"RETIRING?!" Noble couldn't believe her ears.
She had never heard of an Awakened retiring, no less a prestigious Master like Alden. Was that even an option?
"Perhaps retire is the wrong word," the Provost admitted. He added in a lower tone. "You experienced the tense political climate yourself today. Well, it's been brewing for quite some time, I'm afraid."
Noble knew that, of course. She might have known that even longer than the gentleman before her. However, she kept her mouth shut to hear what her superior had to say.
The provost chuckled humorously. "As much as Mabel out there would like me to retire so we can find a quiet spot to enjoy our golden years, it seems that fate has other plans." Alden shook his head. "Saint Cor and the Chancellor have both approached me about taking a position at government headquarters. They believe my unique skill set and connections over the years will be helpful in the months to come. As of today, I have accepted. So, it is a retirement of sorts, but also a new beginning. However you look at it, my position here will be vacant."
"I don't understand. You've always been the head of the Academy. No one can do what you have done." Noble could not envision things without Alden in charge.
In her mind, such a thing simply could not exist!
"That is why I hope you do not hate me and that you will accept. I would not leave it in just anyone's hands." The Provost nodded.
"But I don't understand. There are plenty of more qualified people. Teacher Julius, for example. Yes, he would make a much better and well-respected provost than I would!" Noble felt a little bad for throwing out her stepfather's name like that, but she only spoke the truth.
"Julius and I go back a long way, but he would never leave the classroom for administration. He would much rather you have the reins." Alden tilted his chin meaningfully. "When I mentioned my opportunity to him, your name was the only one on his lips."
"Julius is a second father to me, so you'll have to excuse him for being a little biased." Noble rubbed the back of her neck. "If Julius won't be your successor, then perhaps someone with a strong bearing and presence. Instructor Rock—"
"Fully supported my decision, encouraged it even." Alden folded his hands on the desk.
"Rock knew about this?" The Professor nearly choked at the revelation.
Suddenly, his speech that morning made a lot more sense.
'No wonder he said he knew plenty. That traitor!'
No, wait, two people in her life had put her forward for a position without her being aware.
"Julius and Rock both know about this…Does anyone else?" Noble's question was not answered immediately. "Does everyone else know?!"
"Yes, we took a vote while you were sleeping."
"WHAT?!"
"It was a joke. I do that from time to time. Do you really think anyone would do that?" Alden raised an eyebrow at her. "I consulted with key figures at the Academy before approaching you. Those who have seen you in action and know you well are the best judges of character after all."
"Why me?" Noble truly could not fathom why, out of all the candidates that could have been considered, hers was the name that had somehow ended up on top.
Alden studied her for a moment.
"I will be frank with you. You have been garnering a considerable amount of my attention as of late. Every time I turn around, your name comes up. This stunt today, intentional or not, will make you a household name. Of course, you already were one once, as Queen Bee."
Noble winced. She had deceived him and everyone else for years by hiding that identity. If not for an unfortunate fall through a Gate, she would probably still be keeping her Dreamscape escapades to herself.
"However, that isn't why I chose you as my replacement. You have initiative and a passion for education. You know the unique trials that come with starting a school and keeping it running. Your Dreamer Academy was successful enough that the government copied its methodology to make a sister school in Bastion. Yet, yours still outpaces them when it comes to preparedness for the First Nightmare. To whom should I attribute that?"
Noble thought for a second. "I would say the people responsible for such resounding success are the staff who support our students and the students themselves. Without the dedication of the future Dreamers, none of it would be possible."
"You are too modest, Master Noble. While that is an admirable quality, there is merit in knowing your own worth. There's a saying much older than either of us, and it states that the proof is in the pudding." Alden nodded.
"I don't understand." The professor furrowed her brow. What did pudding have to do with this?
"The Dreamer Academy has been set up for success. You have chosen instructors wisely and focused on preparing mundane people for what lies ahead. You said no one can do what I have done. Well, the same goes for you. Who better to pass the mantle to than another pioneer?" The Provost had a point.
While Noble knew there were many differences between running the two academies, there were also many transferable skills.
"That may be true, but..."
"You are a warrior. If anyone doubts that, they only need to look at your Dreamscape record. You are a scholar. You are a published expert on Memories, and I doubt anyone has seen more of them than you. You are also a competent leader and administrator. People respect you, and you care about them." The Provost held out a finger with each point.
"I am not you!" Noble finally finished her thought.
"I am not asking you to be. I am looking for someone to run the Awakened Academy, not to be my doppelganger. Your confrontation with the students today is proof that you are not. I would never have handled things like that, but no one can argue with the results. No one got hurt, and you made the Academy policy of respect and neutrality quite clear. I hope you will be able to make other positive changes."
Opening a drawer, Alden pulled out some paperwork from his desk.
"For example, you can forego the use of synthetic pages altogether if you like."
He slid the document across the desk toward Noble.
"What's this?"
"It's your contract. Or rather, it's your new contract. You don't have to accept it, of course. I know credits don't mean as much in the Dream Realm, but the job comes with a sizable raise." Alden tilted his chin to the figure.
"I don't do this for the money." Noble's eyes opened wider. "That's a lot of zeroes…"
"I never increased my salary while I was in the position, but I made sure you would be taken care of. That number takes effect the moment I'm out the door." The Provost glanced toward the exit as if imagining the scene.
"I wouldn't do it for the money." The professor repeated more firmly.
Her boss smiled slightly.
"But you'll do it?"
Noble hesitated. "I can't say yes."
"Funny, that is the same answer I gave Cor all those years ago." Alden chuckled. "You are free to say no. Just know I am leaving either way."
Noble couldn't believe what she was hearing. This whole thing was too sudden and too bizarre. She had come in here prepared for her life to change, but not like this.
No, she wouldn't do it. She couldn't do it! It was better to get the rejection over with quickly and get on with her day.
Noble shut her eyes.
"I'll consider it."