Chapter 209: Astria (1)

Chapter 209: Astria (1)

TL/Editor: Raei

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I had finished packing all my belongings and was ready to head to the capital.

There had been brief departures from the academy before, but preparing to leave for good brought on a wave of new emotions.

There was no place as comfortable as here...

I was surrounded by familiar people, and my actions were free.

Now, outside the academy, I would have to be cautious with every move.

A single misstep could lead to unforeseen trouble.

At the academy, the Astria name made actions easier, but in the capital, my name might become a hindrance.

Being the center of attention only added to this.

Early in the morning.

I picked up my luggage and stepped outside.

I planned to leave without delay since I had to depart anyway.

It was so early that only the chirping of birds could be heard, and no one was in sight.

Yet, the fresh breeze was uplifting.

"Rudy, is that you?"

Then, a coachman in the distance approached me.

"Yes, it's me."

"I'll take your luggage."

The coachman quickly ran over, taking the bags from my hand and loading them onto the carriage.

Perhaps he recognized my name, or maybe it was just the briskness of a coachman from the capital.

After loading my bags, the coachman looked at me.

"Shall we depart immediately, or is there somewhere you'd like to stop by first?"

I glanced briefly at the academy.

I contemplated visiting Robert or Cromwell one last time, but then shook my head.

It was doubtful they'd be at work at this time, and without anything specific to say, there seemed no point in stopping by.

"Let's go now."

I spoke briefly and boarded the carriage.

The inside of the carriage was comfortable.

Renting an expensive carriage meant plush seats and a space comfortable enough to rest.

The front window of the carriage opened, and the coachman peeked in.

"It'll be a long ride, so feel free to sleep. The carriage is enchanted with vibration control magic for a comfortable rest."

"Ah, okay."

"Then, we'll be departing now."Ne/w novel chapters are published on no/vel(/bin(.)co/m

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Raei Translations

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Time passed, and I slowly stirred from my stiffness.

It felt like a significant amount of time had passed, yet we had not yet arrived at the capital.

Despite the carriage being as comfortable as possible, the confined space had left my body feeling cramped.

I moved slightly to ease the stiffness and then slumped back into the seat.

"I should have taken out a few books."

Once I had loosened up, I realized there was nothing much to do.

Since I had packed the books separately, I would need to stop the carriage to get them out.

Not knowing exactly where we were, and considering that stopping the carriage would only delay our arrival, I decided against it.

I looked towards the window the coachman had opened earlier.

With a soft clatter,

"Ah, you're awake?"

As I opened the window, the coachman addressed me.

For them to consider supporting me, an outsider? It was good news but felt a bit odd.

"Are you sure about this information?"

"Yes, sir! I heard it myself... So then..."

I maintained my smile.

"Lets settle it once we arrive."

"Th-thank you."

Though the information was somewhat ambiguous, it gave me something to ponder.

The Mayer family...

As I contemplated, a doubt arose.

Could they have been acquainted with the original Rudy Astria?

Even if the original Rudy Astria behaved recklessly, he might have had close connections.

Could I possibly benefit from the original Rudy Astria's relationships?

While this thought brought some reassurance, it also stirred unease within me.

After all, the family members knew me as the original Rudy.

If my changed demeanor became too apparent, I wondered how they would react.

"Ah, we're almost there."

As I mulled over these thoughts, the capital came into view.

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Raei Translations

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Upon arriving at the capital, I headed straight to the Astria mansion.

As the carriage entered the grounds of the Astria estate, I was greeted by an unwelcome scene.

Ian Astria was standing at the front of the mansion, flanked by several nobles.

It almost felt like they had come out to welcome me.

I had informed them of my arrival time in advance, but I didn't expect them to be waiting like this.

I thought they would just be preparing lunch or something.

Besides, wasn't Ian supposed to be busy?

I heard he secured the position of commander in the Royal army, so seeing him idly at the mansion was exasperating.

It was already lunchtime, and the thought of dining with him made me worry about losing my appetite.

The carriage came to a stop inside the mansion, and I stepped out.

"Rudy, its been a while."

Ian greeted me as I disembarked from the carriage.

"Yes, it has been a long time, brother."

As I returned the greeting, the nobles beside him chuckled.

"It's nice to see siblings getting along so well!"

"Indeed. So many families have discord among siblings, but it's perhaps for this reason that the Astria family continues its legacy!"

I frowned at the nobles' remarks.

What have we done to be considered close?

Is a simple greeting all it takes to be seen as having a good relationship?

Seeing them interpret such basic interaction as flattery was baffling.

The coachman who accompanied me probably could have flattered better.

"Well then, Rudy, lets go inside for a meal," Ian suggested.

I nodded in agreement.

"Yes, that sounds good."

I followed Ian into the mansion.

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