As Amy fell asleep on his chest, Arthur rubbed her back silently.
'Man. I'm drained.'
He looked down at the little vixen curled against him.
'Who knew such a small girl had so much energy.'
Sitting up, he grabbed his jacket from where it lay to the side and draped it over Amy. Covering her, he lifted her over his shoulder — making it look like he was carrying a drunk classmate back from a long night.
Walking out of Hallowed Park, he made his way back to the dorm.
He slipped into Amy's room, setting her down for the night. And as he laid her on the bed—
"More... Arthur, more..."
She weakly called out, sleep-talking. Her fingers curled against the sheets, reaching for something that wasn't there.
"Some other time," he whispered as he left her room.
Leaving Amy's room, he headed down to the front desk where he found Ryn working on some paperwork.
Her nose twitched the moment he walked into the room. She looked up.
"Busy night?"
"You could say that." Arthur took a seat across from her. "Though from the looks of it, you haven't been busy once since we last met."
Ryn scoffed. "That's because my usual guy isn't around right now." She set her quill down. "Unlike you, I'm loyal to those I let in."
Her eyes narrowed, jaw tightening.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Whatever you wanna believe, that's fine by me. Just know you're letting the gift I gave you go to waste."
She waved him off, not caring for his words.
Arthur, having said what he wanted to say, left heading back to rest for the night.
Sun leaked through the window. Arthur stirred, his body heavy as he stretched his arms out, eyes fluttering open.
An interesting scene greeted him.
Wearing nothing but an apron, his maid Mira was cleaning the room.
"Morning, Master."
She called back without turning, continuing to clean — her bare ass on full display as she bent low, giving her master an ample view. Her breasts barely contained by the small apron.
Arthur gulped. His morning wood stiff.
"Morning to you too."
He stepped out of bed and crept over to her.
"Now what caused you to wear this this fine morning?" He got up close behind her. His hand found the side of her body, tracing down the curve of her waist before settling on the shape of her ass. He put his mouth on her neck. Tasted her skin.
"I just—" her breath hitched. "I just wanted to treat you this morning," she told him, her body already starting to squirm.
"Are you sure it isn't because you're jealous?" Arthur murmured in her ear.
"No," she weakly said. "Just... Garrett hasn't been so willing recently. Not since the first night. Every time I speak with him, he seems flustered."
"I think I can do something about that." Arthur's hands drifted closer to her forbidden places.
"At least let me alleviate some of your pain in the meantime."
"Why, of course." Mira smiled.
The two got lost in each other. Quickly taking care of their lusts Arthur had much to do today, but a little pleasure before business never hurt.
Stepping out of the room, he looked back. Mira lay disheveled across his bed, cum seeping from her pussy.
"Later, my fair maid. I hope to see this room spotless by the time I'm back," he commanded as he shut the door with a loud thud.
He headed down for a quick breakfast. While eating, Arthur made quick haste of his plate. He had little time left to make it to class since Mira had decided to play hardball with him this morning.
But alas, he went to class and no trouble came with it.
Towards the end of the day, however, something changed.
The Grand Hall was louder than usual. Arthur noticed it the moment he stepped inside. He'd come to check what the commotion was about he'd heard earlier in the day that they'd posted something quite intriguing.
As he tried to peer through the crowd that had gathered, he heard voices overlapping.
"That can't be real."
"Let me check again—"
"Is that House Watchers?"
"Who is this guy?"
"Surely they made a mistake. There's no way."
Arthur pushed through the crowd, weaving between students until he reached the notice board. The enchanted display came into full view.
Two announcements glowed.
The first was stamped in golden script with the academy seal:
HOUSE TOURNAMENT OFFICIAL NOTICE
By order of the Academy Board, the Annual House Tournament will commence in four weeks' time. All students are required to register through their House Representative by the end of the second week. Individual and team events will be held across combat, academic, and mission categories. Full bracket details and event schedules will be posted following registration close.
The Aurelius Crown standings will be heavily impacted. Prepare accordingly.
And to the right of the notice, a board with a long list could be seen. Arthur read the title.
Class Rankings.
His eyes moved down the list, reading the carvings in the scripture.
Two lists sat side by side. One for the first-years and another for the second-years.
Arthur's eyes drifted to the second-year board first. A name near the top caught his attention.
Damien Blackwell — House Virtues — Year 2, Rank 12.
'I didn't expect anything else from such a broken bloodline.'
He turned back to the first-year board. Scanned down from the top. Past the 20s. The 40s. The 60s. Names blurring together until—
Arthur Webb — House Watchers — Year 1, Rank 94.
Below both boards, a smaller display showed the academy-wide rankings all six years combined. Over four thousand students condensed into a single list. Arthur found his name buried deep.
Arthur Webb — Academy Rank 2,847.
A far cry from the top. But two months ago he'd been past 3,400. The climb was invisible to most but to anyone paying attention, an upward trajectory that steep didn't happen by accident.
'There it is.'
"ARTHUR!"
Mars slammed into him from behind, one arm hooking around his shoulder.
"Ninety-four! In our year! Do you see that? A Watcher in the top hundred!" Mars was practically vibrating. "When's the last time that's happened? Has it ever happened?"
"It hasn't, Mars. It's literally never happened." Arthur calmly told Mars.
"Exactly! And that's why you're my captain, baby!"
Rubbing his head, Arthur ignored Mars as he peered his eyes back on the list. He looked for the rest of his squad mates.
Angela — Rank 7.
Mars — Rank 22.
Garrett — Rank 322.
Amy — Rank 357.
'Not bad. All things considered.'
Out of 528 first-years, it showed well to their skills.
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