Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 86

Chapter 86: Chapter 85- Change in plans

[Meet me as soon as you can.

—Father.]

There were only seven words in the letter sent to Austin. For these seven words, he sent the mail through teleportation.

Naturally, being called by the King of the nation on such an urgent basis would make anyone panic. However, the first thing Valerie uttered after reading the letter was,

“It might be sent by someone else.” She held conviction in her voice. The only reason she refrained from calling the name of the person was because Austin had told her not to speak about Aiden in front of Sebastian.

“Why do you say so, young lady?” Sebastian asked.

The trio sat in Austin’s office, where they were discussing the letter.

“I mean, what would he need from Austin all of a sudden? In my opinion, it’s a trap.” Valerie looked certain.

However, “The handwriting is his, Val.” Austin knows it since Cedric was the only one who helped Austin improve his handwriting in the past. The data organization or other related work Austin received regularly was sent by his father, too.

Austin took out the previous requests sent from the capital before showing them to Valerie, “Here, see this. It’s Father who sent this data sheet.”

Valerie, with her brows drawn closer, inspected the two parchments, and surely, the strokes of the letters and the peculiar way of writing ‘Y’ and a few other letters were the same.

Sebastian was shocked, as he asked, “You knew that it was your Father who used to send the work?”

Austin nodded, “And I also know that he always checks my work by himself too.”

Sebastian felt a sense of relief spreading in his chest, upon hearing that. At least, the young master wouldn’t think that his father had completely neglected him.

However, this wasn’t the time to feel happy. The grey-haired butler suggested, “I think we should visit for the Capital, sir.”

Austin heaved a sigh, “And how can you be so sure that Father wasn’t threatened to write this letter?”

Valerie also turned to look at the oldest one, with a questioning look on her face.

Without thinking even for a moment, the man responded, “Threatening the King means my brother is dead. And if he dies, I would have instantly known.”

Austin was taken aback by that statement. He knew that Sebastian’s younger brother was currently serving the king, but…how could his death be known by the man?

Austin decided to worry about that later, “Since you seem so certain about it, I will trust your words.” Austin spoke before standing up.

Taking the letter from Valerie he helped the lady to get up before telling her, “Val, we need to leave. Go and pack your bag, and meet me at the back side gate in half an hour.”

Valerie’s heart was restless, but her experience didn’t allow her to waste another moment before she nodded and walked out of the room.

Austin turned towards the butler before uttering, “I want you to write a letter to the headmaster, which he should receive tomorrow morning, so no one knows that we left tonight.”

“Understood, sir.”

Austin walked out of the office, leaving Sebastian behind before making his way to his room.

Something major must have happened for Cedric to suddenly call him back home.

Did he discover the culprit behind his deteriorating health? Or maybe he was making some aggressive decision against Drenovar?

‘I hope none of the two to be the case since Aiden would manipulate both situations for his benefit.’

Now, he could only hope that until he reaches Eryndor, his father remains alive and doesn’t take any violent steps that could lead to Eryndor’s demise.

Reaching his room, he took his traveling bag and stuffed a few clothes, while the other necessary things were dumped inside his Inventory.

‘I just hope that the bastard doesn’t end up ruining everything beyond repair.’

———–**———–

As planned, everyone gathered at the back gate of the academy while wearing a cloak to hide themselves from unnecessary attention.

“Young master, I have already arranged three horses at the back. We should leave now.” Sebastian spoke as he took the bag of his master.

Austin nodded before he took the bag from Valerie and told her, “Wait here,” Saying so, he jumped over the wall, and landed on the wet soil.

The temperature was quite low and the dew had moistened the soil.

He looked around to find any teacher patrolling the perimeter, but thankfully, there were none.

He didn’t pick up any presence so he called out, “Come.”

Valerie and Sebastian jumped over the wall, landing in silence before they headed towards the horses.

“Where did you get them from?” Valerie asked, seeing the one-horned horses grazing nearby.

“I have a few connections with the people inside and outside of the academy.” Sebastia responded before he turned towards his Lord and asked, “Young Master, are we taking any break?”

Austin shook his head, “No, right straight to Capital. Even if we get separated, don’t stop. If it’s an emergency light the torch. If not, just reach the Capital by tomorrow evening.”

The other two nodded in understanding.

Austin helped Valerie to climb the horse before he climbed as well.

“Okay then, let’s go.”

———-**———-

Far away, the land situated by the water could be seen currently illuminated by several night lights.

Towering palaces of polished stone and intricate carvings rise above the city, their golden domes gleaming under the moon.

Wide streets, paved with smooth tiles, are lined with grand buildings, bustling markets, and fountains flowing with clear water.

The golden palace of Drenovar stood proudly in the heart of the capital. Its bronze gates open to a courtyard with flowing fountains and lush gardens. Inside, tall pillars with intricate carvings support vast halls lined with silk banners.

Inside the palace, there were several guards lined up in the gallery as a certain man walked hastily.

Panic was written over his face as the black-haired man finally reached his destination and pushed open the door.

“So as-.” The person to whom the office belonged paused mid-sentence as he turned to look at the man who suddenly entered.

“Gentlemen, let’s talk after a small break.” The red-haired individual spoke before the two guests walked out of the room.

The black-haired stepped forward and uttered, “Brother, grandfather’s situation has worsened. He fainted just half an hour ago. And this was the third time today already.”

The first Prince of Drenovar, Hazir, sighed, upon hearing his younger brother’s words. Their grandfather has been sick for some time now and they couldn’t find any cure to his illness.

“What did the soothsayer say?”

The younger one, with his face darkened, added, “The same thing; the savior is about to arrive.”

Hazir shook his head, “Nothing will happen unless we do something.” The soothsayer has been repeating the same thing for like ever now; however, until now, they haven’t received anything from anyone regarding the illness.

Since they couldn’t let the world know about the Pillar of Drenovar falling, they only asked for help from close allies. However, none of them had any clue of the illness he was suffering from.

“Then what should we do, brother?” The younger brother, Tavrin asked.

Hazir heaved a sigh before telling him, “I think we need to discuss the plan of invasion.”

Tavrin frowned, “But the troops are prepared…everything has already been planned.”

Hazir nodded, “I know but we need to use our resources in finding the cure first.”

The younger one lowered his head, “As you say, brother.”

Unbeknownst to Austin, Eryndor was saved from its possible demise by this decision.