Magic Academy's Bastard Instructor

Chapter 80: Beneath the Rain [2]

Chapter 80: Beneath the Rain [2]

Inside the Astrea Estate's office, Vanitas sat at his desk, speaking to Vincenzo Gambino through a communication crystal.

——That agreement will have to be put on hold for now, Astrea.

"Is that so? May I ask why?" Vanitas asked.

——My daughter has been kidnapped.

"...."

 Vanitas paused for a moment before clearing his throat.

"What happened? Were they ambushed at the passageway?"

——Unfortunately, yes. We don't know how the information leaked, but when we inspected the scene, all the men I entrusted to escort her were dead. And there was no sign of my daughter.

"I see."

——Astrea, I'm not accusing you, but do you have any idea how the information could've leaked?

Vanitas chose his words carefully. If he said the wrong thing, the suspicion might fall on him.

The news of Anastasia Gambino's return to Aetherion had only been shared with a select few; himself, Vincenzo, Luca, and the men assigned to escort her.

He immediately ruled out the two. It wasn't him, after all.

Vincenzo, as a doting father, would never stage his own daughter's kidnapping, either. 

But Luca….

In the game's narrative, Luca was in love with Anastasia Gambino and served as Vincenzo's right-hand man.

That love and loyalty likely still held true in this reality.

Could it have been a ploy? Something dramatic, like rescuing her to win her heart? A knight in shining armor kind of act?

"Sounds cheesy."

——What?

"Nothing, Sir Gambino."

For now, he had no proof. Everything was merely speculation on his part.

With those thoughts in mind, he redirected the conversation.