Chapter 460 – Back to the Start
“I’m still surprised you didn’t take Silvia instead of me.” Grea pressed her back more into Ast’s front as a light wind whipped around their ears.
He dragged his gaze away from the landscape passing below them and turned to look at his co-passenger on top of the Lesser Dragon they both perched on. Their ride was no other than Althea, his other mate and mentor. She was always happy to serve as his mount whenever he needed. And those occasions didn’t show up that often considering Ast’s own capability of taking flight.
But it was different in an official setting. His precious draconic teacher flew inside a formation of Lesser Dragons, blending in perfectly. Tina led the group at the front, sitting atop Rusi, her most recent summoning familiar. Two of her subordinates followed at the back, to the right and left, seated in saddles attached to their scaly partners. Forming a triangle, they kept Asterios between them, as the regulations for escorting an important VIP suggested.
All three wore distinct black and red armor bearing many crests displaying their affiliation to Dragon Valley. The biggest symbol was visible over their long and billowing capes. Even Tina was dressed up for the part. She was the only one with an armored skirt instead of pants, but her attire was covered by many pieces of decorative armor. Save for the helmet, which she kept off, contrary to her charges.
Surprisingly, Grea had switched up her usual robes for something new too.
After Ast’s return from the Nethernight Realm and their brief discussion at the breach, she had more or less accepted that he would have her as the headmistress of his academies. As much as she was frivolous and rather indifferent to how people perceived her, she knew well that a certain amount of decorum was necessary for such a position. She wouldn’t be representing only herself but also Asterios, the ruler of their nation.
Therefore, her long robes were replaced by tight dark crimson pants, an intricate white shirt bearing Dragon Valley’s crest over the breast pocket, and an elegant black leather coat usually hanging off her shoulders. For the journey, she did actually use the sleeves for their intended purpose. Even if Aura was more than willing to keep the piece attached to her mistress at all times.
Asterios liked his lover’s new outfit, and not just because it offered much easier access to the lady beneath it, which certainly was a great boon for its wearer. No, he approved the cleverness of the composition, consisting of exactly three shades representing the three academies joined into an institute of learning. She was taking her new role seriously and that couldn’t be any hotter in Ast’s eyes.
Still, her self-doubt hadn’t fully disappeared, as shown by her composed yet obviously anxious question. He tightened the arm wrapped around her waist to pull his beloved more into his chest, kissing her hair from behind.
“I would love nothing more than to let those much more proficient and experienced in the matter handle it flawlessly or even just guide me from the side,” Asterios admitted. “But, as the leader you all have appointed me, I have to play the part from time to time. And gather experience for the future. In case I fuck up, we still have Tina with us to save the day, bringing forth her noble demeanor and knowledge. You swore to me that you have changed, so prove it now. An audience with an allied king. A true test of character, don’t you think?”
Grea snickered, relishing his embrace, giving him a faint peek over her shoulder. “And here I thought you chose me for my diplomatic prowess. Looks like I won’t be talking any rulers into cunning treaties.”
“Perhaps not.” He leaned into her sharp ear. “But I can think of other ways to make use of your skillful tongue.”
She shivered, pushing her behind into his crotch on instinct.
“Bad Dragon…” Grea whispered. “I’m trying really hard to be decent…”
“Mhm. Not the only thing that’s hard for you.” Asterios growled quietly.
“Fuck…” She bit into her lip. “Is this how it’s going to look like? Me trying my damnest best not to act like a slut while you employ every trick in the book to make me fail? You are such a cruel man.”
“Should have realized it before giving yourself to a True Dragon.” Chuckling darkly, he pressed a kiss to her cheek before withdrawing. “I’ll keep my vicious urges under the wraps, then. Most of the time.”
Snorting adorably, she relaxed into his hold, getting comfortable in their dual saddle. Asterios noticed Tina glancing back at them with a warm smile. He winked at her while patting Grea’s thigh. A sweet blush bloomed over the Summoner girl’s elegant cheeks. She wouldn’t mind switching places with her former teacher and he knew it well. But, he was glad the demon lady wasn’t the only one taking their positions in earnest, enjoying their very important roles in service to him.
“We’ll be passing over Rosewind in ten minutes,” the blue-haired aerial commander announced as she faced forward again. “Should we raise our altitude to avoid being spotted, My Lord Husband?”
Oh yeah, definitely enjoying it.
Before Asterios could respond, Grea perked up, a sly grin growing on her delicious lips. “Well, since we are already here, why not drop by? We should be fairly ahead of schedule, no?”
Tina mulled it over before nodding. “We are. It wouldn’t delay our estimated arrival time.”
“Perfect.” The cunning demon lady rubbed her hands together. “It’s always important to check up on your old friends now and then.”
“Where should we land, Commander?” one of the Dragon Guard’s men asked.
“The heart of the city might not be the best choice,” she replied, looking through her mind for places she remembered. “But dropping off a monarch behind the walls is disrespectful.”
“Head straight to the academy, then,” Grea suggested joyfully.
“What?” Tina turned to stare at her with raised brows. “That would cause a huge scene.”
“You already did twice or thrice so what’s one more?” The school’s ex-employee grinned back, recalling their past interactions with the staff and the students.
Her former pupil rolled her eyes. “The main plaza has enough space to fit us so I shall consider this option if we don’t come up with a better idea.”
The chatter ceased after her statement and they continued in silence. Soon, they spotted the destination for their unplanned break and all three of them sensed each other’s nostalgia. It wasn’t that long since they had been in Rosewind, but the number and significance of events that happened in the meantime made it seem like years worth of time. The town and the academy overseeing it hadn’t changed much.
Tina brought them lower and dropped their speed. They no longer soared through the air but more like floated at a decent pace. She still kept their altitude high enough not to interfere with the common flying routes of all the familiars belonging to the students. A group of Lesser Dragons would have completely obliterated the traffic, possibly risking an accident or two even.
And surely, people stopped, either on the ground or in the air, to gawk and gasp at the majestic sight. The entire city would be in commotion if they continued like this, but perhaps it wasn’t such a bad thing. Asterios remembered how every passing of the Royal Division was a topic for weeks to come. Right now, it was their turn to bring some excitement to the lives of people from Rosewind.
“Secure the landing spot!” Tina shouted as they neared the monumental compound of knowledge and expertise.
Their two sentries split off and circled the entire area a few times while Rusi and Althea hovered in the middle. Then, their escorts gradually descended towards the plaza in front of the entrance to the main building, forcing the people hanging out there to disperse. As they landed, their Dragons scanned every person in their vicinity with stern gazes, daring anyone to approach. But, no one was planning to. The students were all admiring the proud beasts before them.
Tina brought Asterios and Grea down too, guiding them to the spot between her subordinates. She completed the circle the other two created with the bodies of their mounts and let the VIPs step down onto the ground. With a respectful nod, she gestured at them to go on.
“Are you coming?” Asterios patted Althea’s mesmerizing scales.
~I shall remain with the others unless you call me, my love,~ she replied, nuzzling her snout into his chest. ~I am here as your guardian and ride today.~
He chuckled softly. “Alright. Try not to eat any tasty-looking familiars that wander too close for their comfort.”
~No promises.~ His mentor puffed hot air at him, which was similar to a draconic snort.
“Keep the perimeter clear!” Tina commanded as he and Grea walked out of the formation. “At ease but don’t cause trouble!”
“Sir, yes, sir!” The sentries saluted to their chests.
“Lead the way, Commander.” Asterios smirked, making his short lover giggle quietly.
With a visible pride in her step, she guided them into the main building. It looked like they had come at the time of the short pause between the classes as the corridors were packed with men and women, young and mature. The sight of an armored elite escorting two fairly important-looking individuals garnered lots of attention.
“Who is that guy?” one boy asked in a hushed whisper.
“Do you live under a rock?” A girl next to him huffed. “That’s the guy who started his own nation, the one with all the Dragons!”
“The ones we’ve seen through the window?” His eyes widened to the brim. “Where did he get them all? I thought they were all gone?”
“Idiot, he is one of the most powerful Summoners that walked these academy grounds!” She smacked her colleague up the back of his head. “And that in front of him is one of the greatest aces! Their duel is legendary! I can’t believe you haven’t seen the recording yet!”
Someone gasped as Ast’s group pushed ahead into a different hallway.
“Good gods, is that the unhinged professor who finally quit last semester?” a man addressed his friends with a hushed tone.
Grea tensed next to Asterios, her hearing much sharper thanks to Ast’s love and care. He placed a hand on her waist and pulled her into his side.
“I guess we know what happened to her,” a woman next to the previous guy commented. “Damn, I’m so jealous. His hands look like they can do things.”
Feminine giggles tickled their ears as they turned another corner, a big smile painting Grea’s lips while she preened under the praise and attention. It took almost all of her willpower not to sway her hips seductively or drape herself over her manly man who was definitely going to be the wet dream of many female novices. But, she succeeded, keeping herself all proper.
For now.
They reached the Principal’s office without much trouble. If they didn’t count all the comments and quips their arrival brought up, of course. Tina knocked on the door, but the moment a familiar voice invited them in, Grea grabbed the knob and pushed it open, barging inside.
“Ah, so this is what all this commotion is about.” Principal Teireshia looked up from the papers scattered on her desk. “Welcome back, Grea, Tina, Asterios.”
“Good day to you too, you old crone.” The crimson-skinned lady grinned devilishly. “Same old, huh? Still exploring your pencil-pusher talents day and night.”
“Some of us have been blessed with hands proficient in pushing pencils, some in pushing… other things.” The older woman showed a delicate smirk. “We all live in harmony with our gifts.”
“Wait.” Grea blinked at her a few times, then exploded in a throaty laugh. “Did the great Teireshia just make a sex joke? There is no way!”
“What can I say? The lack of your presence amongst these facilities is… highly regrettable, my dear.” The Principal shrugged lightly. “But, enough about that. What do I owe this pleasant visit?”
“We are on our way to the audience with King Welrond, Principal.” Tina curtsied politely. “Since we are making good time, we decided to see how the academy is doing.”
“I see.” The wise woman nodded, turning to Asterios. “Are you here to poach more of my staff for that glorious institution of yours?”
He snickered and shook his head. “No, we have more than enough candidates. But, I wouldn’t be opposed to making some adjustments if we were given a chance to scout a talented supervisor to look over one of the schools, perhaps the magical one. Do you maybe know any, Principal?”
She let out a ladylike chuckle. “I am honored by such high praise, but I hope you haven’t forgotten our promise, My Lord.”
“Never.” Asterios smiled appreciatively. “It won’t be long before we open, and thus start booking sightseeing visits and exchange transfers. Your students will receive the first offer and always have priority over the others.”
“I can’t wait to see everyone mingle and share thoughts,” Tina chimed in merrily. “I always wished there was a way to attend multiple academies so that I could get access to their libraries and professors. There’s no doubt many will be thrilled about this new program.”
“Spoken like a true teacher’s pet.” Grea scoffed and bumped her hip into her sister-mate. “We all know they would be excited about it for a completely different reason. New place, new people, new opportunities, no previous surveillance and history.”
The blue-haired girl sighed heavily. “Not everyone sees a chance to travel abroad and thinks of all the foreign dick to suck, Professor. Besides, you were never interested in any until a specific one changed your mind.”
Both women squinted at each other, evoking another chuckle from the Principal.
“Your vocabulary has expanded greatly after graduation, dear Tina.” Lady Teireshia gazed upon the blue-haired girl with a twinkle in her eyes, making her peek aside bashfully. “But, both of you are right. The social aspect is just as important as the educational element. This partnership will bring worthwhile results no matter what. In the end, making good connections is just as crucial.”
Grea lifted her nose into the air as if she won the argument, making Tina snort. It was closer to a tie, but she wasn’t going to argue any further. That wasn’t why they were there.
“How is the academy doing, Principal?” the short girl asked curiously. “Is there any trouble after Princess Silvia dealt with the post-showmatch matters? We are always glad to help in any way possible. This place was like a second home for most of us.”
The other two nodded firmly, supporting her words.
“I appreciate your concern and goodwill. Things are slow but good. Perhaps not exactly that slow. You would help me a lot by finishing your academies,” the woman replied thoughtfully.
“How so?” Asterios rubbed his chin.
“Your achievements have quite the effect on many young and aspiring individuals of this realm,” she explained with a trace of mirth. “We’ve always been fully booked almost every period, but the number of prospective students has tripled at the very least. Turning someone eager down isn’t a pleasant experience, especially when they show an inkling of potential. So, it would be much better if we could direct them somewhere just as reliable.”
“Shoving our way those who didn’t make the cut here?” Grea rested her fists against her hips with a smirk. “A clever scheme.”
“With all due respect, we haven’t even finalized the list of teachers,” Asterios shared. “Can’t really talk about being reliable or trustworthy when nothing is in place yet. How things shall turn out, we can’t know. We have our best intentions in mind, but this is a massive operation, much bigger than any of us has ever taken part in, not to mention overseeing. It’s better not to set expectations too high.”
“Your faculty might not yet be numerous, but I see at least three reliable instructors in front of me.” Principal Teireshia rested her chin atop her joined hands. “And while I am aware that you might not always be present to give lectures and conduct workshops, you will undoubtedly set a high bar for all the other teachers and professors. You might be of a kind heart, Asterios, but I know you well enough to expect you to be stern and attentive towards both disciples and mentors to create the best possible environment for learning and personal development.”
The trio exchanged glances as they received the generous compliment. Grea squirmed a little, looking at the floor, so Asterios brought her forward with a hand on her side.
“Ummm… Actually… I’m supposed to be the headmistress when we open…” she revealed with her crimson cheeks darkening slightly.
Principal Teireshia gaped at her silently for a few good seconds before gracing them with a hearty laugh none of them had ever heard the woman utter.
“Now, now. I thought nothing would surprise me anymore with the three of you. This explains your change in attire and the unexpectedly low number of indecent comments and ripostes.” The other dean showed a wide, almost predatory smile. “I wonder what you will say after donning my pair of boots for a while, my dear. Perhaps I shall lead the first or second exchange group myself to watch how you perform in this new role of yours. Surely, it can’t be that difficult, can it? You’ve always said that the principal has nothing else to do than scold the professors and sign an occasional addendum to academy rules.”
Grea paled visibly, her skin shifting closer to a dark rosy shade instead of the usual proud crimson. Asterios and Tina looked at their companion pitifully. Unfortunately, she’d brought this upon herself all on her own. Perhaps never expecting to move higher than a common teacher, the naughty demon must have made plenty of playful but scathing remarks toward her superior. Considering her wild nature and dirty mouth, it was more than certain.
A loud bell sounded outside, powerful enough to penetrate most of the academy’s walls. It echoed into the distance, delivering its message into every corner of the educational compound. A common passerby might have twitched at the noise, but every single person in the principal’s office knew exactly what this meant and was used to it.
Just like the school director before them, whose smile grew even more vicious.
“Oh, but why wait? When an opportunity presents itself, you have to grab it with all your arms and legs, right, Asterios?” Principal Teireshia winked at him. “It so happens that we are a little bit understaffed and there is no free professor to be assigned for the introductory lecture that takes place in five minutes. I was going to handle it myself, but I think it will be better to offer you three this chance to gain some experience for your future endeavors. Shall we?”
Tina’s eyes widened instantly while Grea sputtered nervously. “I-I don’t think that’s a good idea. What would people say when they learned that some random group was teaching their kids weird stuff? We can’t besmirch the academy’s—”
“You said you would always be glad to help with my troubles, did you not?” The other woman raised a challenging brow at them, still focusing on Asterios. “Is this how much the word of Dragon Valley’s ruler amounts to?”
He smiled wryly.
She had him by the balls.
Principal Teireshia might be an amazing and refined woman, but she wasn’t the principal by accident, and many tended to forget she knew how to handle herself while leading a multilayered institution full of internal politics and outside regulations.
“We will offer our assistance with great pleasure, Principal.” Asterios bowed respectfully. “We do owe you a lot and debts should never be left unpaid.”
He turned to his beloved mates and rested his palms on their shoulders.
“Let’s go, ladies. We have youthful minds hungry for knowledge to satiate.”