"Let's have lunch!" Hans proclaimed as he led us into the building. The dining room looked rather cosy. The walls were regular stone. No ornaments, no golden finishings, just stone. A few paintings hung on the wall. Three big windows provided light and a view of the courtyard. Two windows were on the left, one at the end and the right wall featured a fireplace.

"This is the family dining room." Hans said. "But you are all family!"

The table could seat twelve people so there was plenty of space.

"Martha, bring us some food please!" Hans said to a maid.

"I can help." Hatsumi offered and followed Martha.

Hans chuckled. "A vampire maid? Never thought I would see such a thing. You sure had some adventures. How did you raise a vampire? I am no expert but tier three are supposed to be tricky."

"It was a group project. We did it together." I said.

"Group project? You mean a joint casting? As first years?" He asked.

"Hehehe. We are that awesome!" Helena boasted.

What followed was a lengthy explanation of our work. He seemed impressed with the preparation and the resources we used.

"So, how did you get the corpse?" He asked.

"Helena did not tell you?" I wondered.

"I wrote that there was an incident with an Ilestrian agent!" Helena defended herself.

Hans nodded. "I have heard that there were numerous attempts on Koyuki, a gifted necromancer. I haven't followed the stories too closely."

"She was a grand mage from Ilestria, using light magic to take the form of a student. Then she attacked me in my quarters. I managed to survive until the Iron Beaks arrived." I summarized.

Stolen story; please report.

"Wait a minute… you fought a grand mage? Inside the academy?" He asked, looking shocked.

"Um, yes? But I did not actually defeat her. The Iron Beaks forced her to retreat. Irene, one of the teachers, took her out. I was unconscious after the explosions…"

That led to a much longer discussion about our exploits. Helena looked slightly sheepish under her father's gaze. While we talked the servants brought food. Meatballs in a thick and delicious sauce with some roasted potatoes. We finished the food before we finished our stories. Then we kept drinking while talking.

Hans sighed. "And I thought I was trouble back in my youth… Helena, please be more careful. And write more letters!"

"Yes Daddy… But I am also a senior mage now! I can handle myself!" She replied.

"Indeed. Indeed you are, let's drink to that!" He raised his mug and everyone joined him.

"By the way, where is Derrick?" Helena asked.

Cassie frowned. "Derrick? Why would he be here? I mean, I did send him a letter…"

"No, not Derrick Payton. My brother. His name is also Derrick." Helena clarified.

"Derrick is still at the academy. He studies at the Academy of Neth and has just finished his 3rd year." He explained.

"But Neth is closer than Lupos. Shouldn't he be here already?" I asked.

"He is going to enjoy the capital a bit before coming home. He likes all the parties and talking for some reason." Hans replied.

"So, he is more diplomatic." Skadi observed.

"Oh, certainly. He is going to make a great count. And Helena will make a great general. I am blessed with amazing children!" Hans boasted. Helena preened.

"With Koyuki we are going to have a great undead army, supported by Cassie's alchemy and with Skadi we got the best bodyguard!" Helena declared.

"Meow!" Nyx commented. Everyone looked at the feline, who was now sitting on a chair at the table with us.

"Nyx is a great bodyguard too." Helena added. She sounded a bit tipsy. How much ale did she have? Somehow the servants always appeared and refilled our mugs when empty. I took another sip myself.

"You have a pretty strong group here." Hans commented. "Two senior mages already. It took me until 31 to reach senior mage. I always knew that Helena had a larger core than I did at her age but this is truly remarkable. She might even become a grand mage! It has been a while since we had one in our family."

"And Koyuki will be an archmage! Cassie and Skadi should manage senior mage by graduation." Helena added.

"Truly remarkable." Hans said, then he grinned. "A group like yours, the boys must be standing in line to court you."

"Ugh. No thanks. Leo is still trying. He is now trying with Koyuki too!" Helena complained.

Hans nodded. "Typical Harold."

"You are very casual about this." Cassie said. "Most nobles would be very interested in such a proposal."

"Eh, I don't trust the Harolds. But more importantly, Helena is against it." He said, like it was obvious. When he noticed Cassie's wide eyes he added: "I know that most nobles see things differently. But I care more about my children than adding more titles. I take it your mother sees things differently?"

"Unfortunately…" Cassie mumbled. "I am pretending that Derrick Payton is courting me to keep my mother in line but I am just not interested in dating any man…"

Hans nodded. "I see. Don't worry young lady, I shall do what I can to keep your ruse alive!"

"Let's drink to that!" Helena suggested.

And so we kept drinking, and talking. At some point more food appeared. Once it got late I was certainly a bit tipsy. I almost tripped when I got up from my chair. But Hatsumi caught me. She was such a dutiful maid. She escorted me back to my room. I even had one for myself! And such a big bed. The sheets were so soft… And pillows. Why were there so many pillows? I had thought the academy was luxurious, but this? So comfy… I drifted off to sleep.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.