bookpub Chapter 249: Snake and Sisters and Rat - I
Chapter 249: Snake and Sisters and Rat - I
The end of Ephesande's games, the transfer of the owner of Babel, and the arrival of Flamelle cast a somewhat eerie pall over the entire imperial capital.
While the lives of the majority remained unchanged, for those extraordinary beings perched at the apex, a single misstep could see them engulfed and torn asunder by the roiling undercurrents, leaving no trace of their once lofty existence.
"Mr. Ansel," Marlina said, approaching with haste and whispering something into the ear of Ansel, who was dining.
"... Is that so?"
Ansel set down his cutlery and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Inform them that the population from the Spirity Lake Territory is sufficient, and Hydral's domain need not expand for now. As for the rest of his legacy..."
The young Hydral pondered for a moment before responding with a light chuckle, "I shall discuss this personally with Her Majesty."
"Yes, I understand," the girl replied, bowing slightly and preparing to depart with efficiency, only to be stopped by Ansel's grasp on her wrist.
"Please, join me for lunch first," he offered, and the waitress in the corner of the dining room promptly departed, while Marlina hesitated before obediently taking a seat beside Ansel.
Lady Annelisa, who had been conversing with Ansel and had scarcely touched her lunch, now turned her attention to the poised and virtuous young woman, whose beauty could easily lead one to mistake her for the daughter of a grand duke.
"Are you... Marlina?" the mature Lady Hydral inquired, her eyes gleaming slightly.
"The sister of little Seraphina, now assisting Ansel in his affairs?"
"It is I, my lady," Marlina responded, rising to curtsy to Annelisa before sitting down again, her head bowed in respectful acknowledgment.
"It is an honor to be remembered by you."
"Oh, we're not too formal in our household, and that's just Ans... but if you're accustomed to it, that's fine," Annelisa said, leaning forward with curiosity.
"What were you discussing just now?"
Only the younger members of the royal family still harbored ambitions for power, and even entertained some... rebellious thoughts.
"It has been quite some time since I last ventured beyond the imperial capital," Annelisa lamented with a sigh, "I wonder what the state of the empire is now."
"When was the last time you traveled with father?" Ansel asked as he accepted the meal a maid brought for Marlin, his expression unchanging.
"Two months... Oh!"
The stunning beauty Annelisa suddenly covered her mouth with both hands, then huffed, "How could you trick me, Ansel!"
"I was merely inquiring," he replied.
"I told you I've never left the capital!" she protested.
"I don't believe father would leave you here," Ansel countered.
"..." Annelisa rested her chin on her hands, turning her face away in displeasure, "Mel is too predictable, it's no fun."
"You are the same, mother," Ansel said, shifting his gaze from Marlina's blushing face to meet his mother's eyes. "You cannot deceive me, so spare yourself the frustration."
"What's wrong with feeling frustrated?" she suddenly smiled, as if her displeasure had never occurred, "It doesn't mean I can't be happy... You're playing along with me, aren't you, Ans?"
She playfully poked Ansel's cheek, who stiffened slightly but did not pull away.
"Nevertheless... don't treat me like a child. If you're bored, you don't have to bother with me. I refuse to be seen as an annoying nuisance," Annelisa declared, crossing her arms with mock seriousness.
"I am deeply moved," Ansel sighed, "If only you could remember this sentiment ten minutes from now."
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