Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, the day for Muse's entrance exam at St. Heath's Academy had arrived.
Though she hadn't made any groundbreaking progress in her magical abilities, that did nothing to dampen the family's excitement as they escorted their youngest daughter to the exam grounds.
The academy was a bustling hub of activity on registration day.
Muse held her father's hand with her left and her mother's with her right, her eyes wide and sparkling as she eagerly took in the unfamiliar yet fascinating surroundings. This was her first time traveling so far from the secluded Silver Dragon Sanctuary, and her childish excitement was palpable.
"Wow! Look, there's a fountain! And a little rainbow in the spray!"
"There are squirrels on the lawn!"
"Are those big brothers and sisters playing games on the field?"
"Mom, Dad, why aren't we going over there where all the people are?"
As any seasoned St. Heath's parent knew, the more crowded a place was, the more likely it was to be patrolled by academy staff. And the more staff there were, the higher the chance of running into the Melkvey family's self-proclaimed archenemy—the ultimate, incorrigible CP shipper—Vice Principal Wilson.
Thus, Leon and Rossweise deliberately steered clear of the main crowds. When it was time to register, they opted for a discreet side entrance, valuing their peace and quiet above all else. This tactical evasion was the hard-earned result of many years of accumulated "socially fatal" experiences.
"If there are too many people, it'll be easy for Muse to get separated from us," Leon coaxed his daughter, offering a plausible excuse.
Muse nodded with serious understanding. "Oh, I see."
A child's thoughts, however, are mercurial. Before long, Muse's attention had already jumped to a new topic.
"Mom, does the academy have music classes?"
Rossweise glanced down at her youngest daughter, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Yes, they do. There are two music appreciation classes every week. You can also find specialized teachers to learn and practice with during your free time."
"Really? Yay!" Muse cheered, her little tail giving a happy swish.
The couple was inwardly relieved. It seemed Muse's profound love for music wasn't just a passing phase. Ever since she was little, her passion had been unwavering. At home, only Rossweise and the maid Milan had occasionally taught her, and those lessons were far from systematic. Despite that, Muse had reached an impressively skilled level through sheer innate talent and diligent practice. Now, with access to professional teachers and a structured curriculum, they were confident she would flourish into a truly artistic and creative young lady.
"Dad! Mom! Muse!"
The trio turned to see Noah jogging over, a familiar and welcome sight.
"Big Sis~" Muse let go of her mother's hand and leapt into Noah's arms without a moment's hesitation.
Noah held her little sister close and playfully pinched her cheek. "You're here so early for registration. Did you have breakfast?"
"Yup! Dad made fried eggs, and they were the best!"
"That's good." Noah took Muse's small hand and walked over to her parents. "No classes today, Noah?" Leon asked, noting that it wasn't a typical class time.
"Oh, today's a bit special. My teacher wants to practice a new lightning spell with me out in the open field. I'll be heading to the training grounds in a bit."
The Youth Dragon Division of St. Heath's Academy differed significantly from the Young Dragon Division. Instead of large, generic classes, students were assigned to individual teachers based on their unique talents, specialties, and magical affinities. Typically, each teacher mentored three to five students. But Noah was an exception. Her skills far surpassed her peers, and the sheer rarity of lightning magic users meant she was the only student in her specific division. As a result, her class schedule and learning times were highly flexible.
"I see. Make sure you study hard," Leon said, the familiar parental advice coming naturally.
"Got it, Dad~" After a pause, Noah glanced around conspiratorially before adding, "I came in through the side entrance earlier. I didn't see the vice principal at all. You should be safe using that route to avoid him."
"You're amazing! Truly the pride of your father's heart!" Leon praised dramatically.
"The MVP of the Melkvey family!"
"Noah the Great needs no further explanation!"
"Thanks, Dad." Noah smiled wryly. "Alright, I'm off to class now. Bye, Mom, Dad."
"Bye."
Noah crouched down to kiss Muse's cheek. "Say bye to Big Sis."
"Bye, Big Sis~"
Satisfied, Noah waved and walked off. Leon picked Muse up in his arms and said to Rossweise, "Let's head inside."
"Alright."
The three of them moved toward the side entrance of the academic building, their pace quickening slightly as their eyes remained alert for any sign of the vice principal's distinctive robe.
Fortunately, they didn't encounter him on the way. Once inside the building, Leon and Rossweise breathed a collective sigh of relief.
"Looks like registration will go smoothly this year—" Leon began, but his words were cut short by a muttering voice from around a corner.
"Why did that little pink-haired dragon tell me to take this route? Was there really a surprise here for me?"
"The kids these days run too fast. I didn't even get a good look at her face... Or is it just that I'm getting old, and my eyesight isn't what it used to be?"
Though the voice was low and calm, and the speaker seemed like a kind, pondering soul, only the Melkvey couple knew the sheer disaster this voice heralded. This wasn't just a friendly old man's rambling—it was the whisper of Social Death itself!
The couple exchanged a single, horrified glance, and without a word, turned to beat a hasty retreat.
But it was too late.
"Well, well, if it isn't Mr. Leon and Miss Rossweise! Long time no see!"
In that moment, the couple mentally scrolled through every happy memory they had ever experienced, mustering shaky, strained smiles as they turned around.
"L-long time no see, Vice Principal Wilson. You're looking... younger than ever," Leon managed.
"Mr. Leon, always the joker." The vice principal's keen gaze landed directly on Muse in Leon's arms. "Oh? Is this your newest family member? Here for the entrance exam as well?"
Leon had no choice but to steel himself and answer. "Yes, this is Muse. Muse, say hello to Grandpa Wilson."
"Hello, Grandpa Wilson~ Hello!" Muse said, her voice sweet and clear.
The vice principal was visibly delighted. "I never imagined you two would bless our academy with four exceptional students in less than ten years. What a gift!"
Leon and Rossweise's internal monologues screamed in unison: "We wouldn't be here if there were any other decent schools for dragons, you know?!" "Damn it! This is educational inequality at its finest!"
"Well, we should get going to register Muse now," Rossweise said, trying to gracefully extract them from the conversation.
"Of course, of course. You three go ahead."
"Goodbye, Vice Principal."
"Goodbye, Grandpa Wilson!"
"Goodbye, goodbye!"
The couple practically fled down the hallway, clutching Muse, desperate to avoid another "socially fatal" extended conversation about their relationship.
Once they were a safe distance away, they finally let out a deep sigh of relief.
"Good thing the side entrance wasn't crowded," Leon remarked, trying to look on the bright side.
"But did you hear what the vice principal was mumbling earlier?" Rossweise asked, her eyes narrowing.
"He said something about a pink-haired student telling him there was a surprise here..."
"Are pink-haired dragons common at this academy?" Leon mused.
Rossweise shook her head slowly. The evidence was damning.
"Well then, mystery solved," Leon said, a plan forming. "I'll have a... chat... with a certain pink-haired daughter when we get home next weekend."
Smiling, Rossweise nudged him. "Let's go upstairs and register."
"Yeah."
The three of them made their way to the registration room, where Muse eagerly exclaimed, "Mom, Dad, hurry! We'll be last in line!"
"Alright, alright, no rush."
They began to jog lightly but were intercepted by a flash of vibrant red.
"Father! I got here before you!"
It was Hefei, Constantine's daughter, her arms crossed and her expression smug.
Leon stopped in his tracks, his eyes following her gaze. From the stairs below emerged a familiar, imposing figure: steady footsteps, an aura of contained power, and those striking, intense red dragon eyes.
"Really, Constantine?" Leon quipped. "You're climbing stairs, not staging a grand entrance."
Constantine looked up, a faint, knowing smirk on his face. "Leon. You're still as punctual as ever."
"Punctual?" Leon thought for a moment before the memory surfaced. Months ago, during their alliance against Adam, Constantine had declared that not only would he one day defeat Leon, but their daughters would also attend St. Heath's together. Leon, swamped with countless other responsibilities and threats, had completely forgotten the agreement. Yet, by sheer coincidence, they had kept the promise.
"Of course!" Leon declared with forced confidence. "A man never goes back on his word!"
Meanwhile, Muse and Hefei had already embraced and were chattering excitedly as they lined up together. Seeing their daughters' instant joy, Leon didn't mind their friendship. Every child deserved a close companion, after all.
Constantine, however, leaned over and said in a gravely serious tone, "It's almost time, Leon."
"Time for what?"
"For Hefei to defeat Muse. Within a month of starting, they'll have their first sparring classes. And I assure you, Hefei won't hold back."
Leon's smile turned competitive and icy. "Oh, I'm counting on Muse to teach her a lesson."
"Hefei will win," Constantine retorted without hesitation.
"Muse will win."
"Hefei will win."
Rossweise could only sigh inwardly. "Is this really all men ever talk about? Who's better at fighting?"
"Mom! Hefei and I are going in to register now!" Muse called out, pulling Hefei towards the door.
"Alright! Fill out the forms carefully," Rossweise reminded her.
The academy had streamlined the process by pairing up incoming students for registration. Hand in hand, the two dragon girls entered the office, giggling together.
At the desk, a kind-faced teacher handed them the forms. "Fill in your basic information here, little ones."
"Okay, Miss!" Muse said brightly.
Hearing herself called "Miss," the young teacher beamed with pleasure.
Hefei blinked in curiosity. "Muse, why did you call her 'Miss'?"
"Because Dad said that when we're outside, we should call older boys 'Big Brothers,' and older girls 'Miss.' It's polite."
"Your dad is so smart!" Hefei laughed, impressed.
The two girls got to work filling out their forms. When they reached the "Special Skills" section, Muse's pen flew across the page, listing an array of musical instruments. The teacher was startled as she scanned the growing list.
"Piano, flute, accordion, drum, harmonica... and... suona?" the teacher read aloud, puzzled by the last item. "What's that?"
"It's amazing!" Muse exclaimed, pushing the completed form back proudly.
The teacher, shaking her head in amused wonder, handed Muse a bracelet. "This is your admission bracelet. Show it to the proctors during your practical exam."
"Thank you, Miss!"
Muse then turned to Hefei. "Why haven't you finished yet?"
Hefei hesitated, looking down at her own mostly blank form. "I... I don't know what to put under 'Special Skills.'"
"You don't?" Muse frowned.
Hefei shook her head, a touch of sadness in her eyes. "Father only ever taught me fire magic and combat techniques. That's all."
"Well, I'll help you fill it out!" Muse declared with confident generosity.
Hefei blinked in surprise. "How do you know what I'm good at?"
"I just do!" Muse proclaimed, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Taking Hefei's form, Muse bent over it diligently, her pen scratching away. Soon, she handed it back, beaming. "See? All done!"
Hefei looked down at the form. Next to "fire magic," Muse had written a comically long list of musical instruments, mirroring her own. Her eyes misted over slightly, but a genuine, grateful smile spread across her face.
"Thanks, Muse."