The day of the Parent-Teacher Conference was a highly anticipated event at the academy. Students nervously whispered about it in the halls, dreading the moment their parents would hear about their various triumphs—or failures.
For Rynhara, however, it was a day of pure dread. Why? Because Tiamora was attending.
Tiamora arrived with her royal guard, radiating an aura of authority and mischief. She wore an elegant kimono with gothic dragon motifs, her sharp smile leaving students and teachers alike quaking in their boots.
"Princess,allow me to say it once more. Your mother is terrifying," Kaelira whispered as they walked toward the meeting hall.
"Tell me something I dont know about." Rynhara grumbled.
The halls fell silent as Tiamora swept through, her rainbow-tipped hair gleaming under the chandeliers. She waved casually at the other parents, who were too intimidated to respond.
"I heard your mother once annihilated a kingdom for saying her hair was too colorful," one student whispered.
"No, it was because they called her horns asymmetrical," another corrected.
Rynhara groaned. "Great. More fuel for the rumor mill."
The conference room was set up with individual tables for each teacher, who were ready to discuss their students' progress—or lack thereof.
First Stop: Professor Andralyn (Magic Class)
"Ah, Lady Tiamora," Professor Andralyn greeted nervously, her hands shaking slightly. "Rynhara has… tremendous potential in magic. Her aptitude for eight elements is unprecedented, and her execution of spells is remarkable. However…"
Rynhara tensed. "Here we go."
"…she tends to be a bit, er, creative in her approach."
"Creative?" Tiamora asked, raising an eyebrow.
Andralyn coughed. "Last week, she used a storm spell to conjure miniature tornadoes in the classroom—"
"To clean up the mess faster," Rynhara interjected.
"—and ended up launching three desks out the window," Andralyn finished.
Tiamora threw her head back and laughed. "That's my girl! Efficient and dramatic!"
Rynhara facepalmed. "Mother, you're not helping."
Next Stop: Instructor Garran (Combat Class)
"Ah, Tiamora," Garran greeted with a grin. "Rynhara's a beast in combat. She's got raw talent, and her scythe work is downright terrifying. I've had her spar with some of the best students, and she crushes them every time."
Tiamora beamed. "Excellent. My daughter must uphold the family reputation."
"However," Garran added, glancing at Rynhara, "she's also incredibly stubborn. Last week, she refused to stop a match until she'd perfected a new move, even though her opponent had already yielded."
"That's dedication," Tiamora said proudly.
"That's insanity," Garran replied, though he chuckled. "Still, she's one of the most promising fighters I've ever taught. If she keeps this up, no one will stand a chance against her in the tournament."
Rynhara groaned. "Why does everyone keep bringing that up?"
Third Stop: Madame Lierre (Etiquette Class)
Madame Lierre's expression was grim as Tiamora approached. "Your daughter…" she began, taking a deep breath, "…is an enigma."
Tiamora tilted her head. "Do explain."
"She has made some progress," Lierre admitted. "Her curtsy no longer looks like she's preparing to attack someone, and she's stopped threatening her tea party guests with decapitation—"
"I only did that once!" Rynhara protested.
"—but her posture is still atrocious, and she insists on using her scythe as a decorative centerpiece."
"It's practical and intimidating," Rynhara said defensively.
Tiamora chuckled. "It seems she's blending combat with etiquette. A unique approach, don't you think?"
Lierre sighed. "It's certainly… memorable."
Final Stop: Headmaster Velmont
Velmont sat at his desk, his expression unreadable as always.
"Lady Tiamora," he began, "your daughter is… an exceptional student."
Rynhara perked up. "Finally, some praise!"
"…exceptionally difficult," Velmont finished.
Rynhara slumped.
"Her academic scores are high, her combat skills are unmatched, and her magical abilities are unparalleled," Velmont continued. "However, her penchant for chaos is a recurring issue. She disrupts classes, incites rivalries, and inspires fear among the other students."
"Fear is an excellent motivator," Tiamora said with a grin.
Velmont sighed. "Of course you'd say that."
He leaned forward. "In all seriousness, Rynhara is one of the most promising students this academy has ever seen. If she can channel her talents productively, she could become a true leader."
Tiamora smiled. "I appreciate your honesty, Headmaster. Rest assured, my daughter will only grow stronger—and perhaps slightly more elegant."
On the way back home, Rynhara trudged along, her head low. "That was mortifying."
Tiamora, by contrast, was practically glowing. "Mortifying? That was delightful! Hearing about your adventures has made my day."
"Adventures?" Rynhara repeated, exasperated. "Mother, they were criticizing me!"
"They were praising your ingenuity, strength, and flair," Tiamora countered. "Honestly, you've surpassed my expectations."
Kaelira smirked. "She does have a point, Princess. You're living up to your reputation."
Rynhara groaned. "I didn't ask for a reputation!"
Tiamora patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, darling. By the time the tournament comes around, you'll have an even grander one."
Rynhara sighed. "Great. Just what I needed."
Despite her complaints, she couldn't help but feel a tiny flicker of pride. Perhaps her mother's madness was rubbing off on her after all.