Making the Rounds

Anticipating her arrival, Paul, Zhongli, and Xiangling were prepared to set out the moment Erinellis arrived the following day.

With the tall and slender Elf leading the way, it wasn't long before the trio found themselves at the entrance of a three-storey building that was, at least to Paul, reminiscent of classical, Victorian Era architecture. The walls were modeled from a combination of stained wood and anti-magic bricks, while the entire structure was reinforced with metal trimmings, almost like a gingerbread house. As for the color, much of the building was painted a creamy beige, while the trimming and sloping roof tiles were all dark blue.

Waiting at the entrance to the stylish and heavily reinforced building was a bespectacled woman wearing the ornate robes typically associated with a Magician. She had honey-blonde hair fashioned into a neat bun, peculiar pink eyes, and, despite being in her late forties, a remarkably mature body that managed to show through her thick purple and gold-trimmed robes.

Placing her hand on her heart and, more noticeably, her G-Cup breasts, the woman offered a polite bow as she said, "Master Paul, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Rumina Viktor Greenbull, Water Saint-Ranked Magician and Headmistress of Milbots Academy of Nobles. Please, feel free to address me as Headmistress or Ms. Greenbull."

Offering a similar yet marginally less courteous bow, Paul returned, "The pleasure is mine, Ms. Greenbull." before raising his head, gesturing to the two girls behind him, and adding, "These are my companions, Zhongli and Xiangling. If possible, I would have them attend classes alongside me."

Scanning the rather exotic-looking children standing silently behind Paul, Rumina didn't hesitate to answer, "That shouldn't be a problem. Though the Academy usually prohibits bodyguards and servants from attending class alongside their Masters, these girls appear to be around the same age as you and your classmates. So long as House Notos is willing to act as their Patron, I see no reason to refuse their admittance."

Reaching into his breast pocket, Paul pulled out twenty Asura Gold Coins, more than half his current savings, declaring, "My Father permitted me a bit of discretion to act in instances such as this. These funds should more than cover this year's tuition and supplies."

Accepting the pouch with a smile, Rumina didn't even bother to check its contents. Even if Paul hadn't proferred forth any funding, she would have merely sent an invoice to his father.

"They will need to have their measurements taken and feet sized for their uniforms. While their current garments appear to be of exceptional quality, all students must follow the Academy's rules and dress code. If it pleases the Young Master, we can stop at a tailor during our tour."

Nodding his head, Paul replied, "That is acceptable." before supplanting, "If possible, I would also like to visit the Auction House, the Slave Market, and an able Goldsmith. I will have need of their services during my stay at the Academy."

Returning a smile, Rumina dutifully explained, "I am more than happy to show the way, but all above-board commercial, industrial, and processing facilities can be found near the town square. For...additional services, the Academy expects new students to gather information by interacting with older, more experienced students. Your esteemed father has written me a letter telling me not to afford you too many privileges, so I'm afraid you'll have to look into such matters on your own."

Understanding what Rumina was referring to when she said 'additional services', Paul's smile became visibly wry before he promptly fixed his expression and said, "I'll keep that in mind. Now, shall we depart, or is there a matter requiring my attention in the Administrative Office?"

Shifting her gaze to Zhongli and Xiangling, Rumina answered, "We will need to fill out some paperwork for your two...companions. However, it will take some time to prepare everything. If it's not an inconvenience, I will have Erinellis bring it by your residence tomorrow afternoon. At that point, you need only certify the documents with your seal, and both girls will be enrolled."

Nodding his head in affirmation and approval, a relieved smile developed across Paul's face as he chimed, "Excellent. Then I will entrust the matter to Ms. Greenbull and her capable staff."

Bowing her head in acknowledgment of Paul's praise, Rumina's smile became marginally more sincere. She had heard the rumors, but he was even more mature and polite than expected. This was exceptionally rare among members of the Nobility, so she couldn't help looking forward to his progress. If he proved as capable as he was composed, the Milbots Region would be in good hands once he acceded the Lordship from his father...

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Established shortly after the Laplace War, a cataclysmic event that nearly destroyed the world 400 years prior, the Milbots Academy was one of the most prominent educational facilities in the world. Its student population generally hovered around 150-200, but there were more than 6,000 staff and civilian personnel supporting them. This included a number of skilled artisans, merchants, and even a few payrolled criminals to give students a sense of dealing with 'disreputables' in the shadows.

After getting the girls fitted for their uniforms, Paul was given a tour of the Academy's essential facilities. This included a large field that resembled a staging area for knights, a large barracks, a stable filled with more than a hundred horses, materials to construct barricades, target dummies, and a large armory filled with swords, spears, bows, and other weapons.

Since the Academy operated year-round, a total of thirty-three children, aged between 5-10, could be seen practicing in the field under the close supervision of a young woman with features remarkably similar to the Academy's Headmistress.

Unsurprisingly, Rumina revealed, "That's my youngest daughter, Reva Greenbull. She suffered an injury to her left knee a few years ago, but her skill in the Water God Style rivals that of a Saint. When you are deciding your electives, I suggest giving her lessons a try."

Noticing her mother's presence, Reva left the students in the care of her assistants before making her way over with a faint but noticeable limp.

"Headmistress, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Casting her gaze to Paul, Zhongli, and Xiangling, Reva's hazel-brown eyes practically lit up. Practitioners of the Water God Style had incredibly sharp intuition. Reva didn't sense much from Paul and Xiangling, but Zhongli was like a massive, unpolished gem. The young girl's balance was perfect, and her eyes, while strange, were as calm and serene as an underground lake. They were the kind of eyes only Kings and higher-ranking members of the Water God Style were capable of exhibiting.

Noticing Reva's fiery gaze, Zhongli adopted a faint smile before promptly closing her eyes. This left Reva feeling at a loss for words until her mother revealed, "This young gentleman is Paul Notos Greyrat, First Son and Heir Apparent of House Notos. I imagine he and his attendants will be joining your class in the near future."

Upon hearing Paul's identity, Reva immediately bowed in a respectful manner, stating, "My apologies, Master Paul. I was unaware of your status as the First Son of House Notos. While that may not be a proper excuse, I pray you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

Raising his left hand in a ceasing gesture, Paul replied, "Though you have done nothing warranting an apology, I accept it nonetheless. Please, raise your head."

Though she had also heard the rumors of Paul's maturity, Reva was more than a little surprised by his eloquence. He spoke like the heavily tutored members of the Royal Family. It was a little creepy, but it also attested to the fact that Paul was more than just a handsome yet unassuming boy. He might be lacking in sword talent, but he was exceptional in other ways.

Raising her head, Reva adopted a natural smile as she said, "Master Paul's compassion is greatly appreciated. If there is ever anything that concerns you regarding the Water God Style, do not hesitate to ask. I'm far from the most skilled practitioner, but I'm proficient in the techniques of Flow, Flow Reversal, and Battle Aura."

Though he was tempted to ask about Touki immediately, Paul decided to wait until he had started class and familiarized himself with the basics of swordsmanship. Touki, commonly known as Battle Aura, wasn't something that could be used just because you knew about its existence. It was an ability people gained access to after achieving a particular state of mind or pushing their body far beyond its limits. If it simply required hard work and continuous swinging of a blade, even bandits and butchers would be proficient in its use.

Returning a smile, Paul said, "I'm looking forward to it." in a sincere tone. He was far more interested in the Sword God Style, but as that ultimately involved swinging a sword as fast as possible, he didn't mind starting with the Water God Style. If he could learn Flow Reversal, he could send most magic spells back at their caster. At higher levels, he would even be able to redirect lightning from the sky toward his opponents.

Willfully ignoring the fact that it would take becoming an Emperor of the Water God Style to perform such feats, Paul bade farewell to Reva. They still had a lot of places to visit before the tour ended, first and foremost being the Magic Training Range located just a few hundred meters from the Sword Training Area.

Like most buildings catered to Magicians, the Magic Training Range was comprised entirely of Anti-Magic Bricks. Unless the caster was King Rank or higher, it was virtually impossible to leave so much as a scratch on the exceptionally expensive, pale grey material typically reserved for city and fortress walls.

Just as before, Rumina waited for the Chief Magic Instructor, a tall man with a slender frame, sharp features, and black hair, to come over before personally carrying out introductions.

When the Magic Instructor, an Advanced Earth and Wind Magician named William Fisk, learned of Paul's identity, he reacted in much the same way as Reva. He first apologized before informing Paul that he was more than happy to answer any of his questions. This was entirely intentional, as, for reasons Paul would never truly understand, it was 'customary' for Greater Nobles to allow people to embarrass or shame themselves so they could exhibit their magnanimity.

Though Paul felt such contrivances were completely pointless, he also understood there wasn't much he could do to change the way things were. If he permitted people to behave informally around him, they would view him as an easy mark.

Aristocratic society was extremely cutthroat, so much so that factions could form over something as absurd as an Heir apologizing to someone. The Asura Kingdom, in particular, was a place that revered the strong and politically inclined. Anyone that wasn't willing to play their part, be they a Lord's son or a Slave, would be unceremoniously cut down. Thus, at least for the time being, Paul had little choice but to play along as Rumina went through the process of retroactively introducing him to every significant Head of Staff in the Academy...

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After what felt like three entire days packed into a single morning and afternoon, Paul, Xiangling, and Zhongli returned to their abode. The first two immediately collapsed face-first on two of the three sofas circling the presently extinguished hearth. Their minds may be older, but they had the strength, stamina, and physiques of five-year-olds. Walking around for the better part of seven-and-a-half hours left them thoroughly tuckered out.

Leaving the two to their lamentations, Zhongli, showing no discernible signs of fatigue, made her way to the kitchen to prepare tea and snacks. She may have had the appearance of a five-year-old, but she was still an Archon. She didn't need to eat, sleep, or even consume water unless she wanted to. So long as she didn't sustain any grave injuries, she could go without rest for literal centuries. Thus, after setting out tea and snacks, she confirmed that Paul and Xiangling were sleeping before proceeding to clean the penthouse with a faint smile adorning her face...