My Choice!

In with the old and new.

I peak out of the curtains and see people walking around the area.

Many are humans and the others are beast folk.

One thing that I noted is that no one is avoiding the beast folk.

Humans and beasts socializing, laughing and acting like friends.

I wonder if this is the norm...

Wait...

"Am I seriously going to be the only dog beast kin here!?"

Agatha comes back out with a tall lanky man of about 34 years old.

His hair was crew cut and his robes barely hid the muscles beneath them.

The door to the carriage opens and we lock eyes.

He scoffs.

"Agatha, everyone respects you here, in Torian, above all others.

Especially here in the city if Heijo.

Anyone else telling me that a beast girl took down a dragon, specifically a collie using lightning magic no less, would be laughed out of my office.

Because of your recommendation, I'll allow her to take the entrance exam at the beginning of autumn.

That's three weeks, young lady.

No magic until then.

I want to see the nobles' faces when they have to grant you, a young collie beast child, a mage practitioner's license.

Do I make myself clear?" He asks with a smile.

"Yes, sir!

...

May I ask you a personal question, sir?"

"Within reason..."

"Were you in the military?"

His smile was palpable.

"Yes, I was.

Until an ogre crushed my left foot."

I bowed.

"I may be an outsider, sir but, I appreciate and respect anyone who serves in the military.

It may seem like I am trying to gain your favor, so I'll ask you never to treat me with any favor that I don't earn, sir.

I would like to request a mock battle without magic."

"All hands, hear me!

This young collie has challenged me to a mock battle of martial arts!

Who objects!?"

There was a chorus of "not I, Sir Mikel!" and several students drew a ring with magic.

"Rules are simple, young lady.

Ring-out or knock-out is instant death.

Nothing below the belt or above the collar.

I'll allow you a handicap, however.

You cannot hit me below the belt or above the knees.

Got it?"

"Got it!"

"Someone start us!" He shouts.

Agatha steps forward and pulls a... Firecracker?

She throws it down and I seize, staring at the headmaster and reading his every movement.

He pulls his robes off and hands them to Agatha.