Academy's Second Seat [part 2 Complete]

Chapter 258: Family Head Contest (2)

Today's friend may be tomorrow's enemy.

Upon hearing of Perrian's death, Ian was getting ready to make his move.

News of Robert's death had reached Rudy, who remained quiet.

But that didn't mean Ian had any reason to console Rudy or wait for him.

With Perrian gone, the Duke's position was now vacant.

Someone needed to fill it quickly for the sake of stabilizing the political situation.

Ian was moving for that very purpose.

"Do you think Rudy is capable of inheriting the title?"

"Hmm..."

"Don't be coy, speak your mind."

Ian was in the midst of a meeting with his close associates from the Astria family.

"It's not unlikely..."

"Why do you think so?"

"Because the internal political situation of the empire has tilted towards the Emperor's faction with the disappearance of the former head."

"It's not because of my lack of ability?"

The nobleman Ian was speaking to waved his hand dismissively.

"That's absurd. Your abilities far surpass those of Rudy Astria. If it were purely about ability, you're the rightful heir."

"Is that so? Then."

Ian looked the nobleman straight in the eye and spoke.

"What do you think will happen over time?"

"Ah..."

"What about comparing Rudy and me 10, 20 years from now?"

"That is..."

The nobleman couldn't give a definite answer.

Ian smiled at this hesitance.

"Of course, you wouldn't know. Humans can't see even an inch into their future."

"But... We believe you are the superior one. That's why we are here."

"Thanks for saying that."

Ian was pleased with the noble's honest words.

"We all feel the same way."

"The position of the head of the family belongs to you, Ian."

The nearby nobles agreed.

Hearing this, Ian stood up.

"Thank you, everyone. Let's conclude the meeting here."

Ian smiled and left his seat.

Walking out of the room and through the hallway, Ian's smile gradually faded.

"The head of the family..."

Ian's plans had never changed.

To become the head of the Astria family and rise to the highest position in the empire.

However.

As Ian pushed Perrian into a corner, he watched Rudy and observed his surroundings.

They were not so different from himself.

All striving for a higher position.

From afar, he thought they were no different from him.

But getting closer revealed a new scene.