Volume 2

Chapter 56: The True Birthday Gift

Tonight, Hydra Mansion seemed unusually quiet.

The mansion’s master and his lady planned a short trip to the Lost Sea.

The servants stayed dutifully in their rooms, and the considerate Mr. Flamel left his son ample space.

Anselm lay on the sofa, reading a book.

The dark gold ancient text on the cover highlighted the value of its knowledge.

“The Flame-Feasting Royalty, as a divine species, is marked by ‘fire,’ but it represents more than just the power of [elements].”

“The [fire] held by the Flame-Feasting Royalty, namely the [Source Flame] they control and only they can control, symbolizes the concept of [the origin of all things].”

“Thus, the Flame-Feasting clan, which feeds on Source Flame, possesses the power to manipulate it, to deconstruct all things. Even the abyssal essence held by the Hydra can be burned and turned into their sustenance.”

“Thus, among the four divine species, the Flame-Feasting Royalty is the only one capable of forging the non-existent seventh stage of divinity. And the Flame-Feasting ancestor did exactly that.”

“By burning the most vast, complex, and abyss-closest conceptual elements held by the Hydra, they deciphered a path… perhaps leading to the end, to eternal ascension.”

Anselm softly recited the book’s contents, as if speaking to no one in particular.

He caressed the pages, murmuring:

“As the last divine species to be born, yet possessing such power, how curious… fate.”

As Anselm finished speaking, a knock came at the door.

The young Hydra closed the book, a gentle smile spreading across his face.

“Come in.”

“Anselm!”

The moment his voice sounded, the door was eagerly pushed open.

Hitana, who had spent a pleasant afternoon with family and friends, locked onto Anselm on the sofa and bounded toward him, diving onto his lap.

“It’s only been an afternoon apart, why does it feel like two or three months?”

Anselm chuckled, ruffling Hitana’s snow-white, silky hair.

“Heh heh heh… no reason, I’m just so happy to see you!”

Hitana half-squinted her eyes in comfort, her tall frame sprawled on Anselm’s lap like a lively large dog: “Today was so much fun!”

“What did you do this afternoon?”

“The villagers made lots of delicious food and took me around to explore. The village is so different now! Um… maybe it’s not even a village anymore, maybe a town? The village elder said it’ll keep growing… Oh, and they asked me if I wanted to make the village even bigger. I told them as long as everyone’s happy, that’s enough, no need to be so cautious…”

As she spoke, Hitana cautiously glanced up at Anselm, saying softly:

“But Lina told me I shouldn’t let them do whatever they want, that it’s not right.”

Anselm stroked Hitana’s tender cheek, saying gently: “Marina’s wrong. It’s not about causing me trouble, Hitana.”

“Huh, really?” Wolf Miss looked slightly surprised.

“I thought that’s what Lina meant… She always used to say I shouldn’t take advantage of how much you like me to… um… do whatever I want.”

“You absolutely can do whatever you want.”

Anselm laughed heartily: “If my affection can’t even let you do that, then these sixteen years of mine have been a failure.”

He gently pinched the soft flesh of her cheek: “I’ve told you many times, Hitana, you only need to follow your own will. In my eyes, before you, no obstacles exist. Marina knows this too; she won’t try to persuade you otherwise anymore.”

“Besides, I know you better than anyone, Hitana.”

The young Hydra gazed at the girl whose cheeks were gradually flushing, sighing softly, his tone carrying a complexity that a simple girl like Hitana couldn’t perceive.

“You’re a kind person. Even with the freedom to ‘do whatever you want,’ you always restrain yourself.”

Untouched by the original future’s tragedies, unmarred by the world’s cold malice, unsoaked in deep-seated hatred, Hitana still held the purest, most unadulterated kindness in the common sense.

This kindness, tied to her character, wouldn’t waver for external reasons, much like how Mingfuluo would never abandon her ideals no matter what.

“Heh heh… I’m not that great.”

Hitana happily nuzzled Anselm’s stomach, her laughter brimming with uncontainable joy and sweetness: “I’m too dumb… always messing up. Without you and Lina, I’d make so many mistakes.”

At this, her mood dipped slightly, clearly still guilty over the mistakes she made in Chishuang Territory.

But, as if to keep Anselm from noticing her sadness, Hitana quickly adjusted, asking curiously: “Then why did Lina say it’s not right to let everyone’s lives get better?”

“Because not everyone is like you, Hitana.”

Anselm’s voice was gentle and patient: “To be precise, people like you are the rarest of all.”

“Your family and friends suffered for half their lives, and now they’ve gained wealth and prosperity beyond their wildest dreams—unrestrained, wildly growing prosperity. The vast majority of them… in my view, all of them, can’t control their growing desires.”

“They’ll gradually become strangers to you. Didn’t you already feel that way the last time you returned to the village alone?”

Hitana fell silent, her thoughts drifting hazily to the joyful faces of her family, elders and friends celebrating her birthday, never having considered this possibility.

“Everyone… they’re all good people,” Hitana said softly.

“They wouldn’t… they shouldn’t…”

“They’re good to you, Hitana,” Anselm shook his head.

“To still hold such pure, untainted affection for you after your rise, without flattery or sycophancy, is already remarkable. But they’re just ordinary farmers, ordinary people struggling in poverty and hardship.”

“This immense change will, due to their limited perspective and mindset, destroy their original beliefs, transforming them into something else. The worst-case scenario is… they become the kind of people you despise most, the oppressors you hate.”

“No way!” Hitana instinctively refuted, her tone growing anxious.

“How could they become like that… Everyone is so kind!”

“So I said, that’s the worst-case scenario.”

Anselm comforted Hitana, but of course… it was merely comfort.

With their newfound wealth and resources, they wouldn’t confine their lives to that village anymore.

Their growing desires would turn the kind people in Hitana’s eyes from a barren, harsh land to this prosperous yet warped society.

With Hitana as their backing, the challenges they’d face would dwindle, and what they’d become… Anselm held no optimism unless—

The young Hydra glanced at the wardrobe, continuing in a gentle tone: “That’s why Marina told you to control them, Hitana.”

“Ordinary people lack the vision and ability to handle such a rise. They simply can’t control themselves.”

“So they need guidance, restraint. The kindness you hold, the benefits you bring, the changes you create—they may not lead to the vision you hope for. Without management, they could instead cause… a disaster you don’t want to see.”

Anselm’s words seemed to carry an underlying meaning, but Hitana, of course, couldn’t catch such subtext.

She nervously clutched Anselm’s clothes: “Then, what should I do? I don’t want them to become disgusting, hateful nobles… How could they, after getting a better life, go on to bully others?!”

The thought of the family, elders, and friends who had been with her for over a decade becoming the oppressors she loathed made Hitana’s heart clench, even making her nauseous.

“It’s alright, just listen to Marina.”

Anselm gently patted Hitana’s back: “She didn’t explain it clearly at the time because she didn’t want to see you like this. See, she’s always thorough, isn’t she?”

Just as Hitana held absolute trust in Marina, Anselm’s trust in her was nearly the same.

On one hand, based on the girl’s terrifying growth potential, she was already adept at handling such matters.

With another month or two of learning, Marina could likely manage an entire large territory with ease.

On the other hand, Marina… was someone who could never betray Anselm.

Her advice to Hitana was indeed centered on Anselm’s words, but it also carried the hope that Hitana would cause him less trouble.

Due to the unique circumstances of her conditioning, Marina’s loyalty to Anselm surpassed even her sisterly bond with Hitana, let alone her ties to the villagers.

If the village and its people’s development were left to Marina to manage and restrain, any actions that could trouble Anselm, even those that might slightly tarnish his reputation, would be eradicated at their root by Marina—without the hesitation or sentimentality Hitana would show.

“Then, leave it to Lina?” Hitana was still hesitant.

“Wouldn’t that be unfair, like pushing her to be the bad guy…”

Anselm couldn’t help but laugh: “Marina told you this because she meant for you to leave it to her. Do you really think, Hitana, that Marina expects you to handle it well?”

Hitana froze for two seconds, realizing it made sense, but then felt a surge of irritation.

On second thought… Marina’s perspective wasn’t wrong.

Even so, she huffed and playfully punched Anselm: “Don’t say that! Lina… Lina… hmph! Anyway, I’m the dummy, and you two always gang up on me.”

The girl chomped down on Anselm’s hand, acting indignant, but her heart was filled with a deep sense of reassurance.

No matter what happened, Anselm and Marina would always help her solve it.

Those complicated, annoying thoughts she wasn’t good at dealing with—she didn’t need to bother with them now.

Every day felt clear and carefree; this was, um, the feeling of happiness!

Being pampered by Anselm felt so good!

No, wait, I—I’ll contribute too, it’s just not the right time yet!

The worries from the earlier topic vanished, and Hitana returned to her usual cheerful, lively self.

Lying on Anselm’s lap, she squirmed, first glancing at the coffee table, then sitting up to look around the bedroom’s corners, searching for something.

Knowing exactly what Hitana was looking for, Anselm chuckled: “What are you looking at? A sneaky little mouse hiding somewhere?”

“No way! You know exactly what I’m looking for!”

Hitana, seeing the amusement on Anselm’s face, bit his neck in shy frustration: “The gift, my gift! You promised you’d give it to me tonight!”

Though Anselm’s surprises and activities today had already made Hitana overjoyed, the mysterious gift he kept secret still tickled her curiosity, making her feel tonight was the main event.

On her way back, Hitana’s mind had run wild with possibilities—even imagining the gift being Anselm himself.

The absurd scenarios that followed made her feel both weak-kneed and thrilled, her cheeks flushing red.

Anselm’s hand supported Hitana’s slender, toned waist, whispering in her ear: “Sit properly first.”

The girl jolted, instinctively pressing her legs together.

Her dark red eyes, devoid of any ferocity, shimmered as if brimming with water.

Biting her lip, both nervous and expectant, she sat face-to-face on Anselm’s lap, her arms naturally wrapping around his neck, her breathing quickening.

“Um, Anselm…”

Hitana’s voice turned soft and delicate, as cute as a puppy’s whimper: “I was so happy today… I’ve never had such a joyful birthday. No matter… no matter what gift you give me, I’ll love it, even if, even if…”

Her voice grew quieter: “Even if you plan to use… use your tou…”

“Where’s your mind going?” Anselm laughed, lightly poking her forehead.

“I’m celebrating your birthday—why’s it suddenly about me?”

“You… you’re the one being weird!” Hitana mumbled softly, “With your personality, isn’t that the most likely thing…”

“I don’t know what kind of image you have of me…”

The young Hydra shook his head, his face full of amusement: “Alright, it’s not about that, but I’ll remember what you just said… No take-backs later.”

Before Hitana could respond, Anselm cupped her cheeks, saying softly:

“Close your eyes.”

That gentle voice, like a caress on her skin, made Hitana’s heart flutter.

She obediently closed her eyes, her long lashes trembling slightly, betraying her nervousness.

Anselm… What's he going to give me?

Close my eyes… is he going to kiss me?

Is that the gift?

Um… it’s a bit casual, but if it’s filled with love, I wouldn’t mind—

…Huh?

Her neck felt cool—why did Anselm take off her collar?

The sensation of her beloved’s slender fingers brushing her skin made Hitana shiver slightly.

Just as she wondered why he removed the collar, a slight tightening sensation returned to her neck, but…

But it felt completely different. This wasn’t the shock collar she usually wore.

Wait, could this… could this be—

“Alright, open your eyes.”

Hitana, her cheeks growing hot, opened her eyes and saw… Anselm fastened a collar around her neck.

“An-Anselm…” The girl’s voice trembled with unfamiliar emotions. “This… this is…”

“This is my gift to you.”

Anselm took Hitana’s hand, guiding it to the side of the collar: “Feel it, the pattern on it.”

Her mind a bit blank, Hitana followed Anselm’s guidance, touching the collar’s texture—a line of indented words.

“Devote My Love.”

Anselm’s arm encircled Hitana’s waist, his voice soft: “That’s what’s engraved on the outside. There’s more inside… ah, I should’ve shown you before putting it on. I was too eager to surprise you, sorry, Hitana.”

The girl hurriedly unfastened the collar, her eager and excited movements a bit clumsy, until Anselm, chuckling, helped her take it off.

Heart pounding, Hitana eagerly looked at the inner side of the collar.

The inscription there was much longer, covering most of the inner surface.

“To my beloved Hitana, this is proof of your eternal belonging to me, and my vow never to abandon you…”

“…Anselm Hydra.”

Hitana murmured the words on the collar, her eyes gradually filling with glistening tears.

“Hitana, I once said that when you wear the ring of the Contract Heads, my heartbeat is at your fingertips.”

Anselm gently caressed Hitana’s face: “That was a metaphor, but now, I’ve made it real.”

He fastened the collar back on her, carefully, meticulously, then said with utmost tenderness:

“Through this collar, you can always feel my heartbeat, my pulse. I’ll always be within your reach.”

As Anselm spoke, the text on the collar’s inner wall warmed slightly, and then… Hitana felt it—a faint pulsation, so reassuring that even if she fell asleep now, she wouldn’t feel the slightest need for vigilance, a serene, gentle beat.

That pulsation seemed to merge with the pulse in her neck, an indescribable sense of happiness and security flowing from the collar’s beat through her entire body.

She reached out, placing her hand on Anselm’s chest, feeling the same steady rhythm as the one at her neck, making Hitana… feel closer to Anselm than ever before.

She loved resting on his chest after a tiring day, listening to that strong, steady heartbeat as she drifted to sleep.

Now, that beat accompanied her always, each rise and fall, each tremor, filling her with a power she couldn’t describe, making her blood surge.

Anselm hugged the dazed Hitana, whispering in her ear:

“Hitana, as long as you exist, you’re proof that I’m alive.”

“An…selm.”

At that moment, Hitana couldn’t find words.

She didn’t kiss him passionately or shout with joy; she just clung to him tightly, repeating his name over and over.

“Anselm… Anselm…”

The collar… something of profound significance to Hitana.

Anselm’s taming of her began with it and ended with it.

It was her resolve to show her loyalty to Anselm, even at the cost of her life and the reason for his unquestionable favoritism toward her.

Her devotion and aid to Anselm began with it, but… it would never end.

The girl reached out again to touch the inscription on the collar’s outer side.

[Devote My Love]

This was the rightful response to her devotion to Anselm.

Clinging to Anselm, Hitana felt an unprecedented peace.

Her mind was free of chaotic thoughts. Feeling that steady pulse, she only wanted to fall asleep happily and securely in his arms.

So… this was the greatest happiness.

No overwhelming emotions, no burning desires—just a sense that everything in the world was beautiful, serene, and peaceful.

“Anselm…” Hitana, leaning on his shoulder, murmured dreamily, “Can you… call me something else?”

“…Hm?”

“You call Mingfuluo ‘Arlo,’ so why not call me something more intimate too?”

“Is that so…” Anselm smiled, stroking her hair. “How about… Hit?”

The girl’s body trembled. She squirmed, hugging Anselm tighter, as if wanting to meld into him.

“Call me that again, please,” she said cutely, nibbling his ear.

“Hit.”

“Mmm! Again, again!”

“Hit.”

“Hee hee hee… I want to hear it more, more!”

This time, no dramatic scenes unfolded in the room—just two silly teenagers, one patiently repeating the affectionate nickname, the other gleefully urging him to say it again and again.

But at that moment, the petite doll sitting with her knees drawn up in the wardrobe closed her eyes, refusing to look at the scene before her.

Even when Anselm forced her to watch his and Hitana’s battles for an entire night, Mingfuluo had never been so unwilling.

Yet… her feelings now weren’t just the pain of being treated differently.

She wasn’t the type to endlessly wallow in self-pity, doing nothing but lamenting her current misery.

On the contrary, what Mingfuluo felt now, what she found harder to accept, was… the pain Anselm never shared with anyone, unknown to Hitana, and perhaps even to himself.

Pain…

Just as Elnilisa had said, even when using his feelings for Hitana, Anselm didn’t hesitate, didn’t even notice.

If he had left her here purely for revenge or out of his twisted amusement, Mingfuluo wouldn’t feel so… unable to accept it.

But Anselm, of all people, wasn’t that kind of person.

Everything he did had a purpose. Even in this moment, when he poured his heart out to Hitana without reservation, he still didn’t forget… to use this emotional gap to scheme against her, against others, against all he deemed enemies.

Mingfuluo even felt that Elnilisa hadn’t touched the core of the issue—no one had.

Yet she was the one who wasn’t needed, who was despised, who had no qualifications.

Mingfuluo didn’t see herself as pitiful.

She knew she had brought this upon herself.

What tormented her, rendered her powerless and caused her pain was the reality… she could change nothing.

But even so, you must act, Mingfuluo.

Even if Anselm doesn’t need you, even if you lack the qualifications, you have reasons you must act upon.

She forced herself to open her eyes, to look at Anselm now, at the Hydra who, while wholeheartedly pouring his emotions into the girl in his arms, still cast a playful, almost imperceptible glance her way.

This playfulness, this unconsciousness, this unnatural change… was why she had to act.

In this bedroom, there were a pair of lovers whose pulses were intertwined, and a heart shattered into pieces.