Volume 2

Chapter 50 : Anselm’s Gift, Part Seven

“You must fulfill your promise.”

The promise, of course, concerned that transaction.

The deal between Mingfuluo and the young princess was dangerous and insane, yet the ever-rational Mingfuluo had accepted it.

After all, in her twenty-one years of cold existence, meaningful things were few and far between.

The death of Erlin Zege, who pursued lofty ideals to change this rigid, absurd world only to die tragically yet passed his beliefs to her, was an obsession Mingfuluo could never let go.

“You… now?”

Mingfuluo instinctively wanted to distance herself from Sulun, unsure if she was under Ivora’s surveillance, but with Sulun already speaking, she had no other choice.

“Don’t worry, my arrogant sister will be handled by Lord Anselm.”

The elegant young princess gave a gentle, serene smile: “Otherwise, why would he choose to stay with that annoying woman instead of his favorite Contract Head?”

Anselm… indeed had other plans.

Mingfuluo wasn’t surprised.

Making full use of everything was Anselm’s way, and… she didn’t doubt that he brought Hitana here to execute this plan.

“…What do I need to do?”

Calming down, Mingfuluo asked evenly.

“Here, I placed a Callers of the Deep lesser species’ egg. It has hatched and found a host along the river.”

Under Mingfuluo’s faintly shocked gaze, Sulun said leisurely: “That venomous beast just now was its host. You’re lucky to have encountered it so quickly.”

“Callers of the Deep… lesser species?”

Fragments of information about this mysterious divine species flashed through Mingfuluo’s mind and she instantly understood Sulun’s intent.

“You want to destroy this hunting ground’s ecosystem?”

“I like clever partners like you, Miss Zege.”

Sulun smiled: “I’m not some delusional fool trying to topple my dear sister—that’s impossible. My revenge… needs to be satisfying enough.”

“Satisfying enough means a loss she can’t accept. In the Imperial Capital, there are few things she cares about, and this hunting ground is one of them.”

“She poured so much effort into this place. Heh… maintaining ecological balance in an environment purely of magical beasts is incredibly difficult. A Callers of the Deep, even a lesser species, given enough time, can ruin the entire ecosystem.”

Stepping on a vine, Sulun gracefully lifted her skirt, hopping lightly to Mingfuluo’s side with a playful smile: “Then, I can enjoy her enraged, crazed, dog-like expression. Just thinking about it… is so thrilling.”

As she spoke, she actually shivered slightly.

“…You’re fearless.”

“I’m terrified of death, so I came with Mother’s orders,” Sulun said cheerfully, hopping between vines and branches.

“Her hatred is always for the mother who despises and suppresses her. She has no room for a nobody like me.”

At this, Mingfuluo’s brows furrowed slightly: “Then why do you need me?”

If she was acting on the Empress’s orders, Ivora shouldn’t be able to resist and Sulun wouldn’t need any help—just watch.

“You underestimate my sister, Miss Zege,” Sulun shook her head.

“You underestimate her audacity… and her madness.”

The young princess’s lovely face turned icy: “The kind of madness that dares defy even Mother’s orders if necessary.”

“Mother needs a place to cultivate Callers of the Deep, but if my sister goes mad, she might destroy it before it ruins the ecosystem, even if it means severe punishment from Mother.”

“Wouldn’t that be better?” Mingfuluo countered.

“She’d face a worse fate.”

“You don’t understand what I want, Miss Zege.”

Sulun turned sharply to Mingfuluo, her eyes chillingly dark: “I want her to helplessly endure my revenge, not to flaunt her uniqueness by defying Mother’s will and still surviving.”

“The outcome doesn’t matter.”

“…So, to ensure Ivora can’t interfere,” Mingfuluo gradually understood, “you sought out Anselm? To have him help you?”

“Everyone knows Lord Anselm and my sister are at odds, especially since he firmly stands with Mother.”

Sulun smiled radiantly: “He was happy to do a favor, as it’s no trouble for him.”

In truth, Sulun hadn’t initially considered contacting Anselm, but she recalled what he said at the Alchemical Association.

Back then, Anselm, who easily saw through her as the one halting floating cannon production and demanded she resume it, had said:

[I can guarantee I won’t disrupt any of your future plans or actions. If needed, I can even offer assistance—for a price.]

From that moment, a seed was planted in Sulun’s heart, which fully sprouted after Anselm’s complete fallout with Ivora in that war game.

She was certain there was some conflict between Anselm and Ivora she didn’t know about, and since he’d made such an offer… Sulun didn’t hesitate to seek his help.

“On one hand, Lord Anselm will use the excuse of not allowing my sister to watch his favorite Contract Head like a pet to block her view—my sister won’t suspect anything, as his affection for Miss Lans is well-known, isn’t it?”

The battle at the Ether Academy, which showcased Hitana’s strength and potential, announced a rising powerhouse to the world while signaling to transcendents: the young Hydra truly cherished his only Contract Head thus far.

“With Lord Anselm’s restriction, she won’t monitor this hunting ground for now, and her pride wouldn’t stoop to eavesdropping or spying. But as time passes, if the Callers of the Deep’s destruction grows severe, my unscrupulous sister will find other ways to deal with it—like sending powerful magical beasts to intercept and kill the lesser species. And that’s when—”

“I… need to stop them?” Mingfuluo answered softly, finally understanding why she was brought here.

She was indeed a “helper,” but not for Hitana—rather, for Sulun.

She was to assist Sulun in letting the Callers of the Deep wreak havoc in the hunting ground, ruining its ecosystem right under Ivora’s nose.

This was Anselm’s ultimate purpose for bringing Hitana here, but…

Mingfuluo felt something was off, yet the subtle information gap left her unable to analyze it.

It was as if Ivora thought Anselm brought Hitana to deal with the Callers, with Mingfuluo as a mere accessory.

Sulun, meanwhile, believed Anselm brought Mingfuluo to exact revenge on Ivora, with Hitana as a pretext for his involvement.

Both princesses, following their own logic, saw no issue.

Yet the serpent calmly pulled the strings, watching the sisters faithfully follow his orchestrated path.

“I’ll handle it too. I’ll stop overly powerful beasts, but some will slip through, and you’ll need to deal with those—rely on Miss Lans. Since she’s here to hunt, she won’t refuse any prey, right?”

Finally finishing, Sulun sighed: “This is a long task, so prepare yourself.”

“…Long?”

“Mother’s time is precious; she doesn’t have the patience to wait for results. The time flow in this hunting ground has been adjusted. Half a day outside is about… a week here.”

Sulun took out her pocket watch, wiping it gently: “That’s why we have more room to maneuver. My sister won’t constantly watch this place, and a moment’s lapse means a lot of time passes.”

No wonder Ivora said Hitana’s playtime wasn’t just an afternoon… but a week—wasn’t that too long?

Mingfuluo frowned slightly.

From her understanding of Anselm, he would never let Hitana stay here for a week or longer unless she chose to.

Wait… choice.

Mingfuluo suddenly realized something.

Neither Ivora nor Sulun considered one thing: would Hitana stay here long-term?

Ivora thought Hitana was here to handle the Callers, and Sulun saw her as an essential pretext, so both assumed Anselm would ensure Hitana stayed, regardless of her wishes.

But Mingfuluo realized—Anselm… wouldn’t do that.

If Hitana lost interest in hunting, he’d let her leave, not force her to stay until the matter was resolved.

Why was Mingfuluo so certain?

Because…

Because three years ago, Anselm had respected and cared for her in the same way.

The thought flashing through her mind made Mingfuluo clench her fists instinctively, forcing herself to push aside these ideas and keep thinking.

If Hitana could leave at any time, Sulun’s plan wouldn’t hold, and she clearly didn’t know this.

So… Anselm’s true purpose lay deeper, and his cooperation with Sulun was just one facade beneath another.

Among all the puppets he manipulated, the weakest, most powerless Miss Doll raised her head, seeing the strings above everyone’s heads.

And that… smiling face hidden in the darkness.

What was Anselm… really after?

What did he aim to gain?

Theoretically, he’d only get Sulun’s favor or some traded benefit, but was Sulun alone… worth such meticulous scheming?

“Oh, right, there’s something I need to tell you, Miss Zege.”

Sulun playfully patted Mingfuluo’s shoulder: “My revenge won’t end here, but our partnership must stop.”

Mingfuluo instantly grabbed Sulun’s wrist, turning to stare into her eyes: “What did you say?”

“You seem… a bit out of control, Miss Zege.”

Sulun didn’t mind the rudeness, raising an eyebrow: “You know, showing emotions and exposing weaknesses is dangerous—though I already knew that was your weakness.”

“…Why.”

Mingfuluo’s breathing quickened: “Why stop? My grandfather’s death—”

“Don’t blame me. I don’t want to lose a partner with such… powerful connections,” Sulun said helplessly. “This was Lord Anselm’s request.”

The petite scholar froze.

The anger rising on her impassive face stiffened.

“His exact words were, ‘I don’t care what you do, but if you break a tool I find useful, I’ll be displeased.’”

The young princess shook her head: “He thinks working with me might… break you, so he asked me to unilaterally end our partnership. And—”

“And, per his request, after you fulfill your promise, I’ll give you a piece of information that will greatly advance your search for the true culprit behind your grandfather’s death, for free.”

“His… request?” Mingfuluo murmured.

“He asked you to tell me this?”

“Yes, that’s our deal.”

Sulun tilted her head: “After all, Lord Anselm doesn’t like my sister either. This is a trivial matter for him, so he generously didn’t ask for much—just these conditions.”

She looked at Mingfuluo for a moment, then couldn’t help chuckling:

“Though he calls you a tool, I think Lord Anselm cares quite a bit about you, Miss Zege.”

“Alright, I should go observe the Callers. I hope you’ll fulfill your duties well, Miss Zege.”

Sulun’s figure faded into illusion, vanishing, leaving Mingfuluo standing alone.

This… was Anselm’s purpose?

He was helping her advance her investigation into her grandfather’s death, not wanting her to take risks with Sulun?

No, no, he said he didn’t care what happened to her, that he’d just watch if she got into trouble. He did this to… to make her beg him? Yes, this way, she’d have no choice but to seek him out, sinking deeper, unable to resist. That must be his goal, it had to be.

Because Anselm was no longer her friend.

“He… must be thinking that.”

The petite woman on the floating cannon curled up slightly.

But if it were the past.

If it were the past, Anselm… might just be trying to help her.

***

Fuming, Hitana raced through the jungle, chasing the revolting, deformed monster.

Oddly, the information from the Head of Wind dwindled, meaning the monster’s traces were visibly fading, a strangeness that both alarmed and baffled Hitana about the sensation she’d felt.

Death… in that instant, she’d genuinely felt a mortal threat.

It had been a while since Hitana tasted this.

The last time was when she resolved to face the Red Ice Python, but whenever it came, that feeling was… unforgettable.

Compared to a powerful fourth-tier beast, why would a seemingly weak monster that fled at the sight of her evoke a death premonition?

As Hitana pondered, a whistling sound from behind made her instinctively slow down.

“Mingfuluo?” The girl turned, puzzled. “Why’re you so slow?”

“…I was analyzing the traces that thing left.”

Mingfuluo, on her fast-moving floating cannon, said softly: “Hitana, I have bad news.”

“Hm?”

“We might be in big trouble.”

Hitana blinked, slowing further: “What do you mean?”

“That thing… your prey, the mutated one.”

The petite scholar looked at Hitana, her gaze deadly serious: “It’s been parasitized by a dangerous monster that shouldn’t be here. Its changes, its behavior… all point to one thing. Controlling that corpse now is one of the four divine species—”

“It’s…” In Hitana’s stunned gaze, Mingfuluo said heavily, “It’s a Callers of the Deep.”

The girl’s steps slowed, then stopped, standing frozen.

She stared at Mingfuluo for a while, then uncertainly raised two fingers: “This is how many?”

“…My mind is clear, Hitana. I’m not talking nonsense.”

Mingfuluo produced a vial of pale blue water: “This is a sample from the nearby river. The water’s like this—you’re a hunter, you should know how unnatural this is.”

Hitana stared at the water, impossible for a river, her throat bobbing.

“So,” she shifted her uneasy gaze to Mingfuluo, “it’s really…”

“It’s definitely a Callers of the Deep, but a lesser—” “Awesome!”

Miss Wolf bounced in place, her fair cheeks flushed with excitement: “It’s a Callers of the Deep! I’m hunting a Callers of the Deep? Can I hunt something like that!”

“…” Mingfuluo was silent for two seconds.

“I don’t know why you’re more excited than scared, but this isn’t a true divine species—it’s a lesser species.”

Hitana, arms raised in cheer, tilted her head: “What’s a lesser species?”

“I don’t know why they’re distinguished this way,” Mingfuluo tapped her glasses.

“Knowledge about divine species is extremely rare and costly; my database lacks detailed specifics. But as a lesser species, it can’t have the potential to become a divine being, and its abilities are much weaker.”

Hearing this, Hitana grew visibly disappointed: “So it’s not that strong…”

“…Only compared to a true Callers of the Deep.”

Mingfuluo’s usually impassive expression wavered slightly.

After a pause, she continued: “So, I suggest you abandon hunting it.”

Before Hitana could respond, she added: “This hunt is a game for you, a game Anselm prepared and this Callers of the Deep lesser species is an unexpected element. By all accounts, you don’t need to deal with it.”

“You can hunt other prey.”

Sulun was monitoring the Callers’ movements, so Mingfuluo couldn’t let Hitana kill it.

Given the short time, it wasn’t mature enough and its flight after Hitana’s killing intent showed it was no match for her.

Even if this argument failed, Mingfuluo would find another to make Hitana abandon the hunt.

The reasoning was solid, no need to worry—

“What are you talking about, Mingfuluo?”

Hitana looked baffled: “What do you mean it’s an accident? How could it be?”

“…Of course it’s—”

“You said it yourself, a Callers of the Deep shouldn’t be here, but it is. What does that mean?”

The girl swung her fist, cheering joyfully: “It means it’s the surprise Anselm prepared for me! Hunting a Callers of the Deep… even if it’s just some lesser species, it’s still a Callers of the Deep! I’ve never hunted anything this amazing!”

She put her hands on her hips, beaming proudly: “With Anselm’s arrangement, I can’t let him down. I’m bringing that thing’s corpse to him!”

“…”

Mingfuluo’s expression grew dazed.

In that moment, her conversation with Sulun clarified the strange doubt in her heart.

Anselm wouldn’t force Hitana to do anything; her staying or leaving was her choice, but Sulun didn’t know this, so Mingfuluo thought Anselm had a deeper purpose.

Hitana’s reaction made her realize— the moment Hitana saw the Callers, whether sooner or later, she’d see it as Anselm’s “gift” and pursue it relentlessly.

This clashed with Sulun’s deal.

Was Anselm doing this to make Sulun’s deal fail? No, of course not.

Because one person could sway the situation.

That was herself.

If she told Hitana Anselm brought her here to prevent the Callers’ death, Hitana would immediately abandon the hunt.

The key issue was whether Anselm truly wanted to help Sulun achieve her goal.

That was not necessarily the case, because, as Sulun herself had said, such a matter was merely a trivial favor to Anselm, something he could take or leave.

What he truly wanted was to test himself.

If he failed to stop Hitana, then Sulun would not reveal the critical information she held.

So, should Mingfuluo deceive Hitana for the sake of this information?

Or should she let her… happily enjoy this birthday?

“Mingfuluo, let’s go! Catch that blue thing—”

“Hitana.”

Mingfuluo suddenly spoke: “I have a question for you.”

“What’s wrong?” Hitana turned back, looking at her curiously.

“If your birthday, this birthday that Anselm values so much, everything he’s done, wasn’t just for you, but was using you as a pretext… for some other scheme in the shadows.”

The woman stared into Hitana’s eyes: “What would you do?”

“…Huh?”

Hitana froze for a moment: “What does that mean?”

“The literal meaning.”

The girl fell silent, rubbing her chin, her expression thoughtful.

Two seconds later, she had a sudden realization: “You’ve discovered some secret plan of Anselm’s!?”

Before Mingfuluo could respond, Hitana hurriedly dashed to her side, whispering in her ear: “Tell me, tell me! Is it real or not? What should I do? How should I do it?”

“…Didn’t you understand what I just said?”

“Didn’t I understand?” Hitana looked utterly confused.

“So, what’s Anselm’s plan?”

“You’re going to do it?”

“Of course, if Anselm has a plan, why wouldn’t I do it?”

“Even if he’s using your birthday, even if such an important day is part of his calculations?”

“…You’re so weird, Mingfuluo.”

Hitana said, completely puzzled: “What does Anselm’s plan have to do with him celebrating my birthday? Is there a conflict?”

“…”

Mingfuluo fell silent.

At that moment, she truly understood why Hitana was so cherished by Anselm.

At the same time, she realized she could never regain the affection Anselm had shown her three years ago.

Because she could never reach Hitana’s level, could never be as pure as this girl.

The issue between her and Anselm was never about simple manipulation or schemes, but an irreconcilable clash of fundamental positions and contradictions.

So, what should Mingfuluo do?

Should she, tell Hitana that Anselm was planning with Sulun to destroy the local ecosystem?

Hitana would undoubtedly follow through without hesitation.

As long as Mingfuluo explained the logic, Hitana would execute it resolutely, and Mingfuluo could thereby… obtain crucial information.

Since she could never return to the past, since she could only ever be a tool for Anselm, rather than lingering in useless regret, it would be better to seize as much benefit as possible. That should be the best choice.

“Anselm, he…”

Yes, the best choice.

“Has no plan.”

Staring into Hitana’s eyes, Mingfuluo said.

“Do what you want to do. That’s what he wants.”

Hitana tilted her head, looked at Mingfuluo for two seconds.

“You should’ve just said so. It’s just that kind of thing.”

She raised her chin proudly: “Do you even need to tell me? Let’s go catch that ugly monster together!”

Mingfuluo watched Hitana’s excited figure from behind, saying nothing.

This was Anselm’s gift to Hitana, not to you, Mingfuluo.

The best choice wasn’t to greedily ruin the beauty he bestowed upon the one he cherished, but to silently offer herself as part of that gift, so the one he cared for could have a perfect birthday.

Mingfuluo saw through Anselm’s trap once again, but she felt no joy.

For a moment, she even hated herself—hated why she understood Anselm so well, why she always knew what he was thinking.

In her numbness, Mingfuluo seemed to hear Anselm whispering in her ear:

Don’t forget, Arlo.

You’re just incidental.