True God In Another World (Tensura x Tbate)

Chapter 78 - The Welcome Home

Rimuru POV

"I trust that you guys will be able to handle keeping the academy in check while the four of us are out," I addressed the remaining DC members, who sat around the large oak table. Evening light streamed through the tall windows, and I could see dust motes dancing in the golden beams. "We've been through a couple of emergency procedures these past two weeks, so I'm confident that everything will be fine. As you all know, Kai is in command while I am out. Remember that Director Goodsky is back and on campus, so if things go for the worse, don't hesitate to have her help, although, unless it's serious, I doubt there will be a need. Dismissed!"

Chairs scraped against the wooden floor as everyone stood. Arthur and I had barely taken two steps toward the door when Theo's hand landed on Art's shoulder.

"Twer... I mean, Arthur. I want a practice match with you." Theo's eyes lit up with that competitive gleam he always got when challenging someone stronger.

"No! It's my turn!" Doradrea squeezed between them, having to look up due to her shorter stature, her masculine features set in determination as she looked up at Art. "You lost to Arthur last time, so I get to try now!"

"No can do, Theodore, Doradrea," I called back, already halfway down the stairs. "Arthur and I are going home to our family tonight. The driver's waiting for us outside."

We made our goodbyes quick, stepping out into the evening air. The academy always looked different at night. Magical orbs floated overhead, creating islands of soft light along the paths. Most students had already headed back to their dorms, leaving the usually busy courtyard peaceful and quiet.

Our driver waited at the main gate, standing perfectly straight in his neat uniform. "Good evening, Mr. Rimuru, Mr. Arthur," he greeted us with his usual politeness, removing his hat for a small bow. "I take it that you have prepared everything?"

"Yeah, the meeting ran late so let's head out," Arthur replied as our driver opened the carriage door.

Inside, Lily sat waiting, looking completely worn out. Her academy uniform was wrinkled from a full day of classes, and she seemed to be fighting to keep her eyes open.

I took the seat beside her, the familiar leather creaking. "Sorry we kept you waiting, Lily."

"It's fine," she mumbled, failing to hide a huge yawn. Her normally neat brown hair was coming loose, falling around her face in messy strands.

"Meeting went long?" she asked, blinking heavily.

"Yeah," Arthur sprawled out in his seat as the carriage started moving. The steady rhythm of hooves against cobblestones filled the comfortable silence.

Through the windows, I could see the city settling into evening. Magical lamps cast warm light onto the streets, and the usual daytime bustle had died down to a peaceful quiet. Inside our carriage, Lily was losing her battle with sleep.

"Just rest if you're tired," I told her, watching her head bob forward before she'd jerk herself awake again. "We've still got twenty minutes before we're home."

She tried to protest, but exhaustion won out. Within minutes, her head dropped onto my shoulder. Arthur caught my eye from his seat, wearing that annoying knowing smirk of his. I chose to ignore him, letting Lily sleep.

The journey passed quickly through the quieting city streets. When we finally pulled up to our destination, I had to gently shake Lily awake. She startled upright, looking confused for a moment before realizing where she was.

"We have arrived, Ms. Lilia, Mr. Arthur, Mr. Rimuru. Have a great night." Our driver held the door with his usual flourish, tipping his hat as we stepped down.