117 The Big Picture Opens Up
Noia is really lucky; she has a dad who can read every little detail about her!
And her dad, Leon, is also lucky. Even when Noia didn’t accept him at first, his love for her was just as abundant as for Moon. That love eventually melted away the barrier between father and daughter.
They locked eyes, and without needing too many words, they understood each other’s thoughts through the essay Noia had written. Just a glance was enough to convey what was in their hearts.
Roswiser watched this scene and felt quite relieved.
Though she and Leon often had their quirky arguments and competitive spirits regarding their daughter.
But over the past few months, they had gone from “I won’t let you touch me” to the earlier cheer of “Go Dad!” at the sports event, and now to “I have the best dad in the world.” Roswiser had seen it all unfold.
She was the witness to Leon and Noia breaking the ice; no one understood the pride swelling in Leon’s heart better than her.
Well, she initially thought about teasing her daughter afterward, questioning why she had written so much about Dad. Mom was starting to get jealous!
But after thinking it over, she decided against it. A complete and happy childhood for her daughter was more important than anything else.
The Vice Principal stood beside the homeroom teacher, clapping while quietly asking, “So, what do you think? I’m not being biased, right? Noia’s essay was genuinely good!”
The homeroom teacher nodded vigorously, and without any flattery, genuinely praised, “The emotions are sincere, and the writing flows smoothly. It’s no wonder Principal Aulete is eager to see her write more. Even I want to read more!”
The Vice Principal joked, “Then you should arrange a few more essay competitions!”
The homeroom teacher responded, “That’s actually a great idea.”
Sitting in the front row, Leon and Roswiser caught snippets of the Vice Principal and the homeroom teacher’s conversation amid the applause.
A few more?
Please, no!
One date is already our limit!
If there are more, I can’t guarantee I won’t string up that old B dragon in Sky City as the final stop on our date!
The award ceremony for the essay contest wrapped up, and afterward, some parents of young dragons who were on friendly terms began chatting, while others sought out the homeroom teacher to inquire about their little dragons’ recent performance and learning.
The Vice Principal, however, kept Leon’s family back in the classroom.
Leon knew that this old B dragon would not let them off the hook easily today, not having satisfied her thirst for bl**d.
“Mr. Leon, Miss Roswiser, Noia’s essay is honestly the most sincere piece I’ve seen in my hundreds of years here. I even want to hang it on my office wall to replace Principal Aulete’s bust.”
The couple quickly waved their hands, “No, no, Vice Principal. No matter how good Noia’s writing is, we can’t disrespect the principal. Right, Noia?”
Noia nodded vigorously.
She knew her parents had no room to argue in front of the Vice Principal, so she obediently complied with whatever they asked her to do.
Their strategy was to unite as a family of three against the Vice Principal.
“Ah, such an article is truly rare. To replicate it would be an insult! There should only be one in the world!”
The trio smiled, a bit too broadly, showing their mutual understanding.
“Oh, by the way, since Noia’s essay didn’t participate in the class rankings, Principal Aulete asked me to bring her a fountain pen as a small consolation.”
Saying this, the Vice Principal took a fountain pen from her pocket, leaned slightly, and handed it to Noia.
Noia accepted it with both hands, admiring the pen closely.
The body emitted a unique metallic sheen, its black and silver hues gleaming like stars in the night sky.
The pen felt slightly heavy, as if it held a piece of serene history in her hands.
Leon understood that in human society, only respected and accomplished old scholars received fountain pens upon retirement from their peers, symbolizing respect and acknowledgment.
In dragon culture, the meanings might be a tad different, but ultimately, it should also represent recognition.
“Principal Aulete rarely shows such regard for a student. Noia, your talent and effort have earned you her recognition, so keep up the good work,” the Vice Principal said, patting her shoulder.
“Thank you, Vice Principal, and thank you, Principal Aulete,” Noia politely replied.
The Vice Principal straightened up and looked at the couple, saying, “And thank you both for nurturing such an excellent child for the Academy. We will definitely live up to your expectations and take good care of Noia.”
Roswiser nodded with a smile and began to engage in small talk with the Vice Principal.
Leon wanted to add a few polite words himself.
But upon realizing that the academy trains elites to combat Dragon Slayers…
He didn’t know what to say.
Sigh, he could only silently hope his daughter wouldn’t graduate too quickly. Ideally, she shouldn’t skip grades, or else his little cotton-padded jacket might turn into a thorny vest.
After chatting for a bit, the Vice Principal had work to attend to, so she hurried off.
Today was Friday, and the award ceremony had taken up the last period of the day.
This meant Noia could now head home for the weekend with Leon and Roswiser.
The family of three left the classroom, heading towards the academy entrance.
Noia looked down at the fountain pen in her hands.
Although it was a gift from Principal Aulete, she knew that writing that essay was not solely her achievement.
She glanced up at her dad, then at her mom, feeling a bit conflicted.
“What’s wrong, Noia?” Roswiser asked, noticing her daughter seemed to have something on her mind.
“Uh… I think, since I got recognized by Principal Aulete, you both helped a lot too, so I want to give this pen to you, but there’s only one…”
Noia said, “I don’t know who to give it to.”
The kid was really honest, straightforwardly admitting her confusion.
The couple exchanged glances, and Roswiser spoke first, “Give it to Dad. He helped you build a solid foundation in your cultural studies before you started school. He’s done so much for you!”
Oh, Mother Dragon, since when did your vision expand this much?
I thought you would want to compete with me over this!
Looking at you now, I realize I have been narrow-minded.
Leon thought for a moment; no way, your vision is bigger, but mine has to be even bigger!
“Let’s give it to Mom.”
Leon said, “Dad doesn’t really need a fountain pen, but Mom will definitely use it for work.”
Now, he wasn’t just spouting nonsense. When he last went to Roswiser’s study to grab the library key, he saw her using a fountain pen to handle some reports.
Using the fountain pen passed through from their daughter, Mom Dragon would surely work even harder, right?
Roswiser raised an eyebrow. The Dragon Slayer is so kind? Trying to establish a lofty image in front of their daughter?
Hmph, I won’t let you have an easy time.
“Let’s give it to Dad.”
“Let’s give it to Mom.”
“Dad.”
“Mom.”
“Dad~”
“Mom!”
Noia was about to faint.
But before she could pass out, she shoved the fountain pen into Roswiser’s hand.
“I’m listening to Dad, so the pen goes to Mom.”
Such a slick statement! Good girl, you’ve learned a lot about the ways of the world in the academy!
