Chapter 268: Ashton Family's Decision
After listening to Nathan's explanation, they fell silent.
"I see. That's certainly one of the ways to put it." Bella closed her eyes.
"Yes. I believe we should find the person who uses curses. Considering his skill, he should be at the same level as the principal. As long as we can figure out his identity, we will know a lot more." Nathan nodded.
"Hahahaha! I like you now, newbie!" Revon slapped Nathan's back. "I am dumb. Even if these people are telling me about their plans, I don't understand even half of it. That's why if you need something from me, explain it as simply as possible. I will help you.
Hahahaha!"
Nathan smiled wryly. It hurt.
"I will try to figure out his identity." Neyeid frowned.
"I will leave it to you." Evelyn nodded. "I will focus on finding more spies from other academies."
"By the way, since the mission is over, I'm going on a vacation, so…" Nathan didn't say it, but his meaning was clear. He couldn't work for the group during the vacation.
"Where are you going?" Evelyn asked while squinting her eyes.
"Meyes City."
"Hmm?" Evelyn frowned. "Well, enjoy your vacation."
Nathan tilted his head in confusion, wondering why she looked concerned. Was there something going on in Meyes City that he wasn't aware of?
'I have a bad feeling about this…' Nathan squinted his eyes.
…
Frexia Academy.
The students seemed to have calmed down after the announcement regarding Axel's execution. Although it was a shame that they couldn't witness it himself, it was to honor his achievement, so they had no choice but to accept it.
Still, the situation had become stable since there was nothing strange happening anymore. The students who were thought to be kidnapped had returned and explained the misunderstanding.
As a result, peace had returned to the academy.
Still, there was one place whose peace was actually leaving instead of returning.
It was the Ashton family.
"You idiot!" The count threw his cup at Victor.
"Aaaggghhh!" Victor was wailing in pain. He could resist the hot tea to a certain level, but some splashed to his eyes.
"What are you doing?!" His wife was glaring at him.
"Do you know what you and your son have done? Are you satisfied now that you have screwed the Ashton family up?!" Victor roared.
He understood perfectly the trap Selena planted.
The rumor about Victor's defeat had spread in the academy, so obviously everyone would be paying attention to the Ashton family, waiting for them to apologize.
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If they apologized, it was the same as acknowledging their own mistake in the world, which would turn them into a laughingstock.
A lot of nobles who had been working with them would most likely try to find a new partner.
However, if they didn't apologize, they would be considered a coward. The trust they had built up so far would be pummeled. In the future, they might end up supporting Selena, the legitimate heir of the previous count.
He could at least discern this trap. In fact, he had been careful against Selena no matter how angry he was.
Whether he apologized or chose to ignore this problem, he would lose a lot.
He just tried to solidify his influence so that even if the previous count returned or Selena managed to summon a vampire progenitor, he wouldn't lose his title. To think that these two would ruin everything. How could he not be angry?
"Get out of the house right now! Return to your family!" the count shouted in anger. "You too, little bastard. Drop out of the academy!"
"What?" Victor was gnashing his teeth.
"How dare you kick me out?!" His wife shouted back.
"Do you not know your crime? Just look at this idiot. Not only does he lose to Selena, it's because of him she has become the vice president of the student council. Do you know what this means?
"Right now, because of this idiot Axel, we are also being suspected as traitors. Even if you can't help me grow this family, don't mess around and cause a problem!" He clenched his hands into fists.
The count became angrier to the point where he released his Ena. "Get out right now. If you don't, I might not be able to stop myself from killing both of you!"
"You…" Both of them were shaking after feeling his Ena.
"You're going to regret this!"
The count ignored her remark, fully aware of the best solution. He couldn't afford to acknowledge his mistake or bad deeds, but he should also make an official statement.
Hence, that day, the Ashton family announced two things.
'Victor Ashton has overstepped his bounds by agreeing to something that is not the will of the family. As a punishment, he shall drop out of the Frexia Academy and leave the Ashton family.
'The Ashton family has always given their sincerity to their successors. As the Acting Count of the Ashton family, I have done everything I can to ensure the prosperity of the family, including Selena's growth.
'Hence, the Ashton family can't acknowledge the mistake it has never made and will take this matter seriously as Selena Ashton tries to defame her own family's name despite being its heir.'
Selena watched the news in silence. She didn't have any change of expression this whole time, as if she had expected it.
"The Ashton family is really shameless. To control the damage it has done, the Ashton family ends up taking this step." Flora smirked. "Do you need my help, eh, Vice President?"
Selena shook her head. "I, too, know that it's going to work perfectly. However, it doesn't mean it has no impact.
"They will lose a lot of credibility and a few nobles who are currently supporting him. I will just have to approach those who are loyal to the families instead of the acting count. Little by little, it will chip away their strength. Before long, my influence will be bigger than his, and he has no choice but to return that seat."
Flora nodded. "Alright. I'll respect your decision. Still, if you need anything, just let me know."