Rubia's POV

Observing from the airstairs of the Airship the only people Rubia saw were a few servants along with the Head Butler Zen. It was already dusk by now.

Normally her brother should also be here, but noticing his absence she sent a questioning gaze towards Zen. Noticing her gaze Zen replied "Master will speak about it with you privately."

'Maybe something had really happened to him. I will ask father later'

The landing pad of the Airship was constructed atop the security tower. The main use of this tower was to monitor all the security infrastructure inside and outside the mansion. After coming down from the tower she directly headed towards the mansion followed by Kaya and Zen.

The Mansion's front was surrounded by a large garden hosting a variety of different plants and flowers. The garden ornaments decorating the garden did a very good job of amplifying its beauty. Several workers were also roaming around the gardens watering the plants. Walking on the road in the centre of the garden a serene feeling washed over Rubia. 'It had been such a long time'.

The Mansion was very large, even so it didn't feel extravagant at all due to the shadow of the Dedron Forest looming behind its compound. After she got near the front door it automatically opened itself and what greeted her eyes was a velvet carpet spread before her. The servants of the Mansion had lined themselves along the two sides of the carpet with their heads bowed.

The Head Maid, Maria, came to the front and greeted Rubia, "Welcome back Young Miss. The Master is currently in his study. Would you like to take a bath first or greet him first?"

"I'll go greet him first."

Rubia walked to the end of the velvet carpet where the stairs began. She stopped at the foot of the stairs and ordered Kaya, "Go and get some rest. I will call you later." after which she started climbing the stairs.

After reaching the top of the stairs a familiar sight greeted her. Directly in front of her was the corridor leading to her and Red's room. On her left was her father's and mother's room. And lastly on her right was her father's study.

After turning right and walking a few steps she came across a metal door. After knocking on it a mechanical voice announced, "Identify yourself!".

"Rubia Lapis".

"Face check, voice check. The person identified to be Rubia Lapis. Entry admitted."

The metal door opened and Rubia entered the room. It had been such a long time since she came here. Like always her father was sitting behind a table writing something on a sheet of paper.

Argos Lapis, commonly known as Count Lapis was a black-haired, black-eyed man who rarely showed any emotions. He appeared to be in his early thirties. He was also an Exceed, and among the strongest ones at that. People considered him to be stone-hearted, but he was always smiling and cheerful in front of his family. But today that smile was nowhere on his face.

Rubia wanted to ask about Red but she held back.

Count Lapis stopped what he was writing and stared at Rubia straight in the eyes for some time before asking "How was your stay at the academy?"

"It was good."

"Did you make any new friends?"

"Yes. One"

"It's good that you made at least one."

"You are speaking as if I don't have any"

"Not that I know of", this comment made Rubia shut her mouth in embarrassment.

Count Lapis motioned for her to sit down on the chair in front of him.

"You want to know about Red?"

"Yes, I didn't know why but he cut off all contacts two weeks ago."

"Then with you also. I see",

"What do you mean with me also. What happened to him?"

Count Lapis took out a file from his drawer and handed it to Rubia. After looking through it she asked "Is it Red?". Even though she asked it, in her mind she already knew the answer.

"Last time he was spotted in Noir. Then after the terrorist incident he just disappeared into thin air. His Digi-watch lost contact as soon as the security of Noir was compromised. A testimony from Knight Lois also mentioned the use of a Veril blade. I just want to ask to make sure, you do not know anything, right?" Count Lapis asked her with a questioning gaze.

"Of course not. I was at the academy all this time."

"I just hoped that he had shared something with you."

There was an awkward silence between the two.

"Well, I would like to-"

"No"

"But I didn't even finish"

"I already know what you are going to say."

"Then just let me go after him. You wouldn't be able to do anything without being discovered by the Royal Family. If they knew it was Red then this will become more troublesome. Moreover if it's only me then I can move freely without worrying about things like that. I have also practiced a lot and am capable enough of protecting myself"

Count Lapis became silent and began to ponder over something. After contemplating for some time he sighed, "It could be very dangerous. If you are really going to go then also take a Knight with you."

"You agreed to it just like that", Rubia was dumbfounded. She had already visualized several methods to get her father's consent and didn't expect him to agree so readily.

"Yes, just like that."

"Why?"

"It's just like you said. We cannot have it known to other Nobles. Moreover, if it's you then Red may come back without much resistance. And it's also a very great opportunity for you to travel the world and learn new things. Besides even if I didn't allow you, you would have run away."

Rubia lowered her head in embarrassment. It was true that she was going to run away even if she did not get his permission.

Count Lapis continued, "While you are searching for him the most help I can provide you with is a little monetary support. It seems that Red escaped in the direction of the 'City of Rogues', Tule. If there is an emergency there just use our House Insignia to request help from the city lord. And no matter what happens always keep this with you"

Count Lapis took out a round golden pendent with a red gem embedded in it and passed it over to Rubia. She quickly pocketed it.

"This is everything from my side"

"About the Knight. I would like to take Kaya with me instead of an official Knight"

"Although she is quite strong she is still a Knight in training. Do you really think she would always be able to  protect your back?" Count Lapis was unaware of Kaya pledging herself to Rubia.

"Yes. She is also an Exceed who has good control over her bloodline ability."

Count Lapis just silently nodded his head at this.

Rubia got up and started to go out. Count Lapis just stared after her without saying and just sighed.

When she reached the door he finally spoke ,"Rubia! Return safely"

"I will" she bowed once and left the room. Count Lapis, who was left alone in the room, had a very serious expression on his face.

Rubia didn't show anything on her face but she was very bewildered inside. Her father was not someone who would let her risk her life, but today he just agreed to everything as if he already knew what was going to happen.

She quickly came to her room and started to pack her things. She ordered a maid to call Kaya to her room. After a few minutes a knock was heard on her door.

"Come in"

Kaya entered her room without making noise. She was puzzled when she saw Rubia packing her things. Soon her doubts were cleared.

"Quickly go and pack your things. Only take things that are necessary and your weapons. We are going to go after my brother"

At that time Kaya felt that someone had dumped a bucket of cold water over her body.

'Goodbye, my long-awaited vacation.'