https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-312-No-One-Understands-Love-Better-Than-Lanchi/12584440/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-314-Lanchi-and-Xide-Look-Like-Delinquents/12584444/
Chapter 313: The Impostor of Principal Lanchi
Chapter 313: The Impostor of Principal Lanchi
The carriage from the Viscount's mansion made its way through the undulating roads of the city-state.
In the distance, the spire of a cathedral pierced the quiet afternoon, its towering clock slowly ticking away, chiming softly to mark the passage of time for the citizens.
Farther away, the mountains outside the city-state reached for the sky, their massive, ice-sculpted peaks bathed in the afternoon sun, glowing with a soft golden hue as if they were the guardians of the land, silently watching over it.
After less than half an hour of traveling, they were approaching their destination—the Viscount's mansion.
The butler had informed them that, as friends of Shia, they would be provided with guest rooms in the mansion, so they didn't need to look for an inn in Kingston City.
Currently, there was an additional presence in the carriage—a small black cat that seemed to be playing a game of hide-and-seek on Lanchi's shoulders and back.
Despite the cat's constant scurrying, Lanchi gazed out the window, lost in thought.
The journey to the northern regions had begun smoothly.
The primary objective was to investigate the special killing squads of the Demon King's army near the northern border province.
Only by uncovering substantial information could they possibly stop the ticking time bomb that was threatening Miss Duke Crolis.
This was a commission from Crolis, as well as an agreement—as long as they protected her, the Duke's family would lend their support to Lanchi, which would be crucial for her advancement within the Empire.
Currently, her position as the acting principal of the Proteros Royal Magic Academy was already an impressive achievement, but it wasn't enough to make a significant impact on Hyperian.
The position itself didn't offer much help for her journey through the Empire, nor did it allow her to have a more enjoyable and comfortable time.
She still needed to strive harder and make sure she was in the most prominent place when Crolis returned.
And now, a lead had presented itself—there was another investigation team that had left for the north ahead of them, and neither she nor Crolis knew what this team was investigating.
This piece of intelligence was currently only known by several lords in the Snowfield Province, and due to its significance, they wouldn't divulge it unless it was to someone very close to them.
Although Lanchi had a few lord options, each with their own methods of extracting information, the closest one at hand was Viscount Raven Kingston.
As Lanchi's thoughts wandered, the carriage slowly made its way through the heart of the city-state, navigating the intricate cobblestone alleys until it reached the outskirts of the Viscount's mansion.
A massive iron gate, adorned with bronze eagle head patterns on both sides, stood tall. Ivy, resilient against the wind and snow, climbed the walls, displaying the tenacity of life even in the cold winter days.
The carriage came to a halt, and as the three passengers alighted, the butler was already waiting for them at the entrance.
He nodded to them and bowed slightly, gesturing for them to enter.
Passing through the garden, their eyes were drawn to the majestic manor ahead. The deep gray stone walls were dusted with snow, and several large floor-to-ceiling windows were crafted from thick, carved wood. Through the glass, one could faintly make out the dark brown interior decor.
The butler opened a pair of intricately carved double doors, revealing a spacious hall beyond. The floor was laid with intricate mosaic tiles, and the walls were adorned with landscape and portrait oil paintings. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting light across the room and onto the classical-style woven carpet below.
Led by the butler, the three guests took their seats on a sofa, awaiting the arrival of the Viscount and his daughter.
Deep red curtains hung almost to the ground, and at intervals, golden candelabras stood, their flickering candles emitting a soft glow. A large fireplace in the center blazed warmly, filling the hall with a cozy ambiance.
"Please wait a moment while the Viscount and his daughter make their way here."
The butler signaled for the servants to attend to their guests and, with another bow, took his leave.
Silence filled the grand hall for a time.
The wide sofa they sat on had golden trim, and the cushions were embroidered with the Kingston family crest—a golden shield adorned with emeralds and rubies, along with the family motto. Several low tables made of dark wood were arranged in front of them, bearing exquisite porcelain and silverware.
After seating themselves, Lanchi and Shia remained quietly seated, while Sid began to leisurely sip his tea.
"Who exactly is this esteemed guest? You're the future son-in-law of Viscount Raven Kingston, and at the very least, a count's young master."
She spoke with a hint of curiosity.
"It's still uncertain whether Miss Lilys will agree to the engagement," Shia quickly replied.
It was said that Viscount Raven Kingston remained loyal to his late wife and had not remarried for many years. Lilys was his only child, and to him, Shia was undoubtedly a prospective son-in-law he favored. However, if Lilys disapproved, the Viscount would not force the issue.
"The red thread cuts through the secrets of reincarnation. With me here, as long as they are fated, they will not miss each other," Lanchi said softly as she stroked Boss Cat's spine.
Boss Cat shuddered at her touch.
Anyone else saying those words would have moved it deeply.
But when Lanchi spoke, it dared not move.
A few more minutes passed.
Footsteps could be heard from above the parlor, accompanied by voices. Five figures descended the hanging, spiraling staircase.
Three older men led the way, followed by a young man and woman walking silently behind them.
"My apologies, Blake, but I have other guests to attend to today," said the host, Viscount Raven Kingston, his face bearing a troubled expression as if he wanted to send off the middle-aged nobleman beside him.
Today's guest was actually the lord of the neighboring city-state, Bonn City, Viscount Blake Bonn.
"A descendant of the Candice family? Then I suppose I should meet them as well?"
Viscount Blake Bonn, the middle-aged nobleman beside Viscount Raven Kingston, stroked the ring on his little finger and smiled faintly.
Beside them stood a man in a dark suit, looking to be in his thirties. Even without saying a word, he exuded an aura of dignity and nobility.
As for the young lady who gradually came into view, following behind Viscount Raven Kingston, she wore a light-colored dress, like an ice sculpture slowly coming to life as she descended the stairs. In an instant, she captured the attention of Shia, who was seated in the parlor below.
Her orange-red hair and azure eyes were just as Shia and Lanchi Xide had described, a stunning sight that seemed to dance with the light.
However, Miss Lilys only briefly glanced at Shia before shifting her gaze away, as if she hadn't recognized him or had long forgotten their brief encounter in the imperial capital, Helrom, years ago.
"..."
Viscount Raven Kingston seemed to notice Shia and his daughter's attitude and could only offer a brief apologetic glance before resuming his conversation with the man beside him.
"Under the guidance of Professor Machy, my son has made rapid progress. If we could invite Miss Lilys to Bonn City to study under Professor Machy as well, it would be of decisive benefit for the future competition at Proteros Royal Magic Academy."
Viscount Blake Bonn, stroking his ring, smiled as he spoke.
"This..."
Viscount Raven Kingston's expression became conflicted.
He didn't want to get too entangled with Viscount Blake Bonn in this regard.
The other party had expressed their desire for Miss Lilys to marry into their family on multiple occasions, and Viscount Raven Kingston had always evaded the topic.
But this time, it seemed that Viscount Blake Bonn had come prepared, and Viscount Raven Kingston didn't want to offend the man known as Professor Machy, who stood beside him, exuding an air of authority.
"Proteros Royal Academy has a cruel elimination system, and outstanding students can even rise above the rules. But as you know, even the top ten students must show respect to the most senior professors of the academy. This Professor Machy, who is currently visiting our Snowfield Province, is a top figure in the academy. Surely you can trust him?"
Viscount Blake Bonn added with a smile upon noticing Viscount Raven Kingston's hesitation.
In the distance, Lanchi and Xide, seated on the sofa, could now hear their conversation clearly.
Xide stared at them, a hint of disdain in his eyes as he glanced at Lanchi.
He was the leader; who did she think she was?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
