The Imperial Palace.
Upon receiving the news, the Blood Emperor smilingly summoned the Chief Magic Caster and placed the report from the Adventurers Guild in front of the Old Man.
Seeing the Old Man's shocked reaction, he frowned unhappily, thinking the act was a bit much. He didn't believe the Old Man hadn't heard anything beforehand.
Especially in the report.
The information that Sword Saint Si Astrea had high magical attainment—he felt this Old Man, who was nominally her magic teacher, must have known. So why hide it from him?
"Lord Fruda, you don't need to hide it anymore. Although you kept these things from me, I assume it wasn't your idea. It must be that little Astrea girl was unhappy with my past actions and told you to keep it from me."
"Huh?"
Fruda looked blank.
Your Majesty, what are you talking about?
I didn't hide a damn thing from you!
Stop overthinking. If the Old Man knew Astrea's magic was strong enough to kill a Demon Lord, I would never have cooperated with you to kick her out of the Magic Caster Academy!
If I had known her magic was at this level, I would have thrown away my pride and begged to be her student!
You should know his lifelong dream.
Was to study the ultimate heights of magic.
Even if the path of magic had no end for him, he was obsessed with it. The main reason he lived so long was that he hadn't yet seen the ultimate heights of magic.
But what stupidity had he committed before!
He actually kicked away such a treasure?!
"Your Majesty, I was thinking about letting Astrea return to the Academy? The bounty from this mission is more than enough to cover the tuition fees!"
"I don't mind, but whether to give the bounty isn't something I can decide alone. If others have objections, they can block it, even if Astrea and the others have provided solid evidence."
After all, it involves a Demon Lord Seed.
This was no longer just a matter for the Adventurers Guild or a single nation. However, if he were willing, he could pay the bounty out of his own pocket. But doing so would be a massive loss. When the time came, he would be the one providing the money, yet the Guild and other fellows would jump in to claim some of the good reputation. It was simply too disadvantageous.
Therefore, the Emperor had no such intention at all.
It was impossible for him to pay this bounty himself.
If the others didn't pay, he wouldn't either. If an opportunity arose in the future, he even planned to intentionally use this matter to blacken the others' names in front of the Sword Saint.
Fruda stared wide-eyed at the Blood Emperor.
He naturally understood the trickery involved. He had originally thought the Blood Emperor wouldn't mind paying out of pocket for the Sword Saint, but he had still underestimated the Blood Emperor's conscience. This guy's heart was so filthy that he wouldn't even let an opportunity like this slip by.
"Then, according to the academy's rules, outstanding students can be completely exempted from tuition. Astrea has already shown us her unparalleled talent. Should we exempt her from tuition and call her back?"
Fruda still refused to give up.
The Blood Emperor shook his head.
"She does not meet the criteria. The tuition exemption benefit is only for commoner students. She is a Duchess; how can I break the academy's rules?"
Besides, there was no need to recall Astrea to the school. The strong need to go through many trials to leave behind an undefeated legend. How could the Sword Saint be confined to the small pond of the academy?
Fruda hadn't expected the Blood Emperor to be so determined to let Astrea shine outside, so he said angrily, "Then this Old Man will go find her himself!"
"You'd better forget it. I'm afraid you won't even be able to get through the door," the Blood Emperor said with a smile.
He knew very well that the relationship between Astrea and Fruda was terrible. After all, Fruda had to follow his orders and play the villain at school who constantly made things difficult for her; he must have infuriated her quite a bit.
Fruda had never guided Astrea in magic at all. In fact, even when Astrea wanted to enter his library for self-study, she had to pay. Otherwise, with Astrea's fortune, she could have easily lasted until graduation.
So he—
—could fully imagine the scene where, when Fruda rushed over, he would be shut out by the girl, who wouldn't even bother to spare him a glance.
Once, you wouldn't even look her in the eye.
Now, she is beyond your reach.
Hearing the Blood Emperor's advice, Fruda couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Hehehe, Your Majesty, you underestimate this Old Man. Even if I have to kneel until death at her doorstep today, I will definitely see her!"
How could this Old Man say something so shameless? The Blood Emperor was stunned. This shameless old fogey was actually the Head Magician of his Empire? If this old guy really did something so embarrassing, how would others view his Empire in the future? Or rather, how would they view him?
If his subordinates were like this...
Then wouldn't he, the Emperor, be... The Blood Emperor snapped back to reality.
"I forbid it! Where is your sense of decorum!"
Fruda's eyes widened.
What do you want?!
You wouldn't recall Astrea to the academy, and now you even want to stop me from looking for her?! This Emperor is simply a dog!
"This Old Man is going no matter what you say today!"
"Hmph!"
Leaving behind those words,
Fruda left the palace aggressively.
The Blood Emperor couldn't stop this willful Old Man at all. This old guy was an indispensable figure for the Empire and the great contributor who assisted him in taking the throne.
"Bajiu De."
"Your Majesty, I am here."
The guard at the door, hearing the Blood Emperor's summons, hurried in. He saw the Emperor's distressed face as he spoke.
"Catch up immediately and follow that old guy to Astrea's house. Maintain a good attitude. Tell Astrea that this is my personal request. Whatever happens, you must prevent the disgraceful sight of Fruda kneeling at her door."
The Blood Emperor knew very well.
That old guy was someone who would actually do what he said. For an old rogue like him, face was worth nothing. If sacrificing a bit of face could achieve his goal, the old rogue might even think he'd made a huge profit.
"Please leave it to your subordinate!"
Bajiu De took his orders.
As the Blood Emperor watched his retreating back, for some reason, he suddenly had a bad premonition.
That big lug wouldn't... try to exchange a few blows with the Sword Saint, would he?
No, Bajiu De shouldn't be that lacking in judgment. Besides, this wasn't a sparring match at all. If this guy really took the old rogue over there to cause trouble, based on his understanding of Astrea...
That woman probably really wouldn't give him any face. When the time came, both of them would likely be beaten into pig heads.
"Why am I so flustered?"
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