Chapter 92: Winter Vacation (8)

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The following day.

Rie's room was bustling with maids from the morning.

The previous night, Rie had secretly ventured somewhere and upon her return, she instructed her maids,

"I will visit the Astria House tomorrow. Make sure everything is prepared."

Her words had greatly surprised the maids.

It was well-known that Rie and the Astria family were on bad terms.

Although the students at the academy knew that she got along quite well with Rudy, such a rumor had not yet spread to the capital.

Rie, dressed in her finest, walked out.

As she exited the palace gates, a carriage awaited her, and beside it stood knights in full uniform.

"Alright, let's go."

Rie said, and escorted by the knights, she climbed into the carriage.

A carriage with the royal crest etched on it and the knights in uniform signified a formal visit to the Astria household.

Though it was somewhat rude to announce a visit just a day in advance and then arrive with such fanfare, Rie didn't seem to care.

Those around her were puzzled by her actions, but since Rie had decided on this course, they went along, ensuring everything proceeded without a hitch.

After some time passed.

The Astria mansion in the capital.

They were preparing a lavish banquet upon hearing the sudden news of Rie's visit.

In the midst of the chaos, Ian was lost in thought.

"Is she visiting because of Rudy?"

Rie was present when Rudy announced he was returning to the family.

In addition, he had heard rumors that Rie and Rudy were quite close at the academy.

Considering these facts, Ian had somewhat predicted this event to happen.

It was inevitable since they were close to the royal palace in the capital.

Still, imprisoning Rudy in the distant Astria territory, where their father resided, wasn't an option either.

"My Lord Ian,"

Thomas approached, interrupting Ian's thoughts.

"Princess Rie has arrived."

Ian nodded slightly at his words.

"Understood. Let's go greet her."

With that, Ian walked towards the front of the mansion.

There, he saw Rie, who had arrived in a splendid outfit.

Ian approached Rie first and greeted her.

"Princess, welcome to the Astria mansion."

"Ah, Ian Astria. It's good to see you,"

Rie responded with a faint hint of disdain.

Few dared to show such an attitude toward the heir of the Astria House.

Though he was taken aback, Ian suppressed his discomfort.

For now, he was still only the Astria heir.

He could not treat the princess casually.

Not yet, at least.

"Well, shall we go inside?"

Ian spoke, but Rie did not move and tilted her head.

"Where's Rudy?"

"Ah, you are asking about Rudy."

At this, Ian smirked.

"Right now, Rudy is feeling unwell and is resting in bed."

"Ah, is that so?"

Rie responded, feigning ignorance.

She then added,

"In that case, I should at least pay him a visit. Can you guide me?"

A moment of silence followed Rie's request.

She watched Ian closely, keen on observing his reaction.

However, Ian didn't show any signs of being flustered.

"He's contracted a contagious illness. I'm concerned that if you get too close, Your Highness might also fall ill."

Rie frowned at his words.

"So, you're saying I can't even see his face?"

"I apologize. Based on the doctor's advice, even the servants are currently advised against approaching him."

Rie nodded in understanding.

It would be somewhat unreasonable to insist on visiting if the doctor had given such instructions.

She chose to show understanding instead.

"Then, let's proceed inside."

Guided by Ian, Rie entered the mansion and headed towards the dining area.

A lavish feast was spread out in the dining area.

Rie and Ian took their seats and began their meal.

During the meal, Rie was the first to speak.

"Rudy, he's a nice friend."

Ian grimaced at Rie's comment.

Rudy, nice?

What an absurd statement, he thought.

Of course, the Astria family had tried their best to educate Rudy properly.

But despite their efforts, Rudy was still a mess.

Even if he didn't show it at the academy, Ian thought it was only a matter of time.

Nevertheless, he flashed a smile and responded.

"He is of the Astria family, after all."

Ian seemed to agree with Rie, but his tone implied that it was thanks to the Astria family's efforts that Rudy could present himself well.

Rie chuckled at his response.

"Well, receiving good guidance doesn't always equate to absorbing good lessons."

She gave Ian a teasing smile and continued,

"Just like how two people can receive the same education but they might not learn the same lessons."

A vein popped on Ian's forehead at her comment.

It was an implied criticism - 'While Rudy learned well, why haven't you?'

Ian was well aware that his achievements far surpassed Rudy's, a fact recognized by everyone.

Yet, here was Rie, implying that Rudy was superior to him.

Ian was about to retort, but swallowed his words.

Her indirect criticism would only put him in a difficult position if Rie chose to play innocent.

"Well... I am thankful that you think so highly of Rudy."

Ian gritted his teeth and forced a response.

Rie looked at him and giggled.

It was a smile of victory.

"Excuse me, I'll be right back."

Rie excused herself, a polite way of saying she needed to use the restroom.

Leaving her seat, she strolled around the mansion.

A maid followed her, but Rie didn't pay any mind to her.

"Oh, Princess Rie? This is…."

The maid guided Rie to the restroom, but Rie didn't stop there.

She kept walking.

"Princess Rie?"

Rie paused her steps for a moment and scanned her surroundings.

There was no one else around.

Rie looked at the maid with a smile.

"Well, can you tell me where Rudy's room is?"

After intimidating the maid in this manner, Rie began to run.

She was wearing a dress, which made it inconvenient to run, so she held up her skirt to prevent it from touching the ground.

"Is it there?"

After a quick run, she arrived near Rudy's room, pointed out by the maid.

As Rie reached the door, a voice called out from behind her.

"Princess Rie, where are you headed?"

Turning around, she saw Ian.

He greeted her with a knowing smile.

"Let's go back. Didn't I tell you about Rudy's condition earlier?"

Rie gave Ian a fleeting glance before abruptly making her way into Rudy's room.

"Rudy!"

She exclaimed as she pushed the door open.

But what met her eyes was...

"Huh?"

Rudy, soundly sleeping on the bed.

Ian walked up behind Rie, who was blankly staring at Rudy.

"Princess, what are you doing? What if you catch his disease?"

"This is..."

Before Rie could react further, Ian interjected,

"Look, Rudy is asleep. Let's not disturb him. Please, let's go back to the dining area."

Ian grinned knowingly.

The figure of Rudy she saw was an illusion—a magic Ian had prepared in advance.

The individual sleeping there was just a regular maid, temporarily put to sleep.

Ian had altered her appearance using illusion magic.

Ian had showcased this to the staff to make them believe Rudy was resting at home due to illness.

They all believed Rudy was recovering at the mansion.

Rie briefly looked at the illusion of Rudy before exiting the room.

"What made you act so recklessly?"

"Uh…"

Rie frowned deeply, clearly not pleased.

Ian looked content.

It would take at least 10 minutes for someone of Rie's level to realize it was illusion magic.

"Let's go back."

Ian took the lead and guided Rie back to the dining area.

She followed, a hint of frustration evident.

And then, a sly smile graced Rie's lips.

Everything seemed to be going according to plan.

"Professor, Rie has set off."

Luna reported, eyeing the carriage bearing the royal crest.

"Alright, let's get started as well."

Opening his iron suitcase, Professor Mcguire pulled out and tore a scroll.

With that action, a dove enveloped in a bright light appeared.

"Show us where Rudy Astria is."

At his command, the dove slowly ascended, circling in the sky as if beckoning them to follow.

"Let's go, Luna."

"Yes, Professor."

The plan of Luna, Rie, and Professor Mcguire wasn't to confirm whether Rudy was at the Astria manor.

They already knew that Rudy was not in the manor.

The reason Rie went to the Astria mansion was to lure Ian into complacency.

They aimed to make it appear as if even those close to Rudy still weren't aware of his whereabouts.

That's why she headed to the mansion.

But in truth, they had a general idea of where Rudy was.

While they didn't know his exact location, they were certain he wasn't at the Astria mansion.

Among the various magical tools in Professor Mcguire's possession, several could locate a person.

This included the dove they just utilized, and other tools that could confirm the direction of the person sought.

So, the moment they arrived in the capital, they knew Rudy wasn't at the Astria mansion.

While they had a rough idea of Rudy's location, there was a problem.

There was a risk that Ian might find out they were trying to rescue Rudy.

Even with Professor Mcguire with her, a direct confrontation with Ian wasn't an option.

Even if Mcguire were to truly engage in battle, there was no guarantee of victory over Ian, and any fight would assuredly result in heavy losses.

They orchestrated a plan where Rie would divert Ian's attention, while Luna and Professor Mcguire would rescue Rudy.

If Rie officially visited the Astria family in the royal carriage, Ian couldn't casually leave his position.

And there, while Rie was pretending to be ignorant of Rudy's whereabouts.

They'd use the opportunity to rescue Rudy.

It was a diversionary tactic.

"Luna, this way."

"Yes, Professor!"

With that, Luna and Professor Mcguire sprinted towards where Rudy was.

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