyes brimming with almost uncontrollable emotions, and gently beckoned for his juice, raising his glass in invitation:

"Here's to the life born from your hands."

Riley's thick beard trembled continuously, he wiped his face, his eyes reddening.

He was over forty years old, having brought his wife through hardships to the Hydral territory. He had experienced the ugliness of the powerful, the disdain of the extraordinary, the burdens of life... He knew all too well how the high and mighty liked to lie to maintain their elevated status.

Yet, at this moment, the man had never thought that everything the ten-year-old boy said was just grandiose rhetoric.

Because he truly received in that project a reward beyond anything he could have imagined in his life; because he truly saw the peaceful and happy demeanor of the common people in the square; because he truly saw in the boy's eyes—those clear, bright sea-blue eyes—such pure and fervent emotions.

There was neither the coldness of the powerful nor the contempt of the extraordinary, but rather a brilliant light that seemed to come from… another world.

The man raised his glass, his voice choked with emotion as he loudly proclaimed:

"To life!"

The restaurant erupted in a chorus of echoes:

"To life!" "To life!"

Seated at her table, Annelisa listened to the diners' fervent shouts, her expression revealing no surprise.

She simply cradled her face in her hands, quietly gazing at the boy's silhouette. Even from behind, she felt she could see his youthful face brimming with smiles.

Feeling his happiness, she thought there was nothing more blissful in the world.

In this jubilant sea, someone raised their glass high and shouted:

"To Ansel!"

The crowd hushed for a moment, all eyes turned to the golden-haired lady, warm as the sun, who held her glass aloft with a radiant smile.

Then, the cheers resumed:

"To Ansel!" "To Ansel!"

Young Hydral turned his head, only to find himself suddenly lightened, lifted by something.

It was a cluster of brightly colored flowers, robust in stem and root, blossoming on the spot to raise him high.

The boy looked towards his mother, finding her gazing tenderly at him.

As if she were looking at the most precious thing in the world.

*

At night, sitting in the courtyard enjoying the cool air, Annelisa exhaled slowly.

"I had such a wonderful time today, Ans."

After a satisfying run around Hydral city with her son, Lady Hydral stretched lazily, her eyes crinkling with a smile as she watched Ansel: "Did you enjoy it?"

"I..."

"Ah, no need to say."

Annelisa reached out and gently ruffled Ansel's hair, her voice soft:

"I know you're happy; it's been a long time since I've seen you this joyful."

Ansel closed his eyes, peacefully savoring his mother's gentle touch.

"Ans, I must confess, I have always been feared."

"...What?"

"Did I not share with you one day?"

As she caressed Ansel, Annelisa lifted her gaze to the star-filled heavens, expressing a wish, "I hope you can cultivate a heart of kindness."

"It seems... from that day forth, you've embarked on a relentless quest to challenge yourself, becoming increasingly despondent."

"I assumed it was my mistake, and I feared that my expectations had become a shackle and prison for you."

Ansel remained silent, merely clasping his mother's hand gently.

"Yet today," the woman lowered her gaze to her child's beautiful sea-blue eyes, a smile of relief and happiness emerging on her face.

"Seeing you so joyful today, I realized... you must genuinely desire to alter the status quo, to transform everyone's lives."

"My wish has not become a burden to you."

She embraced Ansel tenderly, closing her eyes, and whispered contentedly, "This is... truly wonderful."

Ansel was momentarily at a loss, for although his mother often behaved affectionately towards him, she had never before revealed her true vulnerability in his presence.

The boy, adhering to his usual habits, gently stroked his mother's back, "Your worries have always been unfounded, Mother."

"Even so, you have chosen a difficult path, Ans."

Holding Ansel, Annelisa spoke softly, "A path that cannot be traversed through strength alone."

"If it becomes too arduous, then let it go." She caressed Ansel's cheek tenderly, her gaze warm, "Indeed, more than anything and anyone, I wish... for you to lead a life filled with happiness, Ans."

"Or perhaps, find a companion. Neither your father nor I have truly understood you in this regard. If you find someone to accompany you, I believe in your abilities, Ans, you will surely persevere."

Ansel responded with a smile, "Finding someone as intelligent as me will be challenging, Mother."

"There will be someone," Annelisa playfully tapped Ansel's cheek, "Don't be too confident... although I too believe you are the most intelligent."

At this point, she paused, extending her hand towards Ansel.

"Then, let's make a promise."

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