Chapter 220: Astria (12)

Chapter 220: Astria (12)

TL/Editor: Raei

Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri

Illustrations: Posted in discord.

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Everyone has their Achilles' heel.

It could be a weakness or perhaps a trauma.

For Yurik Astria, it was people.

Yurik couldnt trust people.

It hadnt always been that way.

When he was younger

No, until the competition for succession, he was more trusting of people than anyone else.

He trusted Perrian, his brother competing for the succession, and the nobles around him.

Even when warned that politics was a mire to be wary of, Yurik couldnt understand.

It didnt seem to apply to those around him.

Yurik simply focused on honing his skills.

He thought that a capable person could stay out of politics.

He believed he could act in politics as he did within his family.

But it was not so.

It was all an act.

Perrian, who seemed kind and good-natured.

Perrian habitually told Yurik not to behave like other families or predecessors, but to compete fairly on merit.

However, as the time for deciding the successor approached, Perrian completely changed his attitude.

The primary criterion for deciding a successor was the support of the nobility.

One needed the support of the numerous families under the Astria banner.

And when the support was evenly split, other factors would be considered.

Yurik never got to that stage.

The families that had promised to support him all sided with Perrian.

They were nobles who clung to Perrian and only offered sweet words to Yurik.

Theres no process in competition, only the result remains.

With those words from Perrian, Yurik was ousted from the family.

He had nowhere to appeal his injustice.

Even the few nobles who had supported him to the end merely pitied Yurik for being deceived.

After being expelled from the family, Yurik immediately shaved his head.

He couldnt bear to see the hair that connected him to that filthy and vile family.

Thus, Yurik severed his ties with Astria.

Is Yurik here?

At that moment, a man entered Yurik's mansion.

Its been a while. Count Mayer.

It was Owen Mayer, Karens father and the head of the Mayer family.

Just call me Owen, like old times.

The two had been friends since before the Mayer family came under the Astria family.

The Mayer family's entry into the Astria family came after Yurik was expelled.

That decision was made by Owens father, the previous Count Mayer.CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m

However, Count Mayer felt a sense of responsibility for being under the family that had ousted his friend Yurik.

Even if it was a necessary decision for the survival of his family, he couldnt bring himself to face Yurik.

Has it been 10 years since we last met like this personally?

Count Mayer said, reminiscing about the past.

Havent we seen each other a few times at balls?

That was just passing by and seeing each others faces. We never really talked properly.

Yurik chuckled at Count Mayers words.

So, what brings you here after over 10 years?

I just thought of my friend and decided to visit.

Is it because of Rudy Astria?

Yuriks expression hardened suddenly.

He couldnt trust people.

Not even a friend he hadnt seen in a long time.

It seems so.

Count Mayer didnt have a reason to come otherwise.

The Astria family was in a busy period.

"Cough..."

I choked on my food but managed to keep it in my mouth.

"Did you hear about it?"

My actions at the ball had spread quickly across the capital.

My attempt to seek help from my uncle.

But the part that seemed to anger Rie wasnt the contact with my uncle.

It was more about why I quietly went with Luna.

That I didn't tell her about it.

It seemed like that was what she was implying.

"Do you think I only know rumors?"

Her words pricked my conscience.

Dancing with Luna in the garden late at night.

Could she possibly know about that?

With Ries resources, it was entirely possible.

"Haah... What I'm angry about isnt that you went with Luna."

Rie glared straight at me.

"It's that you tried to hide it."

"I'm sorry."

Rie sighed at my response.

"What am I going to do with our womanizing husband"

"I'm not a womanizer."

As I defended myself, Rie flinched and looked at me.

Then, she soon broke into a grin.

"Why?"

"You didnt deny being called a husband?"

"I'm not your husband yet."

Rie smiled happily.

"Not yet, huh. You could just call yourself my husband. No need to be shy."

"You should be the one feeling shy."

Rie got up from her seat with a coy smile.

"I'd like to stay longer with my husband, but I'm busy and have to go."

"Why dont you eat something first?"

"No, it's okay. I usually skip breakfast. And I need to get back quickly."

I looked puzzled at her words.

"So, you came here just to say that?"

"Of course. Keeping an eye on the husband is important, especially in the beginning."

"We're not even newlyweds"

Rie smiled at my words and waved her hand.

"Anyway, don't try to hide anything from me. I know everything."

"Understood"

Rie then walked towards the door.

Just as she was about to leave through the door, Rie turned her head to look at me.

Shouldn't a husband give a kiss when his wife leaves for work?

Just go.

Rie smiled playfully at my response and left through the door.

After Rie had gone.

Just when I was about to have a proper meal.

Young master Rudy!

A maid burst in through the door.

Please open the door gently.

I frowned, feeling like I couldnt have a proper meal today.

Its... A letter has arrived! From Yurik Astria!

My eyes widened at her words.

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