IX. Registration

The registration hall of Maidenhead Academy stretched before them like a temple to ambition. Marble columns lined the vast chamber, each carved with the names of distinguished alumnae who had gone on to shape the Republic. Sunlight streamed through the clerestory windows, illuminating motes of dust that danced in the golden beams.

Cassia Longwood stood at the polished oak counter, her fingers tracing the edge of her registration tablet. Beside her, Antonia tapped her foot impatiently, her purple tunic catching the light with every impatient shift of her weight.

"Come on," Antonia muttered, nodding toward the queue of young futanari ahead of them. "At this rate, we'll be here until the evening bell."

Cassia smiled at her friend's impatience. "The Academy isn't going anywhere. Besides, this is important. Our entire semester depends on these choices."

An administrator with silver-streaked hair called the next name. "Cassia Longwood."

Cassia straightened her shoulders and approached the counter.

"Curriculum?" The administrator asked without even bothering to look up.

Cassia recited her chosen classes. "Combat Training, Politics, and Philosophy."

The administrator's eyebrow rose a fraction. "Politico track, hmm? An ambitious little Unus."

Cassia met her gaze steadily. "I intend to rise, like my Sire before me."

A ghost of approval flickered across the administrators’ weathered features. She made notations on Cassia's tablet with a stylus, the scratching sound loud in the relative quiet. "Combat Training with Victra Bellator. Politics with Senator Decima Aurelius. Philosophy with Magistra Rhea Scipio. Your schedule will be delivered to your quarters by evening." She paused, looking up. "I hope you know what you are signing up for Unus Longwood. The road to Senator is long and full of peril. Many who start it do not see its end."

"I understand the risks, honored Magistra."

"Do you?" The administrator asked, unsure, but she waved Cassia aside regardless. "Very well. Next…"

Cassia stepped away from the counter, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and dread. She had done it. She had started her journey, following in her Sire's footsteps.

Antonia bounced forward as her name was called, ready to get this over with and move onto something more exciting.

The administrator looked distinctly unimpressed by Antonia's bubbly personality. "Your curriculum."

"Combat Training as well, please, also Economics, and Alchemy."

Cassia blinked. Alchemy? When had Antonia ever show any interest in alchemy?

The administrator quickly finished her notations and handed Antonia her tablet. "Your schedule will arrive this evening. Next…"

Antonia practically skipped away from the counter, grabbing Cassia's arm as they exited the registration hall into the courtyard beyond. The afternoon sun was warm on their faces, and the air smelled of the nearby gardens.

"Alchemy?" Cassia asked, unable to keep the confusion from her voice.

Antonia laughed, a bright, musical sound that turned heads among the other students milling about the courtyard. "Every futa needs a hobby, Cass."

Cassia raised an eyebrow, not buying it for a second.

"Okay, you got me. Let's just say that having the right potions or elixirs in the Academy can make a futa very, very wealthy," Antonia leaned over and whispered conspiratorially, her green eyes sparkling with mischief. She began walking toward the shaded colonnade that lined the courtyard's eastern edge, pulling Cassia along with her. "Think about how many of the omegas turned beta this year are going to be knocking on my door begging me to brew them up some infertility potions, or wannabe alphas paying hand over cock for virility elixirs after I learn how to make them and start undercutting the shops in the shopping district. I'm going to corner the market!”

And there it is, Cassia accounted, rolling her eyes in exasperation.

"Come on then alchemy goddess." Cassia grabbed Antonia's arm, shaking her from her dreams of grandeur. "Let's go and find our new quarters."