Volume 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 equipment 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.

Flamel, 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 enhancement, strength amplification... making Flamel’s expression turn subtle.

Better take Elni out tonight.

It’s about time—the Callers’ Bloom in the Lost Sea’s depths should be flowering.

Flamel 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 Flamel had been tamed 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 sentimental Hydra sighed to his son: “Hurry and find a lover who makes your life vibrant.”

“Love is a remarkable thing.” The handsome 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 movements paused. He looked up, eyes narrowing at his father.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Flamel 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 someone 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.

Flamel, unbothered by Anselm’s reaction, chuckled: “Love comes 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 means Hitana’s love can’t reach that aspect.”

Flamel 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 become what I want. She’s perfect as she is.”

“That’s why I said find another,” Flamel 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.”

Flamel 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 mean. In terms of love, finding someone who resonates with me… vibrant, heh, for us, a life with something 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?”

Flamel 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.” Flamel 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 something 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.

Flamel’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…”

Flamel’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 Flamel continued on his own: “You said there’s no such woman in this world, and I used to think you’d probably never meet one. But now… that, uh… Mingfuluo? Yes, that’s her. Doesn’t she seem quite suitable? The Data System, that’s something extraordinary. Though she said the idea came 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 me for a favor. And most importantly, her ideals… I think she definitely—”

“Father.”

Anselm cut Flamel 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.”

Flamel froze for two seconds, then his lips stretched into a grin that nearly reached his ears, unable to contain his exaggerated amusement: “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,” Flamel said with a radiant smile. “It’s the honest truth.”

“Because your mother is the most perfect woman in the world. Whether it’s attachment or ideals, her love fulfills everything I need. Naturally, I don’t need to love anyone else.”

The response was somewhat irrefutable.

Anselm pondered for a moment 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 comes 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 Flamel had said, needed some kind of “pursuit” to anchor themselves, much like how the Empress controlled the Empire.

And what Flamel 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.

Flamel 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 time, the mature Hydra lady and the youthful, tall girl glanced back multiple times—the former with a generous and gentle gaze, the latter with shy and evasive expressions.

“Alright.” Flamel 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.”

Flamel 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 Flamel 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 me, is it?”

Then, as if realizing her tone might have sounded off, she squirmed 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 demeanor.

“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 some resentment.

However, seeing Mingfuluo in person had softened her grudge a bit—after all, she had mocked Mingfuluo’s appearance in return, which she considered somewhat evening the score.

So, regarding Mingfuluo… while Hitana wasn’t outright rejecting her, she hadn’t exactly planned to welcome her either.

She couldn’t quite figure out why Anselm had invited her.

Meanwhile, 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 meat 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! Women fighting is always a spectacle! Back in the day, I loved watching women fight over the boss! Now I get to see women 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 come 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? Something 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, Flamel 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 times.

“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 something.

Why does it feel like I’m the host… no, it’s my birthday, but still! This isn’t my house, ugh… Anselm, say something already!

Hitana, completely unaccustomed 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 Flamel’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 meaning, while Marina’s expression changed the least, leaving her thoughts unreadable.

At that moment, Miss Doll felt like the fragrant roast pig on the nearby grill.

A mere 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 demeanor… 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 me to make it.”

Mingfuluo said softly: “He specifically instructed me 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 some 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 movement 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 immediately 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 me 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 brimmed 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 Flamel’s shoulder, her smile so sweet it seemed to melt; Flamel, 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 some 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, mechanically 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.”

Flamel 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 somewhat overlaps with the Contract Heads’ mark.”

Flamel said warmly: “Only core members 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 me… the jewelry you wear shouldn’t come from me.”

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 Flamel’s meaning.

“So, after some thought, this seemed 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 somewhat 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 me—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.”

Flamel continued leisurely: “Anselm told me 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…”

Flamel stroked his chin, smiling: “It’ll be a piece of cake.”

In short, Flamel had paved the way for Hitana to become a supreme powerhouse, destined to be an unstoppable force for Anselm if she followed it.

“And the protective spell—I reforged the emblem. Given your, ahem, somewhat wild fighting style, if something 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.”

Flamel shrugged: “Unless you’re up against a divine species. If it comes 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 mean their absolute maximum effort—it wouldn’t hold up to that,” Flamel 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 meant to be this powerful, this flawless.

These were merely 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… Flamel and Elnilisa treated her like family, and Anselm was involved in these gifts.

“Mr. Flamel, 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 meaningful than anything.”

“What I’m capable of…”

Hitana looked at Anselm, who smiled and gently pinned the emblem to her chest.

“Not just for me, Hitana.”

The young Hydra said: “Mother means 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 remember 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 demeanor like a wolf baring its fangs.

Her dark red eyes gleamed 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 something—

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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