Chapter 89: How to Skip a Test Legally (2)
This was unexpected good news.
That Astrid would willingly volunteer to return to the North was beyond Astein’s predictions.
Having finished his communication with Veracien, Astein brushed his lips thoughtfully, managing his expression.
“The opportunity came sooner than I thought… Good thing she’s just an overzealous gorilla with a knack for action.”
Things were about to become much simpler. Leopold was still at the academy, as were the instructors, though neither the inexperienced Crown Prince nor the oblivious staff had noticed the web Astein was quietly weaving around the academy. Soon, however, it would be complete.
He had been biding his time, carefully calibrating the moment. Large-scale disruptions always carried risks, and Astein had been brainstorming ways to increase his odds of success.
“She’s heading to the North herself… And with Baizik, no less…”
Good news, indeed. Astein could barely contain his satisfaction as everything fell neatly into place.
Astrid von Miterien.
One of the Empire’s Crown Princess candidates. Unprecedentedly blessed with two divine gifts: Divine Power and Divine Arms, the perfect combination. She was among the Empire’s strongest warriors.
And now, such a woman was heading into danger of her own accord. How could he refuse this golden opportunity?
Astein picked up a pen and began writing swiftly on the paper before him. This letter outlined his next steps, serving as instructions to his subordinates.
He wrote two additional letters: one for Veracien and another for Akemilla.
Once the three letters were complete, Astein bundled them together and burned them over a candle.
Even as the flames consumed the paper, the messages would reach their intended recipients. Such was the power of his magic.
“Astrid’s heading to the North…”
Akemilla stared at the letter before tossing it into the fire.
The partially burned scraps fluttered to the ground, but she paid them no mind.
Ever since Astrid had humiliated her, Akemilla had fled in disgrace, avoiding Astrid’s presence for quite some time.
For someone as prideful as Akemilla, accepting that humiliation was nearly impossible.
She had spent every waking moment plotting revenge, determined to crush that arrogant face of Astrid’s.
The memories of that day were tormenting.
But now, it was almost over. The letter had provided her with a plan—words from a “distinguished figure” indicating that the time had come.
Astrid’s absence was all she needed. Without Astrid, seducing Leopold would be easy.
The Uraid Trading Company’s vast wealth made anything possible, rivaling even the Imperial treasury.
“Good, good…”
Akemilla pondered her next move. If she wanted to inflict maximum pain on Astrid, stealing Leopold was the ultimate revenge.
Astrid clearly harbored feelings for him, but Leopold seemed indifferent to her. His behavior around her made that obvious.
That made things simple. All Akemilla needed to do was seduce Leopold by any means necessary and make him hers.
That alone would suffice to shatter Astrid.
Akemilla smiled slyly at the thought.
“Three birds with one stone—this is perfection.”
1-She would seduce Leopold and become the Crown Princess, eventually ascending to Empress.
2-With her newfound power, the Uraid Trading Company would dominate the continent.
3-She would relish the sight of Astrid’s proud face twisted in despair.
Just imagining it sent shivers of delight through her.
“Meeting him was the best decision I’ve ever made…”
At last, Akemilla felt she could wash away the humiliation of the past. While the plan wasn’t complete yet, its success seemed inevitable. To her, the outcome was as good as certain.
“Haha…”
Feeling elated, Akemilla changed into a light dress, leaving her loungewear behind.
It was Friday afternoon, and classes had ended. With her spirits soaring, she decided to head into the bustling city for some fun.
***
“Oh my, Astrid.”
On her way out, Akemilla unexpectedly ran into Astrid. With a casual wave and a feigned smile, she greeted her.
She hadn’t anticipated crossing paths with Astrid, but it hardly mattered. Leopold was standing right next to her, along with that large man—presumably her brother—and Violet clinging by his side.
None of them were of concern to Akemilla. Aside from Leopold, they were all beneath her.
Astrid, however, seemed less than thrilled by the encounter.
“…So, Akem…”
Forgetting someone’s name, though, was an insult that even Akemilla couldn’t overlook.
“It’s Akemilla. We’ve spent plenty of time together—how could you forget my name? That’s rude.”
Her forced smile made it clear she was holding back her irritation. Forgetting her name? That was no minor slight.
“My apologies, Cadet Akemilla. But what can I say? Your name is simply too complicated.”
It was a common complaint, and even Akemilla knew her name was a bit unwieldy. Still, coming from a ducal lady, it stung.
In truth, Astrid had no fondness for this encounter, either.
After Akemilla had visited her home spouting nonsense, Astrid thought she’d taught her a firm lesson.
Since Akemilla hadn’t shown up afterward, Astrid assumed the matter was resolved.
Clearly, she was mistaken. Akemilla was smiling brightly, seemingly unbothered, but Astrid could tell she didn’t care in the slightest.
【That arrogant wench… How dare she?】
A grating noise echoed in Astrid’s mind as the fake Astrid ground her imaginary teeth.
“Are you leaving tomorrow morning?”
“Excuse me?”
“I heard you’re heading to the North early tomorrow. Oh dear, was that supposed to be a secret?”
Leopold’s fingers twitched slightly, though his expression remained calm.
“Ashray, I must apologize for the delayed introduction. This is Cadet Akemilla Uraid, of the Uraid Trading Company. Cadet Akemilla, this is Ashray, the second son of the Miterien family and Astrid’s younger brother.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Lady Uraid.”
Though Ashray wasn’t a noble, attaching “Lady” to her title was a prudent gesture to avoid any unnecessary trouble.
“How gallant you are, Ashray.”
Noticing his lack of the “von” title, Akemilla deduced he wasn’t a legitimate heir and refrained from using a formal title for him.
“Well, introductions are done. Let’s meet again another time.”
Having no further interest in the group, Akemilla strode off, eager to indulge in the city’s distractions.
“Farewell, then. Until next time.”
Leopold silently watched her retreating figure as she disappeared into the distance.
How did Akemilla know they were leaving tomorrow morning?
Even if rumors had spread, how did she learn the exact time?
Where had she heard it from?
The most likely source was Eranya, but Leopold doubted they had much connection. Did she have another informant?
A seed of suspicion began to grow in Leopold’s mind regarding Akemilla.
What was happening within the academy? And with strange events unfolding in the North as well, Leopold felt uneasy.
And now, with Astrid heading beyond his reach, the whole situation was deeply unsettling.
“So, Sister, where to now?”
“Well… I suppose I should start packing if we’re leaving in the morning.”
Why did it have to be tomorrow, of all days?
“Everyone, head back and prepare. Cadet Violet, please escort Ashray and help him settle in. Astrid.”
Leopold turned his gaze toward her.
“Yes?”
Startled by being called so suddenly, Astrid stared back at Leopold.
“…Stay behind for a moment.”