Chapter 31 30: Arrival
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Putting this here before I forget for like the eighth time...
Last week we almost hit 100 powerstones! As of current, we have 72 this week, at least as of starting this chapter.
That was really cool to see, and I can't wait to see the day we hit 100 powerstones!
Anyways, Enjoy~
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The days slowly passed, the nervousness and anticipation of meeting these important people, as well as knowing that maybe one, or both of the girls we are to meet will join us, making the hours crawl by.
Our mornings were spent refining our dance skills, as well as drilling things into Jahi's head that she can't be as promiscuous as she is now, as it will either cause conflict between the visitors and us, or can very easily lead to her having to 'take responsibility'.
Due to that, Jahi seemed to take that as an excuse to do as she pleased these last few days, all to 'get it out of my system!' This meant that dance class and the baths each day turned into Jahi doing as she pleased to me, finding various excuses to touch me.
Of course, while I gave an angry appearance outwardly, inwardly I was enjoying these moments, reveling in her affection.
During noon and the before the evening, we continued to either study, train, or simply enjoy each others company. Watching Jahi spar the Marquess was as entertaining as always, and watching her do basic workouts always provided an interesting time afterwards.
The evenings were spent with the Marquess, Countess, and my mother. We would simply lounge around in the room, talking and reading in peace.
It was here that I learned more about the academy, specifically more about the land owned by the academy as well as the classes we could take.
The Marquess was trying to finish her paperwork, so the Countess explained things.
"So, lets talk about the classes first. The ones that are required by everyone are: Language, History, Arts, and Theory. As you can guess, Language class introduces the basics of the various languages spoken around us, and is supposed to teach you how to better express yourselves. History will be similar to what you are now learning, focusing on the Empires History before discussing the lands around us. Arts will consist of music, dance, painting, calligraphy, and more. Theory is about the basics of sequences, ritual circles, and anything magic in nature. Now, if you show a high understanding of these subjects, you can take the final exam early, finishing the class and opening up your schedule for more advanced subjects or the specializations.
Specializations are things like magic classes, blade classes, blacksmithing, alchemy, and more. These are what you are actually attending the academy for. While you could learn these on your own, the academy provides amazing instructors in these subjects, and offers apprenticeships after you graduate."
Raising her hand, Jahi said "How hard are those first year classes?"
Scoffing slightly, the Countess said "Easy, since they are things you are already learning. So, if I hear that you failed the class or took the exam early and failed, I will personally drag you back from the academy..."
Shivering slightly, we avoided the Countess' glare. Continuing, she said "Next, the land the academy owns. Hunting Grounds, Proving Grounds, Vulcan's Pit... its called many things, but all that matters is that the academy breeds monsters inside the area, for the sole purpose of allowing students to get real combat experience, where one slip up could result in death. The system in place, where entrance is only granted to those that teachers allow to enter, is there for a reason. Don't sneak in; if you do, and are caught, you are expelled."
Nodding at that, I watched as the Countess sat on the desk besides the Marquess, picking up a piece of paper.
Continuing, she said "Kat, to be honest, I don't particularly care if push yourself or not; if you do, good for you. Your main responsibility while you are at the academy is to keep Jahi in check, and make sure she isn't going around trying to collect women like clothes, like a certain other demon..."
At that, both Jahi and the Marquess flinched slightly, though it was more noticeable in the Marquess, as she quickly looked up and said "I never did anything with anyone!"
Smirking at her, the Countess leaned down, saying "That is because I was there, keeping you in check..."
Looking away guiltily, the Marquess went back to her paperwork. Chuckling, the Countess turned back towards me, saying "Unlike Chordeva and I, you will, hopefully, have another persons 'help' to keep Jahi occupied, but who knows... she might find thrills in chasing new things..."
At that, Jahi held me closer, vehemently shaking her head.
I leaned into her, deciding to trust her, but keeping the Countess' advice in mind. Besides, with the [Nymphomania(MAX)] skill, I don't plan on letting her spend her mornings and nights alone...
After that little discussion about the academy, we ate a meal consisting of a heavy meat stew paired with a nice loaf of bread. As Jahi and I rolled back to our room, she turned towards me, a serious look in her eyes.
"I won't chase new people, Kat. Really... you will be my main love for the rest of my life, I swear..."
Chuckling at that, I pulled her into a hug, letting my actions speak for me.
We stood there for a few moments, until Jahi let her hands drop from my waist. Pulling away from her, I shot her a smirk before racing into our room.
Needless to say, that night was spent warding off Jahi's affections, though I welcomed it simply because tomorrow was the day they arrived...
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We all were waiting in front of the main door, waiting to hear word of the arrival of the Empress or Sultana.
We had gotten up around the same time, an hour or so before the sun rose. After bathing and eating, we met up with the Marquess, the Countess, and my mother.
The Marquess and Countess stood side by side, with my mother standing behind them.
The Marquess wore her 'formal' attire, consisting of sleek black pants, a dark purple shirt, with a black jacket over that. Her long raven black hair was pulled into a braid, and the only piece of jewelry on her body was a circular pendant with a 'E' that had an extended middle -, which, if I remembered correctly, was the alchemical symbol for ash or cinder. Her lips were pulled into a thin line, and her ruby eyes were cold, giving her a serious aura.
The Countess wore a long, blue dress, paired with a darker blue pair of evening gloves. Her blonde hair had been pulled into a bun, and dangling from her long ears were two bright blue sapphires. On her left ring finger was a gold band with a sapphire set into its surface. Her attire, when paired with her carefree smile and warm blue eyes made her look stunning.
Looking over at Jahi, I smiled a bit, happy with my work. She was wearing something similar to the Marquess, except instead of a purple shirt she wore dark blue. Additionally, she had a small gold dangle earring on her left ear. Her long raven hair was pulled into a simple braid, as I had had to much trouble getting her thick hair to comply completely with me. However, I thought it turned out quite well...
Of course, both my mother and I were wearing our maid dresses, though it seems we were both of the same mind, as we had done our hair as best we could. I had opted to pull it into a small bun, while my mother had braided her own, allowing it to sway freely.
Standing behind Jahi, we waited in tense silence.
Minutes passed, turning to hours. However, thankfully I had become proficient at sleeping on my feet, mainly due to Baron Jilk's class.
A guard burst through the door, shouting "Lady Asmodia! Both the Sultana and Empress have arrived!"
All of our heads snapped to the door, and we all quickly made our way out of the house towards the gate.
I had to run to keep up with everyone, but eventually we made it to the gate. Panting slightly, I quickly fixed my dress and hair, hoping that I looked presentable.
Stationed in front of the gate were two elaborate carriages. The one on the left was crimson and gold, with the same symbol the Marquess wore around her neck.
The other carriage was a black and silver, with a red crescent moon emblazoned on the doors.
Seeing the two carriages, I widened my eyes at not only the materials used, but also the guards and steeds.
The Empress' carriage was pulled by two large, crimson lizards. Every time they exhaled a cloud of ash appeared. The two guards sitting in front of the carriage were wearing intricate wine red armor, their helmets the likeness of a dragon. Both had long claymores strapped to the sides of the carriage, as well as ritual circles and sequences carved into their armor.
The Sultana's carriage was pulled by two large black dogs, with deep red eyes. They looked exactly like the hieroglyphs of Anubis, sleek, black, and large pointed ears. Around their necks was a gold collar, fastened together by a ruby. The two guards word loose black robes, a black half mask covering their mouths. Both had a ruthless look, and the scimitars strapped to their waists looked simple, but well used.
Holding my breath, I watched as the doors opened.
From the Sultana's carriage, a short, thin woman stepped out, floppy dog ears on either side of her head. Wearing loose white cloth, she showed off large amounts of her dark, olive skin. Stretching, she looked towards my mother, smirking when she saw her. Looking back into the carriage, she watched as a miniature version of her jumped out, bouncing around.
Like her mother, the girl wore loose cloth, except hers was red in color. Her ears bounced around, and her long tail swished side to side. Looking over at Jahi and me, she had a large smile, and if her mother didn't sigh and grab ahold of her, she would have shot over to us.
Lastly, a tall, thin woman exited the carriage. Like her wife and daughter, she wore loose cloth, except hers was a deep black. Over her face was a thin black cloth, completely shrouding her features. Her exposed skin was riddled with scars, and her muscles rippled as she moved. She looked lithe, felt dangerous, and was incredibly alluring to look at.
From the Empress' carriage, a tall, curvy woman exited, opening up a parasol to block the sun. Her skin was alabaster white, and her round eyes were like rubys. She wore a long, gray feathered dress, matching her grey hair. Turning around, she gave a gentle smile as she took the hand of a small girl, with similar pale skin.
Exiting was a small girl, clutching a two headed puppy in her arms. Her long ash hair fell over her eyes, and when she stepped out she winced slightly, scurrying to the side of her mother. Wearing a simple black dress that contrasted her pale skin, she looked like a porcelain doll.
Finally, a giant woman stepped out of the carriage, slightly taller than the Marquess. She wore simple white robes, and when I looked up, I was shocked. Her hair was alternating between orange, red, and grey, much like an ember. Small sparks wafted off her hair, and covering her eyes was a simple red cloth. Although she wasn't as curvy as the Marquess, she made up for it with her regal aura and mysterious look. On top of her head was a simple silver crown, adorned with a few large fire crystals.
"The Empress, Lorelei Presa, and their daughter, Leone Presa-Ash!"
"The Sultana, Kio Sera, and their daughter, Anput Sera!"
Hearing the thunderous shouts of the guards, I flinched slightly. However, I quickly recovered, kneeling like my mother. The Marquess and Jahi bowed, while the Countess gave a deep curtsy. All the other servants and guards, including the Banshess, kneeled with us.
"Welcome, Empress Ash, Sultana Anubi, to March Asmodia."
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Lol as I finish this, we hit 92 PowerStones!
Thank you all!
And I hope you enjoy the next few chapters!
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