Volu 2
Chapter 44 : Anselm’s Gift, Part Two
Hitana’s birthday banquet wasn’t particularly lavish.
She liked lively events but wasn’t one for grand spectacles and as Anselm noted, she didn’t have many friends in the Imperial Capital.
Present were only Anselm, Hitana, Marina, the Hydra couple and Laurence and Tornado, there for the fun.
The venue was the open lawn of Hydra Mansion, with servants hauling out piles of cooking equipnt for on-site preparation.
The bustling scene barely resembled a “banquet” by this era’s standards.
But Hitana loved it and because she would, Anselm chose this setup.
The young Hydra stood at the bar, personally preparing drinks for the banquet.
Flal, beside him, eyed the colorful liquids in ornate bottles, his brows slightly raised.
As the world’s greatest alchemist, he instantly recognized their special effects—energy boosts, physical enhancent, strength amplification... making Flal’s expression turn subtle.
Better take Elni out tonight.
It’s about ti—the Callers’ Bloom in the Lost Sea’s depths should be flowering.
Flal glanced at Elnilisa, chatting with Hitana, his expression both tender and wistful.
Recalling his youth, his antics far outdid Anselm’s.
Compared to him back then, Anselm could be called innocent.
Not that Flal had been tad into a paragon of virtue by Elnilisa; as his life neared its end, he simply couldn’t find another woman who made him feel as alive as she did.
“Arthur...”
The sentintal Hydra sighed to his son: “Hurry and find a lover who makes your life vibrant.”
“Love is a remarkable thing.” The handso middle-aged man winked at Anselm. “An emotion that transcends blood, binding two individuals—what a wonder.”
“I already have one, Father.”
Anselm replied calmly.
“Little Hitana? No, no... she won't.”
“...”
The young Hydra’s movents paused. He looked up, eyes narrowing at his father.
“Don’t look at like that,” Flal laughed.
“I’m not saying little Hitana’s bad. She’s a wonderful girl. Your mother and I both adore her and are glad for the affection you invest in her.”
“But as soone who’s been through it, I need to teach you a thing or two about love.”
The man hooked an arm around Anselm’s shoulder.
Anselm shifted slightly, uncomfortable but not overtly resisting.
Flal, unbothered by Anselm’s reaction, chuckled: “Love cos in many forms. The bond between you and Hitana is sweet and pure, a comforting, dependent love—like embracing in winter, feeling each other’s warmth.”
He patted Anselm’s shoulder, smiling: “That feeling of a spark in your heart is great, isn’t it?”
Anselm didn’t speak, just gazed at the lively Hitana in the distance, his eyes gentle.
“But that ans Hitana’s love can’t reach that aspect.”
Flal followed Anselm’s gaze to the exuberant Hitana.
He was very satisfied with this girl from the harsh borderlands—her character, ability, and potential were impeccable in his eyes.
“It’s not that Hitana’s lacking, but her personality’s limits... She loves you, of course, offering warmth and solace. But she doesn’t stand with you intellectually, and you know that.”
“That’s enough,” Anselm replied calmly.
“Hitana doesn’t need to beco what I want. She’s perfect as she is.”
“That’s why I said find another,” Flal replied matter-of-factly.
"……"
Looking at his silent son, the man said with a slightly peculiar tone: “Arthur, you’re not harboring any… strange ideas that would be unfair to little Hitana, are you? We’re Hydras, not humans.”
Anselm sighed and rubbed his forehead: “Father, please restrain yourself a bit.”
Flal was taken aback: “You really think that way?”
“…It’s just impossible to find the kind of person you’re talking about, Father.”
Anselm shook his head: “I understand what you an. In terms of love, finding soone who resonates with … vibrant, heh, for us, a life with sothing worth pursuing should be considered vibrant.”
“Of course, otherwise what’s the point of gaining wisdom? To mope around and curse the heavens every day?”
Flal spread his arms wide, laughing heartily: “It’s about indulging in the privileges of being a divine species! To seize everything that brings us joy!”
“I thought you’d say it’s about finding a way to break that curse.”
“That’s just a side note.” Flal waved his hand dismissively, “Just put in a bit of effort, and that’s enough. I’m not interested in wasting most of my life on sothing like that, only to end up like that Ephithand fellow… looking like a clown, how laughable and pitiful.”
Everything the four divine species did was to break free from the shackles and curses of the world.
Flal’s words sounded absurd, but Anselm felt that this was exactly how the man thought.
His father was that kind of person—free-spirited and unrestrained, yet so willful it gave people headaches.
“I think…”
Flal’s voice suddenly lowered: “Although today is little Hitana’s birthday, and it’s a bit unfair to her to bring this up, since it crossed my mind, I think it’s best to tell you, Arthur, lest I forget later.”
Anselm’s eyelids twitched slightly, but he said nothing, while Flal continued on his own: “You said there’s no such woman in this world, and I used to think you’d probably never et one. But now… that, uh… Mingfuluo? Yes, that’s her. Doesn’t she seem quite suitable? The Data System, that’s sothing extraordinary. Though she said the idea ca from you, Arthur, you didn’t actually have a hand in it, did you? Her ability checks out, and as for qualifications, three years ago you specifically asked for a favor. And most importantly, her ideals… I think she definitely—”
“Father.”
Anselm cut Flal off, staring into his eyes: “While you’re here talking grandly about love, as far as I know, the only person you could say you’ve ever loved is Mother.”
Flal froze for two seconds, then his lips stretched into a grin that nearly reached his ears, unable to contain his exaggerated amusent: “So, Arthur, you think I’m not qualified to lecture you on this?”
Anselm replied calmly: “Unless you’re willing to admit to Mother your ‘rich romantic experiences.’”
“Can’t having just your mother count as a rich experience?”
“…You’re as skilled at twisting words as ever.”
“These aren't twisting words, Arthur,” Flal said with a radiant smile. “It’s the honest truth.”
“Because your mother is the most perfect woman in the world. Whether it’s attachnt or ideals, her love fulfills everything I need. Naturally, I don’t need to love anyone else.”
The response was sowhat irrefutable.
Anselm pondered for a mont before asking: “I can understand the other aspects, but how does Mother… help with your ideals? She knows nothing about alchemy and has no interest in it. When it cos to the truth and creation you pursue, she shouldn’t be able to offer any help.”
Although everything the divine species did was to seek further possibilities, setting that aside, the Hydras, as Flal had said, needed so kind of “pursuit” to anchor themselves, much like how the Empress controlled the Empire.
And what Flal pursued was naturally the pinnacle of alchemy, the peak of creation, the eternal truth.
His entire life was dedicated to finding the answers to this world—answers he could give to the world.
Flal gazed into Anselm’s sea-blue eyes, so strikingly similar to his own beautiful orbs, and with a light chuckle, ruffled his son’s hair:
“You’re wrong about that, Anselm.”
He stopped there, saying no more.
They stood there, watching the ones they loved. During this ti, the mature Hydra lady and the youthful, tall girl glanced back multiple tis—the forr with a generous and gentle gaze, the latter with shy and evasive expressions.
“Alright.” Flal smiled and patted Anselm’s shoulder.
“I won’t keep interrupting you while you prepare drinks for little Hitana. Aini and I need to get ready… hm?”
Before he finished, his gaze shifted to the manor’s entrance, his brows slightly raised, his expression growing animated.
“Arthur.”
The man chuckled softly: “No matter what, your actions are pretty decisive, aren’t they?”
“I don’t know what you’re misunderstanding,” Anselm said calmly, “but she’s just here to celebrate Hitana’s birthday.”
Flal shrugged: “Well, I can’t imagine what you’d do otherwise… fine, let’s say that’s the case.”
“Anselm!”
Hitana, sitting at the long table, waved at him and shouted: “Are you done yet? The food’s almost ready!”
“Coming.”
Anselm gently shook the bottle of wine, glancing at Flal beside him: “Let’s go, Father.”
Hitana swung her legs excitedly, patting the chair beside her: “Anselm, sit here!”
As the star of the birthday, Miss Hitana certainly had the right to be a little willful.
Anselm, holding the specially mixed drink, sat beside her.
The girl tilted her head, eyeing the pale red liquid placed before her with suspicion: “Anselm… this isn’t your gift to , is it?”
Then, as if realizing her tone might have sounded off, she squird a bit and huffed: “I-I’m not saying I’d dislike your gift or anything, it’s just… if it’s just wine, you didn’t have to keep it such a secret.”
“What are you thinking?” Anselm was amused by Hitana’s awkward deanor.
“It’s just a drink I made for you. The gift hasn’t… oh.”
His gaze shifted to the entrance, where a white lab coat stood out sharply in the sunlight.
“The gift has arrived now,” Anselm said with a smile.
Hitana followed his gaze and was instantly startled.
“Mingfuluo… why is she here?”
“I invited her on your behalf. In the Imperial Capital, she’s probably the only one you could call an acquaintance, right?”
“…Is that so?” Hitana scratched her head.
“I guess… no, wait, we’re acquainted, but we’re not that close.”
Crossing her arms, the girl pointedly remarked: “That look of hers, like everyone owes her money, kind of ruins the mood.”
Clearly, due to Mingfuluo’s “criticism” during their previous encounter at Hydra Mansion, the grudge-holding Miss Hitana still harbored so resentnt.
However, seeing Mingfuluo in person had softened her grudge a bit—after all, she had mocked Mingfuluo’s appearance in return, which she considered sowhat evening the score.
So, regarding Mingfuluo… while Hitana wasn’t outright rejecting her, she hadn’t exactly planned to welco her either.
She couldn’t quite figure out why Anselm had invited her.
anwhile, Laurence and Tornado, who hadn’t taken seats and were casually observing from the sidelines with plates in hand, also showed subtle changes in their expressions.
“Hey, Tornado.”
Laurence slurped up a noodle coated in tomato at sauce, muttering: “That little shorty, isn’t she…”
“That’s Mingfuluo Zege,” Tornado said, holding his plate and thoughtfully watching Mingfuluo walk in. “Strange, what’s she doing here?”
“Didn’t the young master want to take her as a Contract Head? Is she here to challenge Miss Hitana?”
Standing on Tornado’s wrist, Laurence reared up excitedly, waving his claws: “Great, great! Won fighting is always a spectacle! Back in the day, I loved watching won fight over the boss! Now I get to see won fight over the young master! My rat life is complete!”
“Oh, please,” Tornado scoffed.
“Miss Hitana could knock her out with one punch right now and it wouldn’t even co to that—the young master… hm?”
The fifth-tier abyss sorcerer let out a soft sound, his eyes narrowing slightly: “This Zege seems…”
Laurence glanced at him: “What? Sothing wrong?”
“…Nothing.”
Despite saying so, Tornado flashed an oddly cryptic smile.
“I take back what I said. The young master seems quite invested in this Miss Zege.”
“Spill it already!” Laurence angrily chomped on Tornado’s wrist, but the latter didn’t flinch.
The noodles in his plate suddenly coiled like snakes, wrapping around Laurence’s body and flinging him away.
As the two Contract Heads bantered, Mingfuluo was already heading toward the table.
The servants, naturally professional, didn’t stare, but the gazes of the few others present made her breathing uneven.
Hitana’s puzzled look, Marina’s contemplative stare, Flal and Elnilisa’s appraising glances, and Anselm’s… extraordinarily gentle gaze.
“…My apologies for arriving late, Anselm, and… Miss Lans.”
She lowered her head slightly, avoiding eye contact with anyone—Anselm had already made her position clear multiple tis.
“Uh, well… it’s fine, I guess.”
Hitana wasn’t sure how to respond.
She hadn’t even considered inviting Mingfuluo, but since it was Anselm’s idea, she wasn’t about to make things awkward for her.
Tugging at her hair, she said: “The food’s only just been prepared… we haven’t started yet.”
As she spoke, she stealthily pinched Anselm’s thigh, frantically signaling him to say sothing.
Why does it feel like I’m the host… no, it’s my birthday, but still! This isn’t my house, ugh… Anselm, say sothing already!
Hitana, completely unaccustod to this atmosphere, was getting anxious, and as her expression started to crack, Anselm finally spoke with a smile: “It’s fine, Hitana’s right. Take a seat, Arlo.”
“…”
The intimate address caused a shift in everyone’s expressions, most notably Flal’s, who barely held back a laugh, and Hitana’s, whose face—free of any negative emotions since waking up that day—froze completely.
The mature Lady Elnilisa’s eyes flickered, her gaze on Mingfuluo carrying a new layer of aning, while Marina’s expression changed the least, leaving her thoughts unreadable.
At that mont, Miss Doll felt like the fragrant roast pig on the nearby grill.
A re greeting from the cunning Hydra had pushed her into a precarious situation.
Mingfuluo took a slight breath, not responding to Anselm, and instead walked to Hitana, head lowered, presenting the gift with both hands.
Her usually indifferent tone was forced into a semblance of humility to dispel the hostility rising in Hitana.
She knew full well she couldn’t ruin this birthday banquet with her usual deanor… which made Anselm’s initial greeting all the more mortifying.
The girl before her, whom she once thought was barely on her level and whom she had repeatedly scorned and mocked as a “beast,” now required her utmost deference.
Humiliation?
Mingfuluo wasn’t swayed by humiliation, but her emotions still stirred, for reasons… she couldn’t quite grasp.
“Miss Lans, this is the gift from Mr. Anselm for you.”
“Gift—!”
Hitana’s voice shot up several octaves, her joyful tone unmistakable, instantly wiping away her earlier stiffness.
She instinctively reached for it but, seeing the petite woman before her and recalling Anselm’s earlier address, felt that awkwardness resurface.
“Anselm… why is your gift with her?” Hitana huffed.
“…Because Anselm entrusted to make it.”
Mingfuluo said softly: “He specifically instructed to make this gift absolutely perfect.”
Absolutely perfect…
In truth, the gift Anselm had asked her to create wasn’t particularly difficult or he wouldn’t have given her just two days.
But Anselm had still visited her alchemy workshop, emphasizing “perfection” with utmost seriousness.
How could Mingfuluo not understand Anselm’s intentions? But what did it matter?
In their countless “clashes” since reuniting, Mingfuluo could always see through Anselm’s plans.
She used to manage so resistance, but after Anselm declared his cold intention to push her into the abyss of rationality, even knowing his plans, she could only follow through, unable to resist.
Step by step, further and further… until now.
Anselm’s almost childlike display of affection toward Hitana, this blatant “retribution”… made her question everything from three years ago even more.
This wasn’t just about being unable to resist—it was about self-doubt.
Only then did Hitana realize the shorty in front of her was an alchemist.
“Oh, I see.”
The reasoning was sound, the words touching, and Mingfuluo’s follow-up, highlighting Anselm’s attitude, instantly swept away Hitana’s displeasure.
She coughed twice for show, feigning composure, but when she reached out, her swift and forceful movent practically snatched the gift from Mingfuluo’s hands, making Elnilisa’s eyes crinkle as she covered her mouth and chuckled.
Clutching the neatly squared box, the impatient Hitana imdiately began to open it.
Her heart raced, her cheeks flushed and the thought of Anselm giving her a perfectly crafted gift made her body soften, urging her to lean toward him.
But as she started, Anselm’s hand gently pressed on hers.
“Not yet, Hitana.”
“Not yet?!”
The puppy-like Miss Hitana was getting frustrated.
His earlier evasiveness had already made her itch with curiosity, and now that the gift was in her hands, he still wouldn’t let her open it—she was tempted to bite him in irritation.
I’m already mad!
“This gift,” Anselm said, squinting with a smile, “isn’t suitable to open now.”
He leaned close to Hitana’s ear and whispered:
“It’s best when it’s just the two of us.”
The warm breath against her ear sent a shiver through her.
His suggestive words and slightly husky voice stirred her heart, replacing her current agitation with a different kind of restless longing.
“W-Well, fine then.”
Hitana clutched the gift box tightly, as if holding the world’s greatest treasure, her voice turning soft and coy.
She glanced at the smiling Hydra couple, her face growing redder, but mustered the courage to lean toward Anselm’s ear and whisper:
“When it’s just us… Anselm, you open it for and um…”
A soft kissing sound~
She, in front of everyone, gently pressed a kiss on Anselm’s cheek.
“Thank you… Anselm.”
The girl’s voice trembled slightly, yet it brimd with sweet happiness: “Thank you for the gift. Even though I don’t know what it is yet… I’m so happy, incredibly happy!”
Elnilisa leaned her head against Flal’s shoulder, her smile so sweet it seed to lt; Flal, with his arm around his wife’s shoulders, was delighted for his son at the sight of the girl’s pure affection; Marina quietly observed Hitana’s profile, her unadulterated joy bringing a relieved smile to her face.
“Wahhh… so touching.”
Nearby, Laurence, who had climbed back onto Tornado, wiped nonexistent tears with his paw: “This is the pure love between a boy and a girl, so wonderful, so wonderful… even without experiencing it, it makes you feel happy just watching, right, Tornado?”
Tornado stroked his chin: “Hmm… I’m quite pleased too, but it seems like one person here… isn’t so happy.”
“Who! Who’s so blind!” Laurence stood up angrily, “Ruining the mood, dragging them out to feed the dogs!”
Tornado couldn’t help but laugh: “You know, despite not being happy at all, they’re still blending into the atmosphere. That takes so serious effort…”
He shook his head with a sigh, though it carried a hint of schadenfreude:
“The young master seems… to hold quite a grudge against her.”
No feelings.
Mingfuluo repeatedly told herself she shouldn’t feel anything.
First, she and Anselm weren’t lovers three years ago, nor are they now; she had no reason to be emotionally affected by Hitana’s intimate actions.
Second, Anselm was obviously doing this on purpose, no need to elaborate.
Third, showing any negative emotions now would be greatly disadvantageous to her.
Under the weight of these three factors, Mingfuluo effectively controlled her outward emotions—an ordinary guest, neither too close nor too distant.
She sat in her assigned seat, chanically picking up her knife and fork, waiting for the birthday girl to speak.
“Since Anselm’s gift has been given, Hitana, you should accept mine and Elnilisa’s gift as well.”
Flal said with a smile, snapping his fingers lightly.
The old butler Saville instantly appeared behind him, holding a tray, and approached the eagerly expectant Hitana.
“Please accept the gift from the master and madam, Miss Hitana.”
Saville bowed slightly, placing the tray before Hitana.
The girl craned her neck with nervous anticipation, but the modestly sized tray held nothing particularly flashy, only a seemingly ordinary emblem.
An emblem of nine frenzied serpents dancing, roaring toward the sky.
“This, this is…”
“This is the Hydra emblem, hmm… how should I put it, it sowhat overlaps with the Contract Heads’ mark.”
Flal said warmly: “Only core mbers recognized by the Hydra family head can possess this emblem. You wouldn’t normally need it, Hitana, since the Contract Heads’ proof is more direct, but Elnilisa and I have placed our gifts within it.”
“A storage device, I suppose. I initially wanted to give you a ring or pendant for convenience, but Elnilisa reminded … the jewelry you wear shouldn’t co from .”
He grinned at the two rings on Hitana’s hand and Hitana, catching on belatedly, blushed as she touched the snake ring symbolizing her Contract Head status, understanding Flal’s aning.
“So, after so thought, this seed the most suitable. Carry it with you or have it embroidered on your clothes—it works either way.”
“As for what it contains, I don’t need to be as secretive as Anselm.”
The man laughed heartily: “Besides the necessary cultivation resources, living expenses, and various materials you might need, there’s a set of clothing with moderate protective effects but indestructible durability.”
He glanced at his son, his tone sowhat helpless : “Per Elnilisa’s suggestion, I originally planned to make you an outfit that, once you reach the fourth tier, would let you slaughter fifth-tier enemies like dogs. But Anselm said you don’t like relying on external items for strength, so we made this set of clothes instead. The design… was chosen by Elnilisa and Arthur together. You’ll definitely love it.”
“This is my gift to you, little Hitana,” Elnilisa said with a beaming smile.
“Make sure to try it on tomorrow and show —it’ll look great on you.”
“Mhm! Thank you, Elnilisa!” Hitana, cheeks flushed, nodded vigorously.
“My gift to you is a key and a protective spell—already imbued in the emblem itself.”
Flal continued leisurely: “Anselm told you need intense combat to advance in your beastly essence. Given your current strength… Finding worthy opponents after reaching the fourth tier won’t be easy. So, that key opens a Zero Point Labyrinth I’ve designated—think of it as a massive arena. There, you should find the inspiration to reach the fifth tier.”
“Fifth tier…”
Hitana’s eyes sparkled: “So, if I advance to the fourth tier and go to the Zero Point… whatever it’s called, I’ll have a chance to reach the fifth tier?”
“For others, I wouldn’t be so sure, but for you, little Hitana…”
Flal stroked his chin, smiling: “It’ll be a piece of cake.”
In short, Flal had paved the way for Hitana to beco a supre powerhouse, destined to be an unstoppable force for Anselm if she followed it.
“And the protective spell—I reforged the emblem. Given your, ahem, sowhat wild fighting style, if sothing happened to you, Anselm would be heartbroken. The spell in the emblem can block any lethal attack. If its ether runs out, just recharge it; it won’t break after one use.”
Flal shrugged: “Unless you’re up against a divine species. If it cos to that, the emblem will overload, ensuring you survive a full-on divine species attack for ten seconds.”
Hitana’s jaw dropped: “A divine species’ full… ten seconds?!”
“Well, ‘full’ doesn’t an their absolute maximum effort—it wouldn’t hold up to that,” Flal chuckled. “But Anselm wouldn’t let you face such a situation alone, and this protective spell will help you then.”
The value of these gifts… needed no explanation.
The Hydra family’s divine heritage was undeniable—they were ant to be this powerful, this flawless.
These were rely birthday gifts.
Yet, while Hitana was stunned by the gifts’ value, her thoughts weren’t entirely focused on that.
Beyond a certain level of value, she couldn’t fully grasp their significance.
What struck her more was… Flal and Elnilisa treated her like family, and Anselm was involved in these gifts.
“Mr. Flal, Elnilisa… thank you!”
“No need to thank us, little Hitana.”
Elnilisa spoke softly: “Just do what you’re capable of, and do it to the best of your ability—that’s more aningful than anything.”
“What I’m capable of…”
Hitana looked at Anselm, who smiled and gently pinned the emblem to her chest.
“Not just for , Hitana.”
The young Hydra said: “Mother ans for you to live your life well.”
“Well, I’m not that selfless or kind.”
Elnilisa covered her mouth, chuckling: “At the very least, little Hitana, you must rember one thing—”
“I’ll always stand by Anselm’s side!”
That resolute, firm, and passionate voice made Mingfuluo’s body tremble slightly.
Such… familiar words.
She instinctively turned to look at the girl who spoke, radiating confidence and joy, utterly convinced of her words.
Hitana Lansmarlos, reveling in her ability to dedicate herself to Anselm.
“No matter what happens, no matter what we face, no matter who it is! Even a divine species… if they’re Anselm’s enemy—”
Hitana swung her fist forcefully, her confident and fierce deanor like a wolf baring its fangs.
Her dark red eyes glead with unwavering, fiery brilliance: “I’ll crush them all, and I won’t let anyone threaten or harm Anselm!”
Once, Mingfuluo had made a similar vow.
But now, watching Hitana’s confident display, she realized sothing—
Even when she had responded to Anselm with similar decisiveness, she lacked the corresponding conviction.
She hadn’t placed Anselm… in such a significant position.
And now, how could Anselm treat her as he did three years ago?
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