A Daughter Definitely Trusts Her Father - II

"..."

Ronger was visibly taken aback by this revelation, unable to utter a word for a few seconds before she finally regained her composure, realizing with a start, "Is she... an alchemical puppet you've crafted?"

Ansel's response was a smile, which Ronger took as an affirmation.

This understanding allowed her to breathe a sigh of relief, her heart, which had momentarily stopped, now rapidly beating again. 

The notion of creators viewing their creations as a form of "offspring" is not unusual, and if Helen was indeed a puppet created by Ansel, referring to her as his daughter seemed fitting, yet...

Was she truly an alchemical puppet?

The face hidden beneath the black veil was indistinct, yet Ronger felt an inexplicable sense of déjà vu.

"Would you like to touch her?" Ansel suddenly offered, extending the hand of "Miss Helen" to the dignified lady before him.

"... What?"

 Ronger was momentarily confused.