Chapter 1574: Bloom
While waiting for Eva, Vahn had little else to do other than fall back into his old schedule. He had let everyone enjoy a vacation while he was dealing with Eva, but, now that his tensions had been dealt with, he could easily provide them with the amount of attention they required. Most importantly, he was no longer stressed out by the growing intimacy and skinship he shared with the girls. Rather, it was actually somewhat cute to see them eagerly fishing for his attention, and, though it might lead to future troubles, he decided to just laugh off their antics like he would his growing fanbase...
With a casual smile on his face, Vahn was dodging the 'flailing' of the bronze-skinned beauty, who, in spite of her best efforts, simply couldn't land a hit on him. She was surprisingly deft at hand-to-hand combat, possessing inherent flexibility, impeccable balance, and a talent for Ki, but, even if she stepped in at her fastest speed, Vahn would either evade or deflect her attacks to the side, casually explaining how she could improve in real-time. This allowed her to improve quickly, but, after a few minutes, Theo would always get riled up, attempting a big attack or trying to pull a trick...
In an attempt to take the fight into a grapple, Theo pounced like a cat toward its prey, a thin shroud of magical energy appearing around her body. This provided a qualitative increase in her speed and mobility, but, at the apex of her pounce, Theo found her vision obstructed by Vahn's open palm. In the following moments, a sense of weightlessness seized her body, and, before her brain processed everything that was happening, she found herself staring up at a familiar expanse of blue sky. There was no feeling of impacting the ground, only the feeling of cool grass against her sweaty body as a silhouette stared down at her from above, musing, "Until you can freely move in the air, leaving the ground is a death sentence against a skilled opponent. You lose the ability to dodge, and, while it is an effective way to catch some opponents by surprise, the loss of power is rarely worth it..."
Hearing Vahn's explanation, a smile spread across Theo's face before she began to laugh in a light-hearted manner. It had been impossible to get anyone to train her properly back in the palace, so, even if she felt completely exhausted, the urge to laugh was too strong to resist. Her pointed ears, which looked like elven ears covered in a thin coat of white fur, would gently waggle whenever she laughed, earning a slight smile from Vahn as he extended his hand to help her stand...
Though she accepted Vahn's outstretched hand, a mischievous sheen flashed across Theo's eyes as her laughter immediately ceased. Then, using Vahn's arm as leverage, she attempted to place him in an armbar by wrapping her thighs and legs around his arm. Unfortunately, the moment she twisted her body in an attempt to pull off the maneuver, a thin golden aura shrouded her body as she was tossed, rather unceremoniously, through the air. She tumbled head over heels a few times, but, as if it was just a fun carnival ride, Theo's laughter could be heard echoing all the way up until the point she crashed harmlessly into the sea...
Shaking his head, Vahn pulled out a towel to wipe Theo's sweat away from his arm before turning his gaze to the side, locking eyes with the other golden-haired beauty waiting for her turn. She, like Theo, was wearing a version of the [Aegis MK-U] that looked like a sports bra and hot pants, so, as could be expected from such form-fitting garments, there wasn't much left to the imagination. This was something Vahn had largely gotten used to, but, seeing Arika staring at him with a hungry look in her eyes, it was hard to resist sighing in appreciation as he pulled out Laev-tan and said, "Let me see how much you've improved..."
Without a moment of hesitation, Arika's hair began to fan outward as a golden claymore appeared in her right hand. Then, following the sound of a muted shockwave, Arika's figure 'flickered' out of existence before reappearing next to him in an instant. She had been steadily mastering [Shundo], but, without needing to look toward her, Vahn's easily deflected her sweeping blow toward the sky. His blade seemed to move in slow motion, but, no matter how much she enhanced her speed and strength using her colossal reserves, Arika could never complete her attack before it was deflected...
Clenching her teeth, Arika guided her sword into a controlled arc, using the momentum of Vahn's deflection to prepare a follow-up strike. At the same time, she stepped in quickly in an attempt to try and knock him off balance with her shoulder. Unfortunately, in much the same way he had dealt with Theo, Vahn stepped into the gap in Arika's movement. It was hard to redirect your momentum when you had committed to an attack, so, if your opponent was faster and more skilled, any wasted movements were easily exploited...
As he side-stepped toward the front of Arika's body, Vahn's right hand swept toward the pommel of her claymore. This prevented her from trying to perform an impromptu slash, the flat of her own blade pressing into her exposed flank and causing her to lose balance. She didn't fall over, but her body spun around a few times before she was able to recover. It was amusing to see how she could even turn a fumble into a graceful movement, but, before Vahn could comment on it, Arika's figure had already vanished a second time...
Feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, Vahn's eyes widened slightly as a massive golden crescent bisected him at the waist. The energy blade, traveling several times faster than the speed of sound, was able to cut through the adjacent forest, only stopping after it carved a large gully in the nearby mountain. This was a rather impressive display, but, rather than appear satisfied, Arika's face showed disbelief, trepidation, and concern as she watched the two halves of Vahn split apart...
Before she could even cry out and [Shundo] to Vahn's side, all of Arika's mental processes ground to a stop when a familiar voice casually asked, "What are you looking at...?" from right behind her.
With rounded eyes, Arika attempted to spin around, but, part-way through the movement, a finger poked into her cheek, somehow arresting her momentum completely. On the other end, she could see Vahn's casually smiling face tinged with amusement as he retracted his hand and said, "Unless you have confirmed the death of your opponent, never make assumptions. Did you really think you had cut me in half so easily~?"
Without dignifying Vahn's words with a verbal response, Arika found her left hand moving before she had willed it to do so. It was like an 'instinct' was driving her to slap him, but, as if to emphasize his invulnerability, Vahn didn't even bother dodging as her hand swept through him like a phantom image. This ended up being the case, as, in the next moment, a familiar sensation plopped down on her head, followed by a comfortable flow of energy as a voice echoed from behind her, saying, "You have every right to be mad. However, this is training so you won't be easily deceived by your future opponents. I'll apologize later, so, for the time being, focus on trying to land a hit on me before you even humor the thought of 'accidentally' killing me..."
The moment she felt Vahn's hand leave her head, a glowering look spread across Arika's face as she twisted her body in a graceful arc, sweeping backward with her sword. Then, for the better part of an hour, she fervently attempted to release her frustrations on the smiling man until her body was completely covered in sweat. Even then, she pushed herself beyond exhaustion, only stopping when Vahn grabbed her blade with his bare hand, taking advantage of her depleted reserves to snap it in an instant...
---
Following another long session of training, Vahn made good on his promise to Arika, apologizing by helping wash her back and hair as she hugged her knees and pouted. At the same time, though he had told her it wasn't necessary, Theo was spiritedly scrubbing his with a large sponge. She had tried to tease him by lathering up her own body and pouncing on him, but, after a literal spanking, she had, momentarily, become a little more obedient. As for how their relationship had evolved to the point of him spanking her backside, well, this was largely due to Theo herself and a few remarks from Fenrir.
Though she had taken his words into consideration, restraining herself quite a bit, it was impossible to stop Fenrir from preaching the principles of being a 'good girl'. She had explained the concept of earning rewards for good behavior, going into great lengths about the many benefits that could be obtained. Inversely, she also explained what constituted bad behavior, using Theo's recent mischief as an example. Vahn wasn't entirely sure what had been said, but, after that, Theo directly requested that he spank her whenever he thought her antics had gone too far. She seemed to believe it would help her mature into a proper adult, citing that 'proper discipline' was important between a Master and Disciple.
Truthfully, Vahn felt like Fenrir had 'inadvertently' planted a landmine in his path, but, after refusing to spank her, Theo became even more rambunctious and bold. She even waggled her pert brown butt in his face a few times, resulting in the penultimate moment when he tanned her hide for the first time. Afterward, she became demonstrably more demure and bashful, cutting back on most of her antics. It was only during and after training that she would resort to her usual antics, the result of a biological predisposition to get 'very' excited during and after battles...
Finished with washing Arika's hair, Vahn lightly uttered, "Lean back a little..." before using a gentle torrent of hot water to rinse away the suds. This allowed Arika to stare up at his face, but, without minding her gaze, Vahn supported her body with his palm, quickly completing the process before smiling as he said, "You're good to go..."
After guiding Arika back into a seated position, the latter stood up from the mineral-rich waters of the onsen, her long hair covering much of her figure but still leaving the curves of her body visible. She was clearly still a little upset after being 'toyed' with during their training, but, after standing in silence for nearly half a minute, Arika uttered a demure, "Thank you for washing my hair..." before slowly levitating from the water and alighting from the bath.
Realizing that Arika might have just been standing in front of him to allow herself to be seen, Vahn developed a slightly wry smile on his face as he watched her land at the side, the water on her body evaporating even before she stepped into the changing room. This left him alone with Theo, and, as a result, she became more emboldened, throwing her arms around his neck from behind, her naked body pressing into his back as she teasingly whispered, "It seems like big sis is rapidly falling in love with the big bad dragon~."
Without reacting to Theo's provocation, Vahn slowly rose from the bath, allowing her to hang from him as he casually answered, "I am well aware. However, she is a little too young and inexperienced for me to reciprocate her feelings. Though she likely has a number of reasons at this point, she only loves me because she doesn't really know how to love anyone else. I am merely the first person she has shown a special interest in, and, due to my nature, she feels 'safe' by entrusting herself to me...is it not the same for you, Princess...?"
With a light blush coloring her cheeks, Theo released her hold on Vahn, taking a few steps back as a timid smile spread across her face. She could understand what Vahn was trying to say, as, over the last few days, she had started to wonder if she was also falling in love. He made her feel safe, and, if she were ever in any danger, she knew he would stop at nothing to try and save her. This gave her a strong desire to stay at his side, and, due to how 'accepting' he was of their selfishness, Theo often found herself wondering just how much she could get away with...
Rather than respond directly to Vahn's words, Theo's expression softened slightly as she said, "You know...if we were back on Earth, I would already be twenty-one-years-old, more than old enough to drink and vote in most countries. I even had my first period when I was seven, so, from a biological point of view, I'm already more than ready..."
Towards the end of her words, Theo's eyes wandered down Vahn's body, swallowing hard when she looked directly at his sleeping member. She hadn't really thought about matters like love before her appointment as Imperial Ambassador, but, after observing the intimacy between Vahn and Fenrir, it was hard not to feel a little curious. Her appointment was also something that was only supposed to be given to adults, for obvious reasons, so, all things considered, Theo had gradually convinced herself she was more than mature enough for a physical relationship...
Without losing his smile, Vahn just shook his head before calmly stating, "You're in the same boat as Arika. Even if your argument is sound, you simply lack the life experience to make such decisions. In a normal society, you would have learned about these things by growing alongside your peers, but, as a member of the Imperial Family, you have been isolated from others. Now, you have a chance to break away from most of the restraints that have kept you bound, so, after imprinting upon me, you have developed a subconscious desire to strengthen our relationship, believing it is the best way to ensure your happiness. What you feel isn't true love, Theo, it is the result of your curious nature and a desire for liberation...you just want to experience new things and be free..."
Hearing Vahn's words, Theo's ears drooped somewhat pathetically, as, despite her desire to refute them, she couldn't really argue against them. She didn't really understand how she felt, but, as Vahn had stated, she just felt comfortable and secure around him. If she sincerely asked him to, she knew he would allow her to live a completely different life than the one that had been decided for her by fate. He had even answered many of the questions she had about the future of this world, including those related to her marriage...
Though she wanted to serve her people and fulfill her duties as Empress, Theo didn't really want to sacrifice everything in that pursuit. She still wanted to be happy, so, knowing she had been forced into a political marriage to strengthen ties within her own family, it was hard to look forward to the future. She actually knew the person she was fated to marry, and, though he wasn't really the worst candidate, imagining herself loving the man was impossible. Not only was he weak, but, as a result of his family's wealth, he had lived a decadent and wasteful life thus far...
Seeing the mixture of confusion, melancholy, and frustration in Theo's countenance, Vahn's smile softened slightly as he said, "You're thinking too much, Theo. The answer is actually very simple, you know?"
Hearing Vahn's words, clarity returned to Theo's sapphire-like eyes as she heard him add, "You were able to grasp your freedom the moment you became my student. No matter what others decide, you are the only person that can make decisions regarding your life. Even if you wanted to lead the Hellas Empire down a completely different path, I would support you from behind the scenes and help you find allies, like Arika, who are willing to share your burdens. So long as you never become the type of person who exploits others for personal gain, you will always have my support. There is no need to rush things, Theo...happiness isn't looking toward the future and fretting over events to come. Happiness comes from making the most of each passing moment, forging strong bonds, and constantly pushing yourself to become something 'greater'..."
Though it would take a while to process them completely, Theo felt considerably relieved by Vahn's words. At the same time, however, she keyed in on a few key phrases, a look of confusion marring her expression as she asked, "How can I make the most of each moment if I'm not allowed to act on my instincts and urges? Even if what I'm experiencing isn't love, there are still plenty of things I want to try. I can't even imagine experimenting with other people, so how old do I need to be before you are willing to accept me...?"
Not expecting Theo to immediately bounce back and adapt his words to the current situation, Vahn smiled wryly as he explained, "There are differences between personal and shared happiness. If you only think about your own happiness without considering the circumstances and feelings of others, you will gradually become a greedy and selfish person. Though you are a beautiful young woman, I do not have those types of thoughts and intentions toward you. That may change in the future, but, for the time being, I cannot answer your question..."
Since she didn't want to become the type of person she hated more than any other, Theo fell into a state of deep thought. She noticed he didn't openly state it was impossible for them to be together, so, if she persisted, there was still a chance. It wasn't as if she was in a particular rush to further their relationship, so, rather than fret over it, she decided to just focus on her training and continue their cohabitation. It was fun to spending time with him, and, if Fenrir's words rang true, she could slowly close the distance between them. If her emotions did turn to love, Theo was confident he wouldn't turn her away...
Imagining Vahn doing his best to 'ignore' her advances, a mischievous smile spread across Theo's face, her mood completely restored. This caused Vahn's smile to turn wry, but, when she asked him to help wash her hair, he didn't refuse...
(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Vahn is a bully...','Fenrir is unstoppable','Eva about to bury some pretenders xD...')
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Chapter 1575: Foundation
Though it was inarguably beneficial, the downside to using time dilation was that a relatively short three days could, very easily, turn into months. This was especially true with Theo's Resort, as, with a time dilation of 24:1, seventy-two hours was, quite literally, seventy-two days of training. Though the girls were not using the diorama 'efficiently', each having daily lives and duties to live, they still used it for about ten hours each day. This equated to an average of 254 hours a day, so, by the time three days would have passed in 'reality', Vahn would have been waiting for his reunion with Eva for an entire month...
Fortunately, even with Theo's antics and Arika's growing boldness, most of Vahn's stress had simply evaporated into thin air. He had already achieved his primary goal of finding Eva, so, even if it took a few years to completely 'save' her, Vahn was confident she would open her heart to him. It would likely take the death of the Mage of the Beginning before she was truly liberated from her fate, but, with Asuna, Arika, and Theo at his side, that, too, was an inevitability. Asuna, in particular, had more potential than Arika and Theo combined, so, if they made proper use of the diorama, she might be able to defeat the Mage of the Beginning on her own...
Due to the unique structure of the Akamatsuverse's Magic System, it was possible for even children to become monstrously powerful in a very short period of time. It was a world where talent, affinity, and control could easily compensate for years of experience. Nagi was one of the best examples of this, as, despite being between thirteen and fifteen-years-old during the events of the Great Magic War, he was known as the 'Invincible Thousand Master'. His son, Negi, would also go on to save the world when he was around ten-years-old, so, compared to most Records, the Akamatsuverse was a veritable 'paradise' for anyone with innate magical talent.
Vahn had yet to meet Nagi, but, based on the difference between Arika's and Asuna's fates, it was safe to assume the latter had the capacity to surpass them both in a short period of time. Rather, if she really wanted to focus on becoming stronger, Asuna could, very easily, reach the pinnacle of the verse before the Great Magic War even began. This was the scariest thing about artifacts like Theo's Resort, as, if they were exploited to their fullest potential, you could accumulate twenty-four-years of experience over the span of a single year in the outside world.
Truthfully, Vahn didn't understand why such dioramas weren't exploited more during the 'original' timeline. He suspected they were actually being used, but, despite going up against a threat against the entire solar system, it seemed like the heroes lacked the conviction to fully commit to exploiting one of their greatest assets. After all, if Nagi or Negi spent just a few months inside a diorama, they would have become monstrously powerful in a very 'short' period of time. There was, quite literally, no sense in sending children between the ages of ten and fifteen to fight against solar-system level threats when they could have easily accumulated more experience and power within a diorama...
The only reason Vahn could think of was that the heroes simply didn't want Nagi and Negi to waste their youths away training, but, for such concerns to be relevant, they wouldn't be charged with the literal fate of the world. It was extremely hypocritical to expect children to fight against the enemies of the entire world, yet, in the original history, Negi, a ten-year-old boy, was charged with leading a literal class of middle-schoolers into a climactic battle to save everyone. There were even a number of historical accounts that mentioned some of the students becoming slaves, all while the so-called Heroes, who could have easily secured their freedom, seemingly ignored them. They let a group of fourteen and fifteen-year-old girls, many of which had no ties to the Magical World, become victims of a system they had more than enough power to change...
Though Vahn understood hardships were necessary to allow people to grow, he would beat the hell out of anyone who tried to convince him it was necessary for young teenagers to experience slavery and sexual harassment in order to 'grow'. He might even cripple them on the spot, forcing them to watch from the sidelines as he proved just how ridiculous their claims were. After all, what need did they have for power if they were literally rearing children to fight their battles for them?
---
Realizing he was letting Arika's words get to him, a wry smile appeared on Vahn's face as he stood with his hands behind his back, watching silently as his thirty-three adorable students did their best to try and hit the center of a target 15m away. Though they were only between two and three years of age, going by the Mundus Magicus system, even the youngest was able to, at the very least, hit the target. This was actually very impressive, as, prior to Vahn's arrival, most children weren't even able to use the Beginner's Incantation until they were around four years old. The students under his care, however, were already able to manifest their elements, something even prodigies weren't able to achieve without careful guidance.
Needless to say, Vahn's prestige as an Advisor had rapidly increased in a very short period of time, to the point that the Grandmaster had even asked for advice on rewriting the basic curriculum that was taught in all Academies. Unfortunately, while there was a qualitative increase in the results of every Academy, there were no repeats of the 'miracle' Vahn had performed. He had basically turned his entire class into a group of prodigies, and, by offering advice to other teachers, the cause of him being solicited so often, the quality of education within the Junior Division of the Imperial Academy had increased by a startling amount.
Though he had hosted a number of private seminars, some attended by the Grandmaster herself, the main reason his students grew so quickly was, simply put, Vahn, himself. Not only was he very patient in guiding the children, but, as a result of his growing 'popularity', his [Will of the Emperor] had a subtle influence on their minds. They gradually became more studious and hard-working, all in an effort to try and earn his recognition. As a result, he would reward them with a few words of praise, a periodic pat on the head, or some treats that helped to strengthen their foundation. This, combined with the fact they were constantly baptized by the energy within his domain, had allowed even his least talented student to surpass those nearly twice her age.
So long as he was nearby, Vahn could help replenish his students' reserves and prevent the onset of fatigue. This allowed them to focus and persist for longer periods of time, greatly accelerating their growth and gradually increasing their confidence. Though it also had the side-effect of making each of his students 'hyper-aware' of his presence, as they would feel more at ease when he was around, Vahn didn't really have to worry about them growing 'too' attached to him. Their affection was very innocent, and, though a number of his students became even more excitable than puppies when he was around, this was actually relatively normal.
Even back on Earth, the education of young children was often left to female teachers, as, during their developmental period, children imprinted on authority figures quite a bit. Thus, it was simply 'safer' for children to be taught by female teachers, as, depending on their racial traits, young boys could be cowed by competent male teachers, becoming hyper-aggressive during their adolescence to compensate for how passive they were in their youth. As for young girls, their first crush could be a powerful influence on their preferences for the rest of their lives, often leading them to choose a partner that was similar to their fathers or the first male authority figure they had imprinted upon.
Fortunately, despite an ever-growing fanbase, Vahn's status was so high that even the more fervent children understood the 'futility' of their affections. Though they might have grandiose delusions of romance, the difference in status created an insurmountable gulf. They understood that, unless he was the one to take an interest in them, the chances of their affections bearing fruit was negligible, at best. As a result, they banded together with like-minded people, sharing their hopes and dreams with others in order to lessen their burden and make the most of their burgeoning emotions while they had the opportunity to do so...
With the same wry smile on his face, Vahn watched as one of his students 'accidentally' lost control over her magic. The magical energy began to swirl around her outstretched palms, and, though it wouldn't cause too much damage, Vahn appeared at her side in an instant, dissipating the spell and pulling her back behind his body in the same motion. This earned the attention of the entire class, but, before they could begin to group out of curiosity, Vahn just smiled toward them, saying, "There are no problems. Please, continue your practice."
Though they were still curious, everyone, with the exception of Asuna, replied with cheerful voices of compliance before immediately returning to their practice. As for Asuna, she scampered over, her twin-tails bouncing adorably until she reached his side and asked, "Is everything okay?"
Lightly ruffling Asuna's hair, Vahn answered, "Estelle just had a bit of an accident. As I told everyone else, there is nothing to worry about..."
Hearing Vahn's words, Asuna gave a small nod before looking behind him, finding a girl with neatly trimmed white hair, fur-covered ears that drooped downward, and a dog-like tail that was currently curled between her legs. She was clinging to the overcoat Vahn wore while teaching, seemingly very afraid. If you listened closely, however, there was a barely-audible sound of breathing that could be heard as she buried her face into the fabric of Vahn's coat...
After scrunching up her nose slightly, Asuna gave one last look at Vahn before running back to her own spot. This left the latter chuckling silently to himself, understanding what Asuna wanted to say even without her vocalizing it. Despite this, he still lightly pat Estelle's head, calmly stating, "There is no need to be afraid. Come, I'll watch over you for a little bit and give you some advice. I know you have a lot of talent, Estelle. Will you show it to me...?"
The moment she heard his words, Estelle's ears perked up, her tail regaining its vigor as she happily exclaimed, "Okay~!" before finally releasing his coat and returning to her spot. Then, earning a few envious looks from the nearest girls, she began displaying her relatively rare lightning magic. Vahn, of course, noticed the looks from his other students, offering them a slight smile that caused them to eagerly return to their own training...
---
Noticing the subtle change in Vahn's expression, Grandmaster Sidra raised her brows in curiosity, asking, "Oh? Did something interesting happen~?"
Lightly chuckling in response, Vahn nodded his head, stating, "My students are always very spirited. I'm certain their futures will be filled with color and excitement."
Reading more into Vahn's words than he intended, Grandmaster Sidra replied with a light chuckle of her own before saying, "They are blessed with the Sage Dragon Emperor's grace. How could they not enjoy a brighter future? I'm already pulling strings to try and convince some of your students to become future teachers within the Academy. At their current rate of growth, most of your students will be ready for the standard graduation by the time they are five. They have all become monstrous talents within the Academy...it is actually rather terrifying, you know~?"
Seemingly agreeing with Sidra, albeit for very different reasons, Arika and Seras both nodded their heads. The only one who didn't seem to agree with Theo, who, after snickering in her usual manner, said, "Unless you're a bad guy, Vahn isn't scary at all. You should see him whenever Asuna is trying a difficult technique for the first time. One time, he even used High-Grade healing magic just to treat a scrape on her knee. So long as you don't do anything bad, you don't even need to be intimidated by him. He's really just a big old softie~."
Even if her words weren't exactly wrong, Vahn gave Theo a deadpan stare, effectively adding fuel to the fire if her laughter was any indicator. Then, deciding to ignore her, he looked back to find Sidra and Seras with an amused glimmer in their eyes. Seras had enough wherewithal to cover it up the moment he stared back at her, but, unlike her daughter, Sidra behaved far more casually, smiling in amusement as she said, "It's no wonder your popularity has grown so quickly. I have even received a report saying that you gave out a sizeable donation to one of our poorer Academies. Ariadne is truly blessed to have such a kind and caring individual watching over it..."
Hearing the insinuation and hope contained within Sidra's words, Vahn lightly shook his head, but it was Arika who stated, "Vahn is the Guardian of Mundus Magicus. Unlike the Nine Great Spirits and the Four Sacred Dragons, he cannot become the guarantor for a specific country. The moment Vahn becomes affiliated with any specific country, that country becomes a weakness that can be targeted by others. By spreading his influence globally, his power can serve as a deterrent to keep those who would harm others in check. It is our responsibility to lead and guide our people, not Vahn's."
As it was something they had discussed quite a bit, Theo also took the opportunity to add, "Arika is correct. Vahn might protect and empower certain people, but he can never become tied to a nation that already exists. If he had publically affiliated himself with Ariadne, it would have been difficult to prevent a war from breaking out."
Well aware of the truth contained within Arika's and Theo's words, Sidra showed a sad smile, but, in the depths of her light-purple eyes, a mischievous glimmer could be seen as she muttered, "That is truly unfortunate...I'm certain the people of Ariadne would have been ecstatic if someone like Vahn had become the new Arch-Dean. I suppose I should just be grateful for the altruism you displayed by helping remove so many detrimental elements within the administration. I only hope your efforts are not undermined the moment you depart the city...perhaps his Imperial Majesty will properly rein in the other members of the Nobility this time around..."
Hearing Sidra's words, Theo's usual smile faded away, a serious expression marring her face as she said, "You need not concern yourself with such things, Grandmaster Sidra. Once the war has come to an end, I will personally help lay the groundwork for Ariadne's independence. I hope that, when the time comes, you will work alongside me; not for our mutual benefit, but for the benefits of all people within Mundus Magicus. Ariadne has the best teachers in the world, but, due to its limited size, it can only accommodate so many people. I would like to build schools and academies within the Empire's territory, providing an education to the young and underprivileged so that the entire nation will prosper..."
Not expecting Theo's words, Sidra raised her brows before smiling as she said, "Had you said these things a few months prior, I probably wouldn't have believed them. Now, however, I feel hopeful for the future of Mundus Magicus..."
Seeing Sidra look toward him, Vahn returned a smile of his own as he said, "If those in power unite, it won't just be the Magical World that prospers. Magic has been kept a secret for too long, limiting its development for no better reason than consolidating power and maintaining the status between the rich and the poor. My main priority is protecting the world itself, so, soon enough, rapid change in the status quo will occur. Ariadne is in a unique position, but, compared to Ostia, the standard of education is still lacking. If you wish to remain relevant in the changing world, you must be ready to make the necessary changes to ensure the prosperity of all peoples, not just yourselves..."
Though Ariadne prided itself as a place that would accept even Death itself as a student, that didn't mean they waived tuition fees. They were against polluting the natural beauty of the land by trying to convert it into farmland, so, compared to most nations, they were extremely reliant on imports. If not for the Hellas Empire, they would have been forced to compromise on their ancestor's beliefs a long time ago.
If Ariadne wanted to remain relevant in the future, they had no choice but to expand beyond their borders and establish schools in other countries. They could still consolidate their brightest within the ancestral city, but, with an ever-growing population and an extremely limited amount of space, it was impossible for them to remain independent without compromise. The Founders of Ariadne had been well-aware of this fact, so, before it became a problem, they implemented numerous laws to prevent population growth before ultimately forging an alliance with the Hellas Empire.
As the principal successor of the founders, Sidra understood the impossibility of true independence, so, hearing Vahn's words, she took them to heart, smiling as she looked at Theo and said, "I believe Ariadne stands to benefit much from continued association with the Empire~."
(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Time-Dilation is OP','*sniffing intensifies*','At this point, I'm surprised Sidra isn't trying to hitch her daughter with Vahn xD...')
(A/N: I forgot to mention it, but I'm taking a short break atm for birthdays. My brother's birthday was on the 24th and mine is on the 27th, so I've been a little preoccupied xD. I will always release at least one chapter a day though, so long as I'm not in a coma or something.)
https://bit.ly/2XBzAYu <-(p.atreon link)
paypal.me/Einlion
Discord Invite: https://discord.gg/Jwa8PKh
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