"I can see it," Nicole said as she looked in the distance.
"I see it too," Ethan replied softly. "We're finally back."
The two of them had woken up just before sunrise, and together, they gazed at the beautiful scenery in front of them.
The sun rising from the East showed them a picturesque sight of Brynhildr Academy in the distance.
Had the two of them traveled alone, it would have taken them two to three days in order to get back to the academy, and by then, both of them would be dead tired from their traveling, with no energy to admire anything.
However, since the Grand Archmage of Eastshire decided to accompany them, they were able to rest properly and didn't need to worry about the long journey back home.
"We'll be landing very soon," Edmond said as he stood behind the two teenagers. "I'll also be staying in the academy for a few days because I need to discuss something with Rinehart and Barret.
"Also, Ethan and Nicole, I will ask the two of you to accompany me on my expedition in a few weeks. This is part of your duties as Honorary Knights."
"Can I not go?" Ethan asked. "I'm sure Nicole will be enough to serve as your bodyguard, Lord Edmond."
"Hey!" Nicole lightly punched Ethan's shoulder. "You better come, too."
Lord Edmond chuckled before shaking his head.
"Like I said, you need to come," Edmond stated. "This is your first official performance of duty this year. Don't worry. At most, you'll only have to do two to three missions for the Kingdom every year. All of the expenses and accommodation will also be shouldered by the King, so you won't have to worry about the bill." Searᴄh the NôᴠelFirё.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
"Really?" Ethan smiled evilly.
He planned to splurge a lot in the expedition to make the King and the Grand Archmage reconsider sending him out on a mission for the kingdom again.
Knowing what the boy was thinking, Edmond just laughed.
Even if Ethan were to spend a lot, he didn't believe that a teenage boy would be able to make the King cough up a fortune.
Of course, he would regret these words in the future. But for now, he returned Ethan's smile with a smug smile of his own, making Nicole shake her head helplessly and say "men" under her breath.
A few minutes later, the Flying Ship descended into the Northern part of the academy, where Brynhildr's Statue was located.
Ethan and Nicole also noticed the two figures that seemed to be waiting for their arrival. Naturally, they were none other than Professor Rinehart and Professor Barret, who had been notified in advance about their arrival.
As soon as the ship landed, the two teenagers disembarked and bowed respectfully to their two Professors.
"Did the two of you have fun?" Professor Rinehart. "I heard that Ethan certainly did."
The young man lightly scratched his cheek in embarrassment because he had no excuse for the things he did while he was in the palace.
Nicole, on the other hand, just smiled because it was truly a memorable experience in more ways than one.
"Well, then. How about we go to the Dining Hall while it's still early," Professor Barret said. "Ethan, Nicole, you are excused from all your classes today. However, if you feel like going, you're encouraged to do so. Studying is important."
""Yes, Professor.""
Professor Rinehart, Professor Barret, and Edmond led the way while chatting casually with each other.
Ethan and Nicole were only a few steps behind them, walking side by side.
"I'm sure your lovers will be happy to see that you are back," Nicole said in a volume that only Ethan could hear.
"I'm glad I'm back as well. I missed them," Ethan replied.
"Are you still not talking with Chloe?"
"…"
Ethan sighed because his cousin was a sensitive topic for him.
If he were to have his way, he would kidnap her from Jaeger Manor and force her to have a heart-to-heart talk with her in bed.
Unfortunately, he couldn't do that, so he only sighed, making Nicole feel bad for even asking this question.
"Cheer up. It's not like she hates you," Nicole commented. "I've talked to her a few times, and in all the conversations we had, she always asked about you. I swear, the two of you only need to get a room to get it over with."
"If only it were that easy," Ethan replied bitterly. "Anyway, let's not talk about this."
"Okay." Nicole nodded in understanding.
When they arrived at the Dining Hall, Ethan was pleasantly surprised to see that Luna and Lilian were already there.
When their eyes landed on him, both girls almost ran toward him to give him a hug.
However, both of them controlled their impulses and stayed seated.
Lilian, who was seated beside Luna, stood up from her chair and sat on the chair next to hers.
She then lightly patted the chair where she left a while ago as an invitation for him to take his seat between her and Luna.
Ethan found this arrangement perfect, so he didn't hesitate to sit beside his two lovers, who immediately held his hands under the table as soon as they could.
"I missed you," Luna whispered in Ethan's ears.
"I missed you, too," Ethan replied.
If they weren't in front of the students of the academy, Ethan would have already kissed her lips.
But since that wasn't the case and he didn't want to cause a riot, he held back and settled with hushed whispers, which made Lilian pout beside him.
"I miss you, too, Lilian," Ethan whispered in Lilian's ears after his short chat with Luna.
"Not as much as I missed you." Lilian smiled. "Did you have fun in the Royal Palace?"
"A bit," Ethan answered. "I'll tell you and Luna all about it after classes."
Lilian nodded before cutting a small piece of pancake. After that, she spoonfed Ethan, making George, who was also sitting at the Dud Manor Table, whistle.
"It's nice to be young," George said.
"You're still young yourself, George," Henry replied. "Stop acting like an old man."
George chuckled and resumed eating his breakfast.
Ethan ate his food happily before shifting his gaze to the Jaeger Manor table, where Lily and Chloe were located.
The two young ladies were seated beside each other and chatting with each other.
Perhaps Lily sensed Ethan's gaze because the former looked in his direction.
Naturally, Chloe also looked in the direction where Lily was looking and met Ethan's eyes.
The two stared at each other for a while, but the young lady averted her gaze first and continued to eat.
Lily, on the other hand, winked at Ethan, making the latter smile.
Emma, who was watching all of this from the side, ate quietly.
However, she was also happy that her Master was finally back in the academy.
She had felt very lonely while he was gone, which made her realize that Ethan had now become a bigger part of her life, more than she cared to admit.