"I just need to spend a few nights alone with her and everything will be in my hands,"
Elric spoke with a big smile on his face.
"You seem quite confident." Risia chuckled.
"I am. I wasn't making any moves because of the age difference, I was planning to get Elara make the first move and as more time passes and the age difference dilutes out, I was going to seal the deal,
But I guess I can't use that plan anymore.
I didn't think that fool would pose any problems in my plans.
Actually, I would prefer the second option, I don't want Vaan there with Elara, with how that bastard was sticking to her and was trying to take her out of my sight, I highly doubt he would let me spend the time I want to spend with her."
Elric replied as he considered all the possibilities. No matter how he thought about it, Vaan still came out as a thorn in his eyes, if possible, he preferred to stay away from him.
Risia, however, was against that plan.
"That is only the worst-case scenario. If it is possible to get Vaan to join the Academy, we need to do it.
Vaan cannot be allowed to stay here in the Vesta Mansion."
"Huh? Why is that?"
Elric frowned in confusion.
"The more time Vaan spends in the Vesta Mansion, the better his image would be."
"…" Elric turned silent as he focused on his mother's words.
"Ever since that boy has revealed that circle, his image in the Family's eyes has changed, from a waste, Vaan has not only become a Mage who made a world-changing discovery in his 20s, he has also become one of the strongest 2nd Circle Mages.
Vaan is currently proving his 'Absoluteness', with his Advance Circles, he is showing off his ability to be able to defeat any 2nd Circle Mage.
Of course, it may not be much right now, but in the coming years, as he grows, that absoluteness will become stronger and stronger and the same could be said for its effect.
The Strongest 3rd Circle Mage, the Strongest 4th Circle Mage, the Strongest 5th Circle and continue…
The Magic Circles he created are just that logic-defying.
If Vaan is given time and is allowed to stay in the Vesta Family any longer, he will start attracting people. His Faction, which is currently non-existent would start getting stronger and stronger, and due to his strong background, the process would be even faster.
If that happens, then even if you get Elara by your side, it wouldn't really matter since in the end, Elara would still be Astra's pupil, even if she marries you, her support for you will always be unstable, this would be truer in that girl's case considering her weak personality."
Risia explained.
"We need to be especially quick in this matter. Vaan needs to be sent to the Agresia academy and since he wouldn't be invincible there, it will be your duty to keep him in line. Use 3rd Circle Mages or other strong connections you have built in the Academy to harass him.
Break his confidence, slow down his progress, ruin his image, and keep this up till the next heir is decided.
Of course, I know you already know this, but keep in mind, no matter what happens, do not do something that puts Vaan's life in danger.
As the child of Vesta Family, you cannot hurt another Vesta, he will become one of your competent subordinates in the future, so always stay within your boundaries, is that clear?"
Risia spoke with a serious look on her face as she glanced at her child.
"Yes, mother. I am not a child anymore, I know what to do and what not to do.
I wish to live a long life, so I won't do anything foolish no matter how desperate the situation is."
"Good." Risia nodded with a light smile on her face.
"Anyways, I am sure Vaelen and Lirael will be trying to suppress Vaan as well, if you can, try teaming up with them.
It is always better to be together than to attack from two different ends and unintentionally nullify the other's attack."
"I do not need their help, mother.
I am not someone who shakes hands with my enemies.
Don't forget, those two siblings are even bigger of a threat than that bastard."
Elric replied and although she smiled as a reply, a strange look appeared on her face,
"I hope that is the case…"
However, for some reason, Risia felt like what she was hoping for would not come true.
Vaan Astra Vesta, that boy troubled her. The sudden change and him becoming the new Prospective Heir,
She could tell that all of that was not a mere coincidence,
Something didn't feel right.
All this while, they have been underestimating the only son of one of the strongest Mages in the world,
Risia considered herself to be a fairly cautious and thorough woman, so for someone as cautious and thorough as her to not have even the slightest inkling of the talent that boy hid from the entire world for so many years,
Risia felt that something was wrong, very wrong. She felt like she was ignoring something she shouldn't be ignoring.
"Anyways, I will follow Mother's words and focus on the Elemental Clash.
Please start preparing for the next meeting and convince Lady Astra to send Elara and Vaan to the Academy together with us all.
Also,
Look forward to me emerging as the strongest Mage of our Younger Generation this year."
Elric spoke with a confident look on his face.
Hearing his words, Risia came out of her reverie and smiled.
"Alright Alright, I hope you don't let me down, now leave.
I need some free time to think about certain things."
Elric bowed his head as he then walked out of the room.
His mind was still thinking about how Vaan took Elara away right from his eyes.
'If only the Elemental Clash wasn't divided into different tiers, I would have taken care of you right there and then.'
A scary thought appeared in Elric's mind as he started walking towards the Magic Training room.
In the end, he would let his anger out on the Practice Dummies.
…
On the other side, Vaan, who was returning after talking to Seraphina was about to visit his fiancée.
Obviously, after drinking a complete bottle without water, Elara's condition was anything but good, he made sure to place her on the bed and put her to sleep before he met Seraphina, however, he still wanted to check in on his future wife before going and train with his father.
With a carefree look on his face, Vaan walked towards Elara's room, but then suddenly, his legs froze.
The door of Elara's room was slightly opened.
Vaan made sure to close the door before he left, he even strictly ordered the servants to not enter Elara's room so none of them would dare to walk in, then why…
Why was the door open?
Vaan's heart felt heavy.
Something was wrong.
Something was extremely wrong…
*Step* *Step*
With slow steps, Vaan walked towards Elara's room, the closer he walked, the more he felt like he shouldn't walk in, however, his worry for his fiancée overpowered the warnings his instincts gave,
He barged into the room and the moment he did,
He regretted his choice.
The Family Head of the Vesta Family was sitting inside the room with a solemn look on her face. Her pupil's head was resting on her lap, she was gently ruffling Elara's hair, however, the moment Astra's eyes fell on Vaan, her expression changed.
"Come in."
She ordered even though Vaan was already inside the room.
*Gulp*
Vaan gulped.
He understood her message as he locked the room from inside. Once he was done, he turned around and looked into his mother's eyes, waiting for her to start.
"What did I tell you?"
Astra questioned, her voice sounded calm, however, from her expression alone, Vaan could tell that this wasn't going to be a good day.
"W-What?"
"I told you not to give her any more alcohol, what if she turns into an addict?" Astra questioned, her voice higher than before.
"I am pretty sure you didn't say anything like that, you started enquiring what happened between us." Vaan's answer was quick.
However, as quick as it was,
It was not the current answer.
"Are you saying that I am lying?" Astra narrowed her eyes.
"I-I meant that Elara was the one who asked for it." Vaan quickly changed his words.
"And you want me to believe that?" Astra raised her eyebrow.
"Huh?"
"You want me to believe that Elara came to you and said, 'Give me alcohol?'
Do you think I am a fool?"
Astra didn't believe Vaan's words even for the slightest second.
"I am not lying! Believe me!
She was the one who asked for it!
You can even ask Seraphi-"
Vaan wanted to clear his name, but then,
"Vaan~ I caaan't drink anymore~ Stooop giving me mooore~"
Elara muttered in her sleep and a ridiculous expression appeared on Vaan's face.
