It might be a bit early to talk about it, but I have the dates I will be taking off this Christmas for you all. It will only be the single week of no updates this year. There will be no updates on the Christmas week itself, from the 23rd – 29th. That's Monday to Sunday, with the following Monday being updates as usual.

If in doubt, there's no need to memorise that and the dates on the bottom of the chapters will always be accurate. Unless they're not and I mess up like an idiot, but you know, I'll at least try to make them accurate.


Beta: College Fool

Cover Art: Dishwasher1910

Book 9: Chapter 24


"So, I see they hit you with their latest hair-brained idea."

Yang's voice filtered into my head and I looked up, taking my eyes away from Ruby, pale and silent but alive, and to the blonde at the door. The Brawler didn't look much the worse for wear for all that we'd been through, but there was a limp to her step as she came in and closed the door behind her.

"If you mean the royalty thing, then yeah. You knew?"

"We all did." She came up beside me at Ruby's bedside and motioned with her head. I slid across the seat, the two of us sharing a single chair, hip to hip. "Crazy idea," she said. "I mean, I can see why it's necessary, but the thought of Ruby as Queen of Vale? I don't think she could handle it."

My shoulders tensed. "I notice you didn't mention me. Don't tell me you think I'd be good at it."

"Nah. Ha. I think you'd not be bad at it, but I don't think you'd be good either. Then again, according to Miss Goodwitch, that's all Vale needs. A figurehead. You or Ruby would be the ones in charge, but it would mostly be other people helping with the decisions."

"It's an empty position then…"

"Maybe." Yang sighed. "I still don't think Ruby would want to touch it."

"And I do!?"

"I'll take a wild guess that it's a no."

Scowling, I looked away and to the wall above Ruby's head. It wasn't hard to see that Yang was… not pushing me into the position, but making it clear she didn't want Ruby put on the spot. I think we both knew that if Glynda laid it out in a way that made it sound like Vale needed her, Ruby would agree without thinking. Anything to help the people. In that way, she was the perfect candidate for a benevolent Queen.

Except that she hated being the centre of attention. Kind of a big deal for a ruler.

I'm no better. I'd rather do anything than sit there having people stare at me. I couldn't blame Yang for wanting me to put up with that rather than Ruby, however.

"I asked them for time. Time to think. Maybe time for Ruby to wake up as well. Even if I'm sure what she'd choose, it doesn't feel right to make a decision like this without her input. I don't want to just assume her answer and decide for her. It'd be treating her like a child otherwise."

"That's fair, I suppose. Ruby's gonna be a big figure now whether she likes it or not." Yang snorted and elbowed me in the gut. "Wouldn't surprise me if there were statues built of the two of you, something heroic with you standing over the body of Salem, scythe held between both of you."

"That wasn't how it happened at all…"

"Yeah well, give it a hundred years and Salem will be a hundred feet tall while you rode a metal dragon into battle. Maybe I'll even become the dragon. Not all that many people saw the end. It was only the Heroes who rode out. They know you and Ruby were involved and killed Salem between you, but not really how." She tapped her head. "They're filling in the blanks themselves."

Their imagination probably made us out to be a lot more heroic than we had been. In truth, it had been nothing but a desperate last-ditch attempt to survive. Most of our battles degenerated to that in the end.

"I just can't believe they want me to be King."

Yang hummed and looked around. "Keep a secret?"

Intrigued, I nodded.

"I had Blake do a little spying on Glynda and Hazel," she confided. "Once I knew they had plans for Ruby. Blake was happy to do so with you involved, and she snooped around. Ozpin left instructions – but you and Ruby weren't exactly top of the list."

"Who was?"

"The top was King Galan, assuming he survived, then his son – who died as well – and moving on to Ozpin himself, Ironwood ruling as steward and then finally just `the one who kills Salem`. It didn't mention you or Ruby by name, because Ozpin didn't know who that would be. It just says that the Kingdom needs someone of proven and recognisable accomplishment who can unite and inspire the people."

I wasn't sure why, but that actually made me feel a little better. That Ozpin hadn't honestly thought I'd be willing and capable of being King, but that it was just luck – good or bad – which landed me in this spot. Ruby, too. If someone told me they genuinely thought I'd make a good monarch, I'd have laughed in their face. But telling me that the people would look up to the ones who killed Salem? I could buy that.

"Thanks for letting me know."

"No problem. I realise it doesn't change much, but at least no one is expecting miracles."

"Yeah…"

"For what it's worth," she began, "If you did accept it – or if Ruby did – we've already agreed between us all that we'll be behind you both the whole way. Pyrrha and Weiss don't want to leave Vale and the rest of us have made lives here. You'll have our help if you need it."

"If I need it?"

"Sorry." Yang laughed. "When you need it."

I chuckled along with her, knowing I'd be completely hopeless in the role, but then it wasn't so dissimilar to how it had been when I'd joined Beacon either. I'd needed their help there as well, and thanks to the direct intervention of Blake, Pyrrha, Nora and Ren, I'd survived the First Quest and become a Hero.

"Thanks Yang. Do you know if I'm allowed out the palace?"

"Thinking of taking a walk?" she asked. When I nodded, the said, "You're not allowed out without an escort from what I'm told, and Glynda means a royal escort at that."

"Damn it. I just want to get some fresh air and think."

"Hm. A shame you don't have anyone good at sneaking things in and out of a palace, huh?"

The thick sarcasm dripping from her voice made me pause.

"Huh. Good point."

/-/

"Should I be concerned how easy it was to sneak me out?" I asked Blake.

"It wasn't as easy as I made it look," she replied, dark blue hood up and casting her face in shadow. While the Assassin's garb was as it had ever been, she was for once walking alongside me without a bandolier of knives and weapons strapped to her belt. She looked naked without them all. "I had Nora distract the guards, Ren watch for anyone coming close and Weiss practicing a spell in a hallway to accidentally divert Miss Goodwitch from meeting with you."

"I'm going to be in trouble later, aren't I?"

Blake shrugged. "Probably. Does it make it not worth it?"

"No." I needed this. Not just the fresh air, but a chance to stretch my legs without being accosted by Glynda or Hazel. "I couldn't think back there."

"Thinking never was your strongpoint."

"Teasing me already? I'm still recovering!"

"I'm a pitiless assassin. What do you expect?"

We laughed together as we left the palace grounds and crept into the city. Although Blake had provided for me a grey cloak with hood, my words and Class still floated above my head. That might have undone the whole attempt, but when everyone lived as such, you got used to seeing names everywhere. Most people still relief on seeing a familiar face to identify someone, and as long as people didn't look too closely, I'd be okay.

One thing that quickly became apparent as we walked through the city was how much emptier it was. Not helping was how most people were helping rebuild the walls and buildings closest, which had taken the brunt of the damage – except for Beacon's Guild Village, of course, which was almost destroyed, but I didn't count that since we could live elsewhere. The citizens of Vale needed their homes returned. And all too much was I aware that many of them would go empty.

"It doesn't really feel like we won…"

"Only because we did," Blake said. "Had Salem defeated us, this would have been ten times worse."

"This still isn't ideal."

She shrugged. "War never is."

The Healer's College had set up camps once more, occupying the same places they had during the siege but not thankfully catering to lighter injuries. As we approached the walls, the streets became busier, reminding me of what Vale at its height had been. A few stalls were open, mostly those providing food. By the looks of it, they weren't charging and were just handing it out to anyone and everyone working. I watched as two small children accepted some baked potato and walked off to eat it together. Their clothes were dirty, though with dust and not a life on the streets.

There will be plenty of orphans, though. We sent those who couldn't fight through the portals to Atlas, but their parents might have been left behind to hold the line.

That wasn't my problem to deal with, and yet I could. If I accepted Glynda's proposal.

At the walls themselves, the wooden platforms constructed to house Heroes had been pulled down and repurposed. Some were still being sawed away at, the wood taken to repair buildings elsewhere. Fallen masonry was being used in the same way, though I noticed the larger chunks were being carted to the wall itself and stacked to crudely form a barrier.

A young man, a Carpenter, knelt and steadied his hands on either side of a medium-sized chunk. He grunted, bent his legs and squatted, heaving up with all his strength. Too much Strength. The boulder went airborne, hurled up back over his head to crash down in the dirt behind him. Luckily, no one was hit. The Carpenter froze, staring at the boulder and then his hands, shaking like a leaf. I moved over, Blake beside me. I saw the panic in his eyes and recognised it intimately.

"It's okay," I said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You just need to get used to it."

"I… I did… but I…" He stammered and shook his head. "It all feels wrong…"

"You fought in the battle, didn't you?" I asked.

The man, more a boy, sixteen at best, looked up at me. He saw under my hood and went still, eyes bulging. "You're-"

"Just another person walking around the city," I said meaningfully.

He caught the hint, nodding quickly. Even then, he still looked… in awe? That was the best way I could think to put it. He looked at me like I was some figure out of legend. I did kill both Cinder and Salem. I must look incredible to him. Funny how I don't feel it.

"You were left behind to fight at the end, weren't you?" I asked again. "Did you fight against Salem?"

"I… I did." He bobbed his head nervously. "For all the use I was, sir. I… I managed to kill a Grimm or two. Or was it three? I don't even know anymore. It was all a blur. I tried to chuck my speak. I… I think I hit her wing. Didn't make a difference. She just shrugged it off and killed my best friend. He was next to me and he survived all the Grimm just to die like that." The boy tried to laugh but it came out hoarse and brittle. "I'm glad you killed her. I'm glad she's dead!"

"Me too. Me too. And I'm sure your friend is glad you're alive." I squeezed his shoulder. "How many levels did you gain?"

"I… I'm twenty-eight." He sounded uncertain at the number. I wasn't surprised. The average Labour Caste member would never reach a level that high. "I was twelve before, sir. I… I hardly know what's happening. I broke mom's favourite vase this morning. Not that she cares, sir, all too happy I'm still alive. She doesn't know what it feels like. I've been working for six hours now and I don't feel tired. Is this normal…?"

"It will become normal," I told him. "Once you get used to it. I was the same once. Those first few levels I gained were the hardest to get used to, especially once I realised what a difference it made." I patted his shoulder again. "Try and take things slow for now. Get used to it. And don't think there's anything wrong with you, you're just having to re-learn what's possible and what's not. You'll make it through."

"Tell your mother as well," Blake said. "I'm sure she will understand more than you realise."

"Y-Yes." The boy smiled, still nervous but no longer shaking. "I… I think I need to go sit down. Thank you. Not just for this," he hurried to add, "For killing her. For saving us. I… I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you."

"There are a lot of people who wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you either," I pointed out. His eyes widened. "You levelled up when Salem was defeated. That means you had just as much a hand in killing her as I did." I pushed him away with a smile, watching his dumbfounded face. "Be proud of yourself. You earned it."

"S-Sir! Thank you!" He rushed off, grinning wildly.

"That was a nice thing you did." Blake noted.

"I know what it's like to be in his shoes."

To be Labour Caste and then suddenly be strong. To feel that same confusion and doubt. In a way, that boy was braver than I was – facing off against Salem at Level twelve. That took guts the likes of which I wasn't sure I had.

"There are a lot more like him," she said. "Not all are as bad thankfully, but there are plenty of Labour Caste with levels comparable to Soldiers now – even some Heroes. Last I heard, some of them had even picked up weapons and have taken to accompanying the Soldiers on patrols to clear out Grimm. I think Ansel has something to do with that; showing people that even as Labour Caste, you can be an effective fighting force. Of course, they took that from you."

"Ansel… my parents are still here?"

"Hm." Blake nodded. "Do you think they'd leave without checking on you? Come on, they have a camp inside the walls. I'll take you to them."

That was a good idea. A few people were looking their way, attention drawn by the rock hitting down. Though my face was still hidden, with so much attention on us, I wasn't surprised when some recognised the name. Whispers began to pass around, the news spreading. Blake took my hand and drew me aside before it could take hold.

"Come," she whispered. "Quickly."

I nodded and let her pull me away.

/-/

Nicholas swept me up in his arms and threatened to break my spine. He didn't say a word, nor did I, he simply held me against him and took a deep and shaky breath. I managed to work my arms around his back and fight back my own tears.

"Mom," I whispered. "The girls…"

"Safe. Your mother led them away – except for Saph, Coral and Sable. Those three fought, but they're alive and well. Don't worry." He released me and stepped back. I noted the fresh cuts and nicks across his face. The way he favoured one leg. The small scar tissue across his lip. "I sent out some of the village lads to pick them up. They're on their way back now, and I got a message they're all safe and sound."

"Hah." I sagged with relief. "What will you all do?"

"Likely stay here for a bit. Make sure you're okay, give your mom a chance to fawn over you." Nicholas smiled lopsidedly. "I'm not sure Ansel will be safe with all the negativity around, and the city here has space enough for us. Not sure I'd want to retire here, but we might stay until after winter, help with the rebuilding and make for Ansel in the spring to sow crops." He clapped my arm. "Enough about us. How are you?"

I grinned. "Alive and well."

His hand tightened on my elbow. "I asked how you are, son. Not how you want to be seen."

"Tired," I admitted, letting the bravado fall. "Shocked. Afraid. Still not quite believing it's real and expecting her to come crashing back and mock me again. Tell me this is all a lie and I'm trapped in a coma dying while she taunts me."

Nicholas held my gaze and nodded. He didn't tell me it'd all be okay or that I was silly. He just nodded, squeezed my arm and let me know he'd be there. I nodded back, drawing strength from his presence. And to think they wanted me to be King. I was shaking like a leaf!

"And you, Blake." Nicholas looked past me with a smile. "Thank you for bringing my son here. I don't mean to ignore you…"

"It's fine, Mr Arc. Don't mind me."

Nicholas sent her a quick nod of thanks and turned back to me. "They're saying you're the one who killed Salem. Is that true?"

"Ruby killed her. I… I may have helped."

"Details are scarce." he said.

I sighed. "It's a long story."

"Then save it until your mother arrives," Nicholas said, slapping my arm. "You don't look in the mood to tell it right now and I can wait. All I care about is the fact you're alive. How that came to be can wait."

"Thanks. I'll tell you all later. I'm just… too tired right now."

"Hm. You look it, like you haven't been sleeping enough. I won't nag, but your mother will. Make sure you're looking less like a walking corpse by the time she's here." He hugged me again before turning me around and guiding me back to Blake. "Look after him, Blake. You've probably figured out by now the kind of trouble he gets himself into."

"I have an idea," she said wryly. "He'll live. I can assure you that."

"If you've time, we can get you both something to eat."

I was about to say no to that when my stomach grumbled, and between the suddenly stern gazes of both Blake and my father, I knew better than to argue. We were led to a nearby tavern that had been taken over by Ansel and turned into… well, a tavern. The interior featured numerous round tables with villagers I recognised by face among them. Many raised their hands in greeting, and for once it was a friendly one, not something filled with awe or worship.

"Jaune!"

"Lad. Ha. Should have known you'd make it."

"You look like shit, kid! Sit down and get a meal before your ma rips our hides off."

The jeering continued until I found myself laughing and calling someone a sack of horseshit. That defused it all as raucous laughter erupted, people turning back to their food, drink and conversation. I wasn't a Hero or potential ruler here. I was Jaune Arc, sixth child and first son of the local blacksmith. Nothing more.

An overweight man swept up with a plate in each hand, putting them down before us. With the city open and rations no longer in effect, it looked like hunting parties had been sent out. We had prime cuts of beef sliced into strips and laid sideways with steamed vegetables and rich gravy. The meat was pink on the inside, tender and soft. Blake and I ate in complete silence, myself far too hungry and exhausted to strike up a conversation.

Maybe Glynda was right to not want me walking around Vale on my own. My legs are killing me.

"There are a lot of people determined to stay in Vale no matter what," she said the moment she'd finished eating. I hadn't, and she continued while I chewed. "To hear Miss Goodwitch say it, you'd think the whole Kingdom is about to hand itself over to Mistral."

"It's a lie?" I mumbled.

"Not a lie. More an exaggeration. Mistral is going to come and offer to accept us into its Kingdom. They'll sugar-coat it and sat its stewardship, but we all know that's not the case. There are people who plan to… not fight it, but resist. Mistral can't attack without looking like absolute monsters. They'll come and make the offer, accept those who agree and leave. The problem is, Glynda and Hazel aren't sure enough would accept to stay to keep the city running."

"Hence, they need me to unite them."

"They need someone," she countered. "It needn't be you. You're just the best choice."

"I'm the easiest choice. Because the people idolise me right now. Not because I'm actually going to be any good at it or because I'm the right person for the job."

"If nothing else, you'd be fair. There's a lot to be said for that."

I finished the last of the beef and put my fork down, picking my words carefully. "You sound like you want me to accept this."

Blake looked away. "I don't."

"Then why are you convincing me to?"

"Because even if I don't want it, I don't think they're wrong to suggest you'd make a good ruler. Not the best," she admitted. "But a good one. You'd inspire the Labour Caste, maybe even revolutionise and change the Caste system altogether. And why not? You've proven it doesn't work. Let people be judged on merit. It's what the Hero Academies do with their First Quest. Let Labour Caste go on it, and if they succeed, let them be Heroes. Make it a title earned and not a hereditary one."

That was what I'd always wanted, wasn't it?

"You'd also do what you can for everyone who's suffered in the war. Too much, in my opinion," she said, sighing angrily. "You'll probably blame yourself for not dealing with Salem sooner and break your back trying to help people, but that's fine in moderation. It's more than what some people would do with that much power. They'd abuse it. You wouldn't."

"That wouldn't make me a good monarch. It's just means I'm not a bastard."

"Right now, that's all the people need, isn't it? We've just come out of a war of good and evil so stereotypical, the Bards are reeling." Blake grinned at her little joke. "Who better to take up the crown than the knight in shining armour who slew the dragon?"

"Ruby doesn't wear armour."

Blake rolled her eyes. "You know what I meant."

I did and had to sigh again. "Do you really want me to be King?"

"No," she said again. "No, I don't. I want you to refuse." Blake looked away, eyes closed. "But putting aside what I want, I think you could be a King I'd be proud to follow. And one of the few I'd be willing to trust my future to."

That shook me.

"Not Ruby?"

"I'd trust Ruby as well," she admitted, ruining the mood a little, "But let's be honest, she's not going to be as good at it as you. Ruby's more a fighter. You are too, but you're also inspiring in other ways. First person to have two Classes, first to break the Caste System. That counts. Ruby may have slain Salem, but she couldn't have done it without your weapons." Blake paused suddenly and looked up. "Seems our time out has come to an end."

I didn't have to look behind me to hear Miss Goodwitch say, "There he is."

Or to hear the armoured tread of the palace guards approaching. They surrounded our table, though more to protect me than out of any desire to arrest. The people of Ansel watched curiously, making no effort to hide the fact they were watching and listening. Gossips. All of them.

"Jaune," Glynda said, approaching with a stern expression. "I hate to interrupt your meal, but if you were hungry you should have told someone within the palace. We could have prepared a meal for you."

"I needed fresh air to think."

"You would have been provided an escort."

"Exactly," I snapped. "Hard to think when being followed around by armed guards."

"Mr Arc…" Glynda gave up with a sigh. "I know this is difficult for you – it's no different for me suddenly finding every responsibility imaginable thrust on me with Ozpin gone…"

I cursed and looked away, shame pooling inside me. I wasn't the only one under pressure and Glynda had to run both Beacon and Vale right now. I took a deep breath and let it go, shoulders falling in defeat. Under the table, Blake's foot touched my own in silent solidarity.

"I'm done with my meal," I said. "Give me five minutes to talk to my father and we can be off."

The Warlock nodded. "Thank you."

/-/

They'd brought my unfaithful steed, Faith, for me to ride back to the palace on. I was surprised she was still alive, but the Grimm must have ignored her. She took one look at me, snorted and rolled her eyes as though to say she was both surprised and disappointed I'd made it out as well. I laughed and rubbed her nose, ducking my head to the side when she tried to headbutt me.

"Nice to see you as well." A guard came up behind me and knelt, holding his hands together. I stared at him, unsure if I should be offended or not. He looked so eager – a royal guard, for fucks sake – that I couldn't do anything but be polite. "I can climb onto my horse alone but thank you for offering."

Blake might have laughed at me, though when I looked over, she was prim and proper, looking off into the distance. Hooking an arm over Faith's back, I gripped the saddle and shimmied up, annoyed when the guard discarded my instructions and helped adjust my feet into the stirrups.

"Thank you," I muttered, rolling my eyes.

Glynda held out a blue cloak toward me, rimmed with white fur. It was unmistakably expensive. And perhaps even regal.

"Do we have to…?"

"Appearances are important. Even if you refuse in the end, the Hero who slew Salem cannot be seen walking around in a tattered cloak. Believe me, Miss Rose will face the same and I already have a crimson dress prepared for her."

Bet she'll love that…

With a sigh, I shook off my cloak and let the guard take it, then accepted Glynda's help putting the much more expensive one over my shoulders. It was held by a golden chain that linked over my chest, the ends of it long enough to drape down Faith's flanks and cover my legs and feet. There was no crown. I was grateful for that. The way the royal guard in their ornate armour closed ranks around me, however, made it clear I was important. More than that, they were on foot – leaving only myself, Blake and Glynda to ride. With Blake hooded and masked, that drew all eyes to me.

I was suddenly reminded of Saren, King Galan's royal Assassin. With Blake beside me, I must have looked even more like the old king of Vale.

The people certainly thought so, staring as our procession made its way through the streets, past the construction efforts and stalls. Everyone stopped to stare – some even going so far as to cheer and wave. Juniper had raised a boy too polite not to wave back. Their response to my friendly smile was to cheer all the louder.

I could just feel the smugness radiating off Glynda, and the `I told you so` silently coming from Blake.

They wanted someone to believe in; they wanted to believe in me. I couldn't fault it, even as I hated it. Was it really the fault of the people if they needed something to believe in? King Galan died fighting Salem – actually fighting her – and it sounded like his son had done the same. For all their faults, and I still blamed him for Lisa, they hadn't been bad people.

The regular citizens of Vale weren't bad people either, they were just afraid. Hurting. And Mistral promised an easy way out of their troubles. I wouldn't blame them for thinking that accepting Mistral's rule would be easier. It would be. Fighting to remain what we were would be difficult. And when things were difficult, there had to be someone who bore that burden.

Why not let it be the one who fought Salem? Who else? Some Noble who ran away and left Labour Caste to fight in their place? Or one of the ones who stayed, but who no one really knew or had reason to trust? They weren't going to accept a harder life here on the promises of some unknown man or woman taking the crown. It had to be someone they felt they could trust. Someone they thought could do the impossible and make Vale anew.

No matter how I cut it, that was going to be me or Ruby. They already believed in me. In us. Hazel would be there to help and Glynda too, not to mention everyone else from the Guild. Whichever of us was in charge, we wouldn't be alone. What was I afraid of?

The answer came immediately.

I was afraid of failing. Of not being good enough. This wasn't like fighting, where, Blacksmith or not, I still had Strength and Dexterity and all the other Stats I needed. If there was one Stat which encapsulated what it meant to be a leader, it was Charisma. My dump stat. Ruby's, too, so I couldn't even lump the job on her saying she was better suited for it. At least my Charisma Stat grew. Hers was locked to five.

"People are already talking about having seen you," Glynda said. "That you donned a disguise and came down to check on the repairs. They say they saw you help a young boy and speak words of kindness to him."

"Is that how you found us?" I asked.

"Yes." Her eyes slid to mine. "Do you know what they're saying about you?"

"Something ridiculous, I'm sure."

"They are saying that even injured, you came down to make sure the people were safe. That you came to try and help build like a commoner, hiding away who you are so that no one would think twice of you helping them."

"Oh hell…"

I could see where this was going. Even ignoring the idea of me as a king, it was hard not to see a story like that as speaking well of me. And if I was? Well, I'd just gone and made myself the most approachable and commoner-friendly king in recent history.

"You act like it's a lie," she said, "But did you not go down there to make sure everyone was okay?"

"I… well… yes, but I didn't plan to join in…"

The Warlock snorted. "Tell me you wouldn't have if you were healthier."

"I wouldn't have."

The lie didn't sound convincing, even to me. Glynda chuckled and the guards stood taller, several smiling under their helmets. I wanted to point out anyone in my position would have done the same, and that wasn't even humility. I would bet my organs everyone from the Guild had gone down and helped in some way. The only difference was that they were accepted as just being regular old Heroes, while I… I was something more.

"I know you are still against all of this, Jaune, but let me tell you now that this – what you have done here today – is what the people of Vale need. Not a King who sits in a palace and does nothing, who organises taxes and hosts parties and social events, but a King of action, who stands, fights and bleeds alongside his people. I would not put you forth for that if I didn't think you could fulfil the role."

I stared down at the reins in my hands.

"Miss Rose has awoken."

My head shot up. "Ruby-?"

"Hazel has already spoken to her of our position and of the proposal made to you both. Of course, we've also allowed your Guild to speak with her as well. She is recovering and still bound to her bed, but available to take visitors."

I swallowed, afraid of what she might have already decided. If Ruby said no, it would all be on my shoulders. "What did she decide?"

"Nothing of yet." Glynda met my eyes. "She has asked to speak with you."


Looking back on last chapter, I feel that I should have had last chapter be this chapter, and that instead, there should have been a calm and peaceful chapter with no drama for the last one. We just had the final fight against Salem, a big climax moment, and then it was straight into the next problem with no break for Jaune or the reader.

That was an error on my part, and mostly comes about as a result of the plan (or any plan) mostly focusing on the plot points and not the in-between moments. It's one of those things that comes up for writing a weekly fic like this and that I'd have caught if this was a traditional book, but a chapter to "calm down" after the climax would have been better.


Next Chapter: 9th December

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