Chapter 35: Homecoming Day (2)

Chapter 35: Homecoming Day (2)

The wind blew, carrying the fragrance of blooming white lilies with it. The sweet scent wafted through the garden and gently permeated the mansion through the open windows.

The elegant white mansion stood adorned with vibrant lilies, presenting a picturesque sight.

Amidst this scene, a carriage made its way towards the mansion.

Prominently engraved on the carriage was the lily emblem, representing the Astria family.

"We have arrived," declared the coachman as a man descended from the carriage.

It was Ian Astria, the eldest son of the Astria family.

Stepping out of the carriage, he was greeted by a middle-aged man who emerged from the white mansion.

Every step the middle-aged man took exuded a dignified air. He was Perrian Astria, Rudy's father and the head of the Astria family.

Perrian cast a stern gaze at Ian, yet his words were laced with warmth.

"Son, it has been some time since I last laid eyes on you."

"I apologize, Father. The recent Rebel issues have made it difficult for me to visit the territory," Ian replied.

Perrian offered a faint smile as he regarded his son. Then, gesturing towards the mansion, he suggested, "Let us go inside and have a meal."

The two entered the mansion and engaged in conversation over a meal, discussing recent events.

"By the way, have you heard any news from Rudy?" Ian inquired.

"Well, no news is often considered good news, isn't it?" Perrian responded.

Ian couldn't shake off a peculiar feeling.

No news from Rudy?

The Rudy he knew would have inevitably caused some kind of trouble by now. It seemed odd that there was no news at all.

"Hmm..." Ian pondered.

The Rudy he knew was notorious for his mischievous nature. He would humbly submit to those stronger than him but showed no mercy when exerting power over weaker individuals.

Emotions and fists often took precedence over reason and words for him.

It surprised Ian that such a person hailed from the prestigious Astria Duke family.

The reason for his surprise stemmed from the fact that he knew his father well.

Perrian must have had conversations with the professors at the academy, even if he didn't particularly take an interest in Rudy. To some extent, he should be concerned about his well-being.

Yet, he claimed there was no news, indicating that nothing noteworthy had occurred.

"People undergo transformations when their environment changes, don't they? It's about time for Rudy to mature, huh," Perrian chuckled cheerfully.

However, Ian held a different opinion. He believed that people weren't so easily swayed by circumstances.

"I've received an invitation from the Academy, so I think I'll go and witness it myself."

Ian had also been invited to Homecoming Day. Initially, he hadn't planned on attending due to his busy schedule, but he had decided to make an appearance.

While Rudy lingered in his thoughts, another matter also troubled himAstina Persia, the daughter of the Persia family.

Following the rescue of Princess Rie and the capture of the Rebels, the Persia family's actions had been rather peculiar.

Nobles associated with them were returning to their territories, back to the Persia family's domain. Their intentions were evident to anyone who paid attentionthey sought to change their successor.

Hence, Ian concluded that he needed to meet with Astina.

When she last visited the capital, he was preoccupied with other affairs and couldn't interact with her separately.

Naturally, those around him met Astina and shared their impressions, but he considered those accounts mere hearsay. To truly comprehend the kind of person she was, he had to meet her himself.

If Astina had indeed saved Princess Rie, she would undoubtedly align herself with the Royalists, becoming his adversary.

"Well then, I shall attend to a few other matters," Ian announced.

"Yes, return once more before you depart for the capital," his father replied.

With a farewell to his father, Ian rose from his seat.

---

Raei Translations

---

Meanwhile, in Professor Robert's laboratory...

"...So this time it's pretty garbage, isn't it? Who created this for you?" Robert inquired.

"Luna assisted me. And it's not garbage. It's an authentic spell."

"The magic circle itself appears to be the work of a skilled wizard, but what's the significance of this pattern?" Robert pointed towards the center of the magic circle.

The central symbol of the magic circle caught Robert's attention.

"What kind of spell is this?"

With confidence, I responded to his question. "I brought it because I don't know. What if I use it and something significant happens?"

"Just a student attending the academy. I am a magnanimous professor."

"...You're teaching me, so I'm your student and you're my master, aren't you?"

"Nonsense. It's ten years too early for you to be my student."

What is he even...

Absurd as it may be, there was nothing I could do if he insisted. I decided to leave it at that.

"What is your relationship with Levian?"

To that question, Robert offered a brief reply.

"A master who taught me for a while and a nemesis."

Then he turned the question back to me.

"And what about you?"

"I'm a stranger. I just happen to know someone who has a relationship with him."

Professor Robert scrutinized me, and I met his gaze without flinching.

"So, what do you possess?"

"His grimoire."

Our conversation was brief. On the surface, it seemed like an ordinary exchange, but to me, it felt like a duel of swords.

It seemed like if I gave the wrong answer, I would be struck down.

"One final question."

A small query.

"Whose side are you on?"

I could answer this question without hesitation.

"I am on the side of the survivors."

Survival was my goal.

There was no need to align myself with those destined to perish.

I simply walked in the direction that held the best chance of survival.

Upon hearing my response, Robert let out a sigh.

Then he displayed a serene expression.

"Well, if that's the case......"

Bang!

"Robert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

In the midst of our conversation, someone abruptly burst into the room.

"Huh?"

Professor Robert appeared on the verge of uttering something warm, but his eyes widened upon seeing the unexpected visitor.

It was Professor Mcguire who had stormed into the lab.

His usual composed demeanor had vanished, replaced by a visage distorted by anger.

"How dare you make a hole in my lab?????? You??????"

"Oh, hold on a minute... There was a reason for that."

I gazed at the lingering black pillar, a reminder of the ceiling it had pierced.

Realization struck, and I turned to Robert, my expression filled with shock.

With widened eyes, Robert motioned for me to leave.

"You caused quite a mess last time, and Cromwell let it slide, but now you've made a hole??"

Carefully avoiding Professor Mcguire's attention, I rose from my seat.

"You! Let's settle this with a fight to the death today, you brat!!!!"

Silently, I exited the room.

***

Decided to block most of the dating ads as I go through the ad list... sorry guys no meeting asian singles here.

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