Good News: The Vice Principal is Out!
Although this letter was just a simple invitation and didn’t mention Noia’s grades, her parents were still confident in her skills and creativity for the selection event.
But, alas, the couple wasn’t exactly jumping with joy. The word “ceremony” had a way of digging up some awkward memories of their time at Saint His Academy.
From the entrance ceremony to the sports festival, Vice Principal Wilson, that old dragon with a knack for turning things cringeworthy, always managed to put their “model family” status on full display in front of all the other dragons, leading them straight into the fiery pits of social embarrassment.
It might be that Wilson took pride in their “perfect family” background, an image that other dragon families looked up to — but!
Didn’t they know what kind of family they were, for Pete’s sake?
The couple didn’t feel like they were unworthy of the “model family” title; it was just that they’d rather pass on the honor than endure the collective eye-rolling from their enemy.
“So, tomorrow we’re probably going to be executed by dragon glares,” Leon sighed. “And Wilson will be the executioner.”
He paused, looking over at Roswiser, “How about we make a stealthy flight to the academy tonight and, you know, take care of that old dragon…”
As he spoke, Leon made a slicing gesture across his neck.
Chopping someone’s head off might not be the best treatment for a headache, but if it’s the person causing your headache, the results could be surprisingly effective.
Roswiser knew he was joking and shook her head. “Let’s just go and be honest about it. The invitation says this ceremony is just for Noia’s class, so even if the vice principal shows up, it won’t be a big deal.”
In other words, they survived the previous heavyweight events; this one would be nothing more than a sprinkle of water on their heads!
Leon scratched his head, relieved. “Okay, so we’re off in the morning?”
“Yep.”
Leon waved his hand and turned to leave Roswiser’s room.
Sitting alone on the sofa, Roswiser couldn’t shake off a slight case of PTSD regarding the academy’s ceremonies. She could only hope that tomorrow, Principal Wilson would be a bit more mellow and spare her and Leon from catastrophic social fallout.
As night fell and drowsiness began to creep in, Roswiser took a shower, tidied herself up, and hit the hay.
The next morning, the couple headed to Saint His Academy.
Upon arrival, they made their way to the Young Dragon Department’s teaching building.
The hallways were bustling with parents of little dragons coming and going. Some were frantically searching for their child’s classroom, while others seized the chance to chat with families from different races.
Leon and Roswiser made a beeline for Noia’s class.
The homeroom teacher was standing at the classroom door, welcoming families.
After all, Saint His was a noble academy; the families attending were no ordinary dragon bunch. Thus, while the teachers dutifully taught and answered questions, they also wore friendly smiles and treated every family like royalty.
Having just wrapped up with one family, the homeroom teacher caught sight of Leon and Roswiser approaching and quickly hurried over, extending her hand for a shake.
As the vice principal had instructed, model families deserved ten times (or maybe nine) the enthusiasm!
“Welcome to the essay ceremony, hope the journey wasn’t too tiring.”
“Oh, not at all! You have to manage so many kids; that’s the real challenge!” Roswiser replied politely.
Flustered by the compliment, the teacher covered her mouth with a chuckle. “Oh, it’s alright, it’s my job! Please, go on in; Noia’s seated right in the middle of the front row.”
Given that Noia was much younger than the other little dragons, it made sense to put her in the front row for a better view of the blackboard.
“Great!”
Just as the couple was about to step into the classroom, they suddenly paused, as if struck by a thought.
Roswiser bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before asking, “Um, teacher, will Vice Principal Wilson be coming today?”
The homeroom teacher shook her head. “The vice principal is in the main office attending a meeting, so he won’t be at this award ceremony.”
Instantly, the couple felt as if they’d been granted a royal pardon, simultaneously exhaling their relief.
With that old dragon, the “social executioner,” absent, anything about model families would likely be brushed over quickly.
Leon and Roswiser could finally relax, no longer worried about finding a hole to hide in like the last two times.
They strolled into the class and soon spotted Noia.
“Mom, Dad, over here!” Noia waved from her seat.
They walked over and sat down beside her.
The classroom was spacious, allowing each family to comfortably join their child for the ceremony. Each little dragon’s seat was accompanied by a parent seat for the utmost comfort.
Once seated, Leon asked, “The letter from the academy didn’t mention any grades; are they not released yet?”
Noia nodded. “The teacher will announce the top three essays soon, and then it’s up to the students if they want to read them aloud.”
She paused, her lovely eyes sparkling as she looked earnestly at Leon, “Dad.”
Leon, taken aback by her sudden seriousness, replied, “Yes? What’s up?”
“If I get one of the top three spots, I’d like to read my essay. Is that okay?”
Leon froze momentarily, not expecting Noia to want to read her own essay, especially when respecting student wishes usually led to less showboating.
Although Noia was quite competitive, she typically wasn’t into hogging the spotlight.
But she always had her own ideas, and Leon respected her choices. So, he nodded in agreement, “Sure, if you get the chance to read your essay, Mom and I will listen carefully.”
“Yay!”
She then turned to Roswiser.
Naturally, Roswiser had no objections to her daughter’s decision to read.
However, the couple noticed a small detail that didn’t quite match the norm.
This time, Noia had asked Leon first before seeking Roswiser’s opinion, while usually, she’d consult her mom first.
Did she just accidentally swap the order, or was there something more?
Eh, just a trivial detail. Although Leon and Roswiser liked to engage in friendly competitions with their daughter, there was no need to squabble over who should be asked first.
With less than twenty minutes until the little ceremony began, parents continued to trickle in.
The trio was engaged in quiet conversation when suddenly someone called out a familiar name from the classroom door.
“Ral! Do you think you have confidence for the competition this time?”
“Yes, Dad.”
“Well, good! Even though Dad didn’t see your essay, I believe in you! You’ll definitely get a good grade, and when you do, you’d better read it out loud in front of your classmates, got it?”
“Yes, Dad! The teacher said my essay about fatherly love was very sincere!”
“Ha! That’s my boy! I’ll treat you to a feast when we get home.”
Chatting happily, Ral and his dad strutted into the classroom.
As they entered, they spotted Leon’s family sitting in the front row.
Ral’s dad paused mid-step, immediately recognizing Leon.
The moment their eyes locked, Ral’s dad felt a weird twinge in his knee…
He bit his lip, let out a huff, and led Ral to the back of the class.
Leon shot him a sidelong glance and asked, “That poor kid’s essay was pretty good, huh?”
Noia nodded. “He’s not great at fighting, but his academic scores are solid.”
“No problem! My daughter is definitely better than him.” Leon ruffled Noia’s hair.
Noia smiled, quietly waiting for the little ceremony to begin.
