The Villain Professor's Second Chance

"I still can't believe it," Tiara said, her voice tinged with disbelief. "How can Draven, of all people, suddenly become this celebrated figure? It doesn't make sense."

Clara sighed, setting her teacup down on the polished mahogany table. "I've been thinking the same thing, Tiara. It's completely out of character for him. The Draven we know is cold, ruthless, and obsessed with his own power. He never cared about the earldom's prosperity, let alone saving queens and impressing students with his lectures."

Tiara stopped pacing and turned to face her sister, her eyes blazing with determination. "You didn't tell him anything, did you? When you suggested he attend those lectures, you didn't give him any ideas about changing his ways?"

Clara shook her head, a wry smile on her lips. "No, I didn't. I merely mentioned that it would be beneficial for him to broaden his horizons. I never expected him to actually take it seriously, let alone transform himself into someone so... different."

Tiara crossed her arms, her frustration palpable. "It's infuriating. We've worked so hard to build our merchant group, to create something stable for ourselves away from his shadow. And now, suddenly, he's the hero of the day?"

A soft knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Clara called out, "Come in," and a young maid entered, her expression respectful but curious.

"Miss Clara, Miss Tiara," she began, "there's been more news from the Drakhan Earldom. It seems the prosperity there continues to grow. The people are saying it's all thanks to Lord Draven's direct involvement."

Clara and Tiara exchanged a glance, their skepticism deepening. "What exactly are they saying?" Clara asked, her tone cautious.

The maid hesitated, then continued, "They're saying that under his leadership, the earldom's infrastructure has improved significantly. Crops are thriving, trade has increased, and the people are happier than they've been in years. There are even rumors that he's personally been visiting the villages, ensuring that everyone's needs are met."

Tiara scoffed, disbelief etched on her face. "Draven? Visiting villages? Ensuring everyone's needs are met? It sounds like a fairy tale."

Clara nodded in agreement. "Indeed. But we can't ignore these reports. They're too consistent and come from too many sources. Perhaps it's time we investigated these claims ourselves."

Tiara's eyes narrowed as she considered her sister's words. "You mean visit him? After all these years?"

Clara shook her head. "Not yet. We need more information first. Let's send some of our most trusted men to uncover the truth. If Draven really has changed, we need to understand why and how."

Tiara nodded slowly. "Alright. But I still think it's all some elaborate act. Draven never changes. He's always been driven by his own selfish desires."

The maid curtsied and left the room, leaving Clara and Tiara to their thoughts. Clara sighed, leaning back in her chair. "We need to be sure. If Draven has truly become this... benevolent figure, it could change everything. Our plans, our future...

we need to be prepared for any eventuality."

Tiara resumed her pacing, her mind racing. "I suppose you're right. But it still doesn't sit well with me. I've seen how he treats people, how he manipulates and controls. This sudden transformation... it's too convenient."

Clara nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, it is. But we've always known that Draven is capable of great things, even if he's used his talents for the wrong reasons. Perhaps something has changed. Or perhaps there's another layer to this that we're not seeing."

Tiara paused, looking at her sister with a mixture of frustration and curiosity. "What do you mean?"

Clara shrugged. "I don't know yet. But we need to find out. Let's gather our men and get to the bottom of this. If Draven is up to something, we need to know what it is."

The next morning, Clara and Tiara summoned their most trusted informants and servants to the drawing room. The air was thick with anticipation as the sisters outlined their plan.

"We need you to gather as much information as possible about Lord Draven's recent activities," Clara instructed, her tone firm. "Speak to the villagers, the merchants, anyone who has had dealings with him. Find out if these rumors are true, and if they are, what has caused this sudden change in his behavior."

One of the informants, a wiry man named Elias, nodded. "We'll get on it right away, Miss Clara. You can count on us."

Tiara added, "And be discreet. We don't want Draven catching wind of our investigation. If he's up to something, we need to approach this carefully."

The informants left, leaving Clara and Tiara to wait for news. Days turned into weeks as they anxiously awaited the reports from their men. Finally, Elias returned, his expression grim but determined.

"We've spoken to many people," he began, "and the stories are consistent. Lord Draven has indeed been visiting the villages, personally overseeing improvements and ensuring the well-being of the people. The crops are flourishing, and trade has increased significantly."

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Clara frowned. "And what about his behavior? Has he really changed?"

Elias nodded slowly. "It seems so. The villagers speak of him with respect and gratitude. They say he listens to their concerns and takes action to address them. It's a stark contrast to the Draven we knew."

Tiara's eyes narrowed. "This doesn't make sense. What could have caused such a drastic change?"

Elias hesitated, then continued, "There's more. We've also heard reports from the capital about his activities at the Magic Tower University. His lectures have become incredibly popular, with students praising his knowledge and teaching style. It's as if he's a completely different person."

Clara exchanged a worried glance with Tiara. "And the rumors about him saving the queen and her brother? Are those true as well?"

Elias nodded. "Yes. He was instrumental in stopping a terrorist plot and played a key role in ensuring their safety. His actions have earned him considerable recognition and praise."

Tiara shook her head, disbelief etched on her face. "This is impossible. Draven was always so... cold, ruthless. How could he have changed so much?"

Clara sighed, her mind racing. "We need to see for ourselves. If Draven has truly transformed, we need to understand why and how. Our plans may need to change accordingly."

Tiara nodded reluctantly. "Alright. But let's be cautious. We don't know what we're walking into."

As they prepared for their journey to the Drakhan Earldom, Clara and Tiara couldn't shake the feeling that they were about to uncover something extraordinary. Whether it was for better or worse remained to be seen, but one thing was certain—their brother, Draven, was not the man they once knew.

The anticipation weighed heavily on them as they made their final preparations. Clara, ever the strategist, spent hours reviewing the reports and devising contingency plans. Tiara, on the other hand, couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension.

She had always harbored a complicated relationship with her brother, and the thought of confronting this new version of him filled her with unease.

On the morning of their departure, Clara and Tiara stood in the courtyard of their townhouse, watching as their carriage was loaded with supplies. The air was cool, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees lining the street. Clara turned to her sister, her expression resolute.

"Are you ready for this?" she asked, her voice steady.

Tiara nodded, though her eyes betrayed her uncertainty. "As ready as I'll ever be. Let's find out what's really going on."

With a final glance at their home, the sisters climbed into the carriage, the wheels creaking as it began its journey toward the Drakhan Earldom. The road ahead was uncertain, and the truth about their brother remained shrouded in mystery. But Clara and Tiara were determined to uncover it, no matter what it might reveal.