The hum of the bullhead's engines faded into the distance, leaving a serene silence in its wake. Jaune stood on the landing platform, his eyes fixed on the shrinking dot in the sky. The crisp winter air nipped at his skin, but he barely noticed it. His thoughts lingered on his daughters, replaying their hugs and tearful goodbyes as they departed to resume their lives.

"Watching them leave never gets easier, does it?" a familiar voice said softly.

Jaune turned to see Glynda standing beside him, her arms crossed but her expression warm. She was dressed in her usual attire, though there was a softness in her stance that wasn't often visible.

"No, it doesn't," Jaune admitted, a bittersweet smile on his face. "Even though I know they're strong and capable, a part of me still wants to keep them close."

"They're remarkable young women," Glynda said, her tone genuinely admiring. "You've raised them well."

"Thanks," Jaune said, glancing back toward the horizon. "I had help, though."

Glynda chuckled. "I imagine so. Seven daughters? I'd be more surprised if you didn't."

The two shared a laugh, the sound carrying gently on the wind.

"So," Glynda began, shifting her weight slightly, "are you ready for the new semester? Between your team, the students, and the Vytal Festival, I'm sure you'll have your hands full."

Jaune sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Don't remind me. The kids are coming back from break with energy to burn, and I can already hear Nora's voice echoing through the halls."

"Don't forget about the festival," Glynda added, rubbing her temples with a groan. "The logistics alone are enough to drive me mad. Coordination, security, housing for all the visitors—it's a nightmare."

Jaune tilted his head with a smirk. "Need a hand?"

Glynda smiled, a hint of gratitude in her expression. "I appreciate the offer, but you'll already have your plate full. Besides," she added teasingly, "I'm not sure I trust your organizational skills."

"Hey!" Jaune exclaimed with mock indignation. "I'll have you know I was the best team leader Beacon's ever seen."

Glynda raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a playful smirk. "Oh really? Should I remind you about the time you accidentally scheduled your team's mission during midterms?"

Jaune groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'll never live that down, will I?"

"Not as long as I'm around," Glynda replied, her tone light and teasing.

The two began walking back toward Beacon's courtyard, their steps falling into an easy rhythm. The conversation turned to stories of their time as students, each memory more amusing or embarrassing than the last.

"I still can't believe you convinced the entire cafeteria to do the chicken dance," Glynda said, shaking her head with a laugh.

"It was for a good cause!" Jaune protested. "We raised a lot of money for that charity."

"And made fools of yourselves in the process," Glynda countered, her laughter ringing out.

As they reached the courtyard, the glow of the academy's lights illuminated their faces. Students bustled around, their voices echoing off the stone walls as they prepared for the new semester.

Jaune glanced at Glynda, who was watching the students with a fond expression. He reached out, his hand brushing against hers before gently clasping it.

Glynda looked at him, surprised at first, but then her lips curled into a soft smile.

"Ready to face the chaos?" Jaune asked, his tone both amused and affectionate.

"With you by my side?" Glynda said, giving his hand a squeeze. "Always."

The two of them entered Beacon Academy's main hall together, their hands still joined. The warmth of their bond was a quiet promise to face whatever challenges lay ahead—together.