"WHAT THE HELLS JUST HAPPENED!?" I howl from where I sit on my throne, barely resisting the urge to throw my headset. I'd logged in to be met by a series of Sadie's memories involving a lot of that damnable mage – mostly her body and a complete lack of clothing.

My fox wife shifts slightly, her place across my lap suddenly destabilized, but she doesn't seem too perturbed about it as she settles back down against me, nuzzling her face and her own headset uncomfortably into my side.

Sadie… is an idiot.

No, really.

I knew she was dumb, but this?

Even I know Shaya is after her! Even I know that the so-called 'elf' is a better option! Why did that little numbskull have to… to…

"To act on her own when you weren't even present?"

My second first wife steps from the shadow of my throne, cast against the clear substrate of room. I sit and blink at her for a moment while she simply raises an eyebrow.

And so I sigh.

"Yes, yes. I should have expected something like this. I know. I know, alright? Mortals do mortal things, no matter how much you steer them, unless you directly put a finger on the scales."

"So, are you going to put a finger on the scales?" Izzy asks mildly, but I know better.

This is another of her tests.

So I answer her with a simple, "Nope!"

"And why, exactly, are you going to leave her well enough alone in that regard?"

"Well," I begin, "because I promised I wouldn't mess with anyone's free will, even though I already kind of… broke that promise. A few times?"

"Go on," she nudges, appearing one step in front of me in a flash showing no actual movement.

I smile back. "Because it's wrong to mess with free will. Right? You've spent enough years drilling that into my head that I'm pretty sure it's leaked out the other side."

"Very good," Izzy coos, leaning and giving me a light kiss.

As annoying as a personal conscience is, I'm glad she's here. I still don't completely understand what exactly this thing called 'love' is, but I feel like I'm slowly getting closer.

Ever so slowly.

As if on cue, Livvie shifts again and wraps her tails around me as if claiming me for herself. I'd had to coat my own throne the same as I had hers to prevent the cold iron from injuring her, but since she'd insisted on pawing all over me when I didn't have visitors I'd had no discernible choice.

Which is also fine. She's been mine for so long, and she waited for me for so long…

I silently stroke one of her ears, causing her to let out a small moan.

…

This is peaceful. So peaceful.

…

…

So of course, like an idiot though thankfully not as big of one as my pet hero, I again don my headset and plunge back into the world of girl stupid, master of terrible decisions.

I half expect a comment from the woman still leaning over me at the thought, but she simply gives me a knowing smile as I fade back into the game I'd built.

***

"Get out."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

That's what she'd said before throwing my jacket at followed by the rest of my clothes piece by piece as I was on my way toward the hallway where Alice was patiently waiting.

I… still have no idea what just happened. It's confusing.

Not… bad, per se? Just confusing.

"Is that normal? For, uh. Adventurers, or heroes or whatever." I quietly ask the maid as she picks up my scattered academy uniform, and she simply shakes her head.

"No, young miss. Not typically outside of isolated customs and displays of dominance."

"Huh."

Well, best not think about it I guess. At least we're not fighting now… I think.

…

The mage does end up staying in her room, though I head for the academy once I've straightened out my uniform. Or rather, once Alice has finished straightening out my uniform. I'm not sure why but the maid actually seems to be in slightly higher spirits than before, which I'll admit is worrisome considering I still owe her some kind of favor.

Granted thanks to Joy, it might be more than one by now. I don't even want to think about it.

I miraculously arrive before the second period bell, just before finding out I was supposed to be at the practice field again.

Lovely.

More quality time with Instructor Fellows, no doubt. And also no doubt more time being lectured about punctuality and attendance and blah blah blah…

…

…

When did I get so blasé about my classes? Mom is working hard so I can be here… Well, she was independently wealthy before, not that we ever showed it…

It still counts.

…

I'm going to say it counts.

(Counts,) Olive offers. (Family.)

She's right too. I wouldn't even be here without her.

"Stop ruminating and run, Miss Vossen."

"Yes, Instructor Fellows," I deadpan back as I return to the starting block. This time I'm running after the white rabbits in a straight line in the most exciting drills I've ever done, and not at all repetitive and boring. What did he call them? 'Ladders'?

There's only so many times I can run back and forth without both my lungs and my brain trying to escape my body, so I offer an alternative.

"Hey," I say, "wouldn't it be more effective if my party just went to a dungeon or something? I know there's some low level ones around here."

"Hm. I'll consider it, but you'll need the headmaster's approval. You're a special case, after all, and letting you run freely with your current… 'presentation', would likely invite trouble from other adventurers. In the meantime, do not stop running. Don't think I haven't noticed you stopping to talk, even if it's to ask something directly related to your growth."

"Yes Instructor Fellows."

I guess I'll have to wait and see.

…

I wonder what the others are doing.

Lyra is easy enough to figure out… if she isn't here she's undoubtedly poring over more of her musty old tomes.

My fuzzy main tank is probably training with that 'master' of his or sucking up to his mothers or something. Wait, no, he's a student here, so he's probably in class… I have a feeling that if he isn't in some kind of lecture he's at least not standing on a field somewhere getting pelted with rocks or swinging a sword for hours on end.

No, he probably grew up with that thanks to that master of his.

A small huff escapes my System Assistant, but I don't pay it any mind. It's not a new thing, after all.

Even if she is adorably fluffy.

She's figured out how to cling to my athletic uniform a bit better, still complete with mustard stains. Even Alice couldn't get them out, much to my surprise, and she'd recommended I simply replace them.

I don't even know how to ask for another set. This one was just in my locker when I first started outdoor training.

…

Who am I forgetting? I'm definitely forgetting someone.

***

"Yes, thank you," I say to the little wisp, offering it a drop of honey. The tiny fae gleefully slurps it up, not even leaving enough to make my finger sticky before it drifts off to make mischief for someone, no doubt.

Returning the container to my dimensional storage, I let out a sigh.

I should have known. Nothing ever works out the way I plan it to.

I'd contracted a whole gaggle of wisps when I still lived at the colony because they were helpful with my scouting, though I haven't had much need for them as of late… classwork certainly doesn't require spirits to peer around corners.

No, instead I'd left this one inside the portal world, and who could blame me? Sadie and Lyra squabble constantly! What would happen if they came to blows? It would ruin our party!

And, well. It came to report when one or both of them left, just like I'd asked it to.

…

I'm not even sure what to do with myself now. I came all this way with one thing in mind, and even made a…

…

…

Vulnerable.

I feel so vulnerable right now.

And stupid.

Adira bashes my calf with his face before scrabbling his little paws on it, the small squirrel that is my System Assistant clearly trying to distract me from my wallowing. Seeing his efforts unsuccessful he settles for running rapid figure eights around my feet while screeing in dissatisfaction.

In a way I'm glad. I guess at least I have some kind of closure.

Maybe.

I was sure they'd be fighting.

I was sure I'd need to hurry back, that maid clearly wouldn't stop them… not that I'd get there in time…

But no. That? That wasn't fighting.

Leaning against the wall of the washroom stall I've commandeered, I stifle a sob.

And then I'm interrupted by a small yap from a similarly small fox at my feet.

…

…

It seems to be waiting for something for a moment before a voice I don't recognize echoes in my mind.

(Sadie stupid.)

"Wha?" I blurt, taken completely off guard, but it doesn't prevent the small creature from continuing.

(You. Try? Try!)

"Try? Try what?"

The fox furrows its brow before saying, (Sadie. Stop, don't. Don't!)

And without another word, it vanishes as if it had never been there.

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