Chapter 196 196: The inspection
It was finally the day for the council delegates to step into the academy. The party that had been readied to receive those important guests was also chosen.
As per the norms, Rex would be heading the party along with Astoria. Rita had also taken the initiative to head out with them while Aurora chose to stay behind.
Initially, Aurora had wanted to go as well but it would have left the academy without anyone to look after it.
There was too much risk involved if Aurora decided to take off and the academy was attacked in the meanwhile.
They did have soldiers to take care of the attack and their students were also taught how to take care of themselves but that was beside the point.
“Have fun and make sure you maintain a civil approach. And I mean you, Rex. Do not let your temper fly.”
Aurora was hesitant to send Rex out to meet his stepmother. He did not have the best relationship with Lady Violet but the customs called for him to go.
At this point, Aurora could only depend on Lady Astoria to keep Rex in check. Even Rita was prone to angry fits and making rash decisions.
If she somehow got taken in by Rex’s angry rhythm then that would be it.
‘I miss Natasha and her calm aura. I would surely have sent her if she was here.’
Aurora’s heart gave a painful tug at remembering Natasha before she shook her head off. She needed to distract herself from her sadness and Aurora knew the best way to do so.
“Now let’s see, what should I teach the children today?”
Since the academy did not have a lot of students in its first batch, most students were assigned to mentors in batches depending on what they were good at.
Also, because of the presence of students like Damian who could not do magic but had good physical capabilities, things had to take a non-traditional approach.
‘Ah, I should also make a round and check up on Emily and Joseph. I told them I would bring a friend for them but then Natasha ended up being not it.’
Aurora did remember her promise but she had no way of fulfilling that now. Things had happened and now Aurora was left in an awkward situation.
Maybe she would pull the pair aside and then inform them about the bad news.
‘But is there a need to? I am sure the kids have forgotten all about my words by now. It has been some time now.’
Aurora opened the door to the classroom, only to find the 16 current students sitting in the same classroom.
There was a lack of teachers in the academy for now since they still had to pass the inspection. Most teachers interested to take up posts here would have to wait for that official decision.
“Ah, you all are here? What happened to your mentors?” It was not rare to see the children mix up in the academy but it was rare to see them in the same class during official hours.
Most children in the academy were competitive and were driven to prove themselves. Rex had chosen them carefully as the pre-batch for a reason.
“Professors are busy today and we are bored. Can we go out to play?”
Aurora was not sure why she felt surprised to hear the kids ask to be let out. Kids generally were energetic and were not ones to sit down in a classroom.
Plus, most of these kids were not normal and needed a high amount of activity to keep them active.
“Alright, I can let you all out but no fighting. Have you gone through the new obstacle course yet?”
The new obstacle course had been set up a few days prior. From Rex’s reports, it was a space that could change depending on one’s caliber and weaknesses. It was a good way to train someone.
And the best part about it was that it had already been tried out and approved for use. It would be a good way to tire these kids out and also see how far they had come.
And from the looks on the kid’s faces, it seemed like they were ready to take on such a challenge.
The only kid not present in here right now was Damian but he was a special case so Aurora did not feel the need to go and fetch him.
He would join them if he wanted to.
“Alright, form a line for now, and let me see how well you perform.”
Aurora kept an eye out for the dangers these kids might be in. but they did much better than Aurora expected them to.
It seemed like assigning them classes based on the kid’s strengths was a good idea. It made these kids much more confident to try new things out.
“So, you did not lie for once Rex. These kids are decent in using their powers. But I’ll need you to bring out all certificated related to this program and magic. I have heard that it can be quite dangerous if it is not properly certificated.”
The low voice that spoke behind Aurora was familiar. And so was the growl Rex let out as he replied ‘Sure, fine.’
Lady Violet was finally here but Aurora did not turn toward her. She had used her magic to turn her hair completely white and retained her golden eyes. Even her facial structure had been altered a little to make Aurora unrecognizable.
But for some reason, as soon as Aurora’s eyes met Lady Violet, she felt like she was being seen through by her.
This was a feeling Aurora always had when she faced Lady Violet. The elder lady had never failed to make Aurora nervous.
“Teacher Aurora, can you help us out? I want to get to the next level but I don’t know how to tune the things.”
Aurora felt a share glare aimed at her back. She was sure that it was Lady Violet who was looking at her and judging her for all she was worth.
‘Maybe I should have changed my name as well. Aurora is a dead giveaway about who I am.’
But as good as that thought was, Aurora also knew that it would not have helped her.
If she had decided to change her name and someone had somehow slipped up and called Aurora by her real name, things would have gotten even more awkward.
It would also make Lady Violet wonder why Aurora felt a need to hide her real name from her and then the elder would try and pry into her business.
Being truthful about her identity was the best way to ensure that Lady Violet just thinks the naming was a coincidence.
‘Besides, I cannot be sure if the tower told her about me. They must have known my name at least.’
Quince knew Aurora’s name and he was not one to keep important information to himself. Aurora needed to be careful but she did not need to be paranoid yet.
“If you’ve seen enough here then we should head toward the other areas. You do want to see the certificate we have about safety protocol right?”
“Of course, I want to. I need to know how much my stupid stepson managed to mess up this time. Lucy is not here to bail you out, so you better be through with your work.”
O-Oh, that was a landmine of a topic but Aurora was sure it would be alright now.
She had told Rex the truth about Lucy and her circumstances. She was sure that Rex would not outright explode this time and –
“Fuck you. You have no right to bring Lucy up when you just sat there as she was dying. Don’t pretend as you care now.”
And there Rex went. He was unable to keep his temper in check. Astoria had to step in to bail him out.
‘Maybe I should have chosen Astoria as the headmistress. She certainly looks more ready to take the role than Rex.’
But the time for regret and choices was over. Astoria managed to lead the conversation away and also drag Lady Violet away.
‘Rex, you better behave. I did not go through all that in the abyss, only for you to mess it up now.’
Aurora’s eyes met Rex’s in the distance and she was sure that the other man got her message.
The small flinch Rex gave felt good. It seemed like he was still capable of feeling shame for his actions.
“Teacher Aurora, help me out.”
The kid tugged at Aurora’s sleeve, finally dragging her attention away from the inspection party.
“Of course. Just give me a second and I will help you out.” the day was peaceful and so was the week.
Despite Aurora’s fears, the inspection passes quietly and they got their certificate.
And then the attack happened, on the last day when the inspection was over. The tower had chosen to make its move at the wrong time and the wrong place.
Because Aurora found the attacker even before anything happened.