A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Chapter 520 The Advancer - II

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?

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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