Help! My Moms Are Overpowered Tyrants, and I'm Stuck as Their Baby!-Chapter 100: Hide and Seek, Tyrant Style

Smaug's tail flicked indignantly, but he looked oddly pleased nonetheless. "Be grateful. It's a tremendous honor."

I rolled my eyes at the dragon's display of arrogance, but couldn't help the faint smile tugging at my lips. It was comforting to know that despite how chaotic my life had become, some things would never change Smaug's attitude, for example. The dragon continued preening beside me, clearly reveling in the attention he drew from my classmates, most of whom eyed him warily from a respectful distance. A few braver souls cast fascinated glances, but quickly averted their gaze whenever Smaug noticed.

Riven sighed deeply beside me, already resigned to another day of chaotic antics. "Did we really need to bring Smaug along? You know he's only going to cause trouble."

"That's precisely why I brought him," I replied lightly, patting the dragon's head fondly. "Besides, he makes everything more interesting."

"I prefer my life dull and safe, thank you very much," Riven muttered gloomily, though amusement softened his complaint. Aria, practically vibrating with excitement, bounced cheerfully beside him, eyes gleaming.

"Boring is overrated!" she declared energetically. "Adventure is way better."

"You and Elyzara are cut from the same reckless cloth," Riven murmured, shaking his head. "How do I keep ending up in these situations?"

"Fate clearly hates you," I replied solemnly, earning a dramatic sigh from him and a cheerful laugh from Aria. Around us, our classmates began murmuring excitedly as the instructor stepped forward, capturing everyone's attention.

Professor Everly stood at the front, a playful gleam in her eyes as she addressed our class. Her voice was warm, melodic, and held just enough mischief to be intriguing. "Alright, class. You've done well today, but now we come to the final trial and it's a personal favorite of mine."

I tilted my head slightly, curiosity piqued. Everly's mischievous grin widened dramatically, her emerald eyes sparkling with secret amusement. "The final trial is…Hide and Seek!"

Silence settled heavily, interrupted only by faint whispers of confusion and incredulous disbelief.

Aria, never one to miss an opportunity, bounced excitedly, clapping her hands together eagerly. "Oh, that's amazing! I'm great at Hide and Seek!"

I exchanged a wary glance with Riven, who seemed as skeptical as I felt. Hide and Seek? It sounded suspiciously simple but nothing at this academy ever was.

Smaug snorted dismissively beside me. "Hiding is beneath my dignity. I demand a more majestic activity."

"Of course you do," I murmured dryly.

Professor Everly raised her hands gently, signaling for quiet. "Ah, but this isn't your ordinary Hide and Seek. To win, you must find me and I assure you, I am an expert at remaining hidden."

A quiet thrill stirred in my chest, anticipation quickening my pulse. This wasn't just a simple children's game. The professor's confident smile promised challenge and intrigue exactly my favorite kind of activity.

"You have until sunset," Everly continued brightly, eyes glittering with delight. "Anyone who fails to find me by then will have extra homework."

The class groaned collectively, except for Aria, who appeared thrilled by the challenge. I smirked slightly, already strategizing silently. How hard could it be to find one professor?

Famous last words, as usual.

The moment Everly signaled the start, chaos erupted. My classmates scattered immediately, dashing wildly in every direction, desperate to avoid extra assignments. Aria immediately seized Riven's arm, dragging him forward enthusiastically, her voice bright and relentless as she outlined an elaborate search strategy.

I chuckled softly, exchanging amused glances with Smaug. The dragon merely sighed dramatically, wings fluttering impatiently. "Fine. If we must debase ourselves, let's finish quickly."

Mara and Elira lingered discreetly at the edges of the clearing, their watchful gazes attentive, though they remained respectfully distant. Even now, after so long, their loyalty was a reassuring constant.

"Let's get moving," I said decisively, striding confidently toward the academy's central gardens. Smaug ambled beside me, the crowd automatically parting to accommodate his intimidating presence.

Our first stop was the hedge maze, an obvious hiding place. Tall, vibrant green hedges stretched high overhead, forming intricate patterns of pathways designed to confuse and mislead. I'd learned from experience how easily one could get hopelessly lost.

"You'd better not get stuck again," Smaug muttered dryly, referring to the embarrassing incident involving Riven last week.

I shot him an annoyed look. "That was one time."

"Once is plenty for humiliation," Smaug retorted, amused.

The maze offered nothing but frustration, though it provided ample opportunity for teasing Smaug as the dragon stubbornly refused to admit when he made a wrong turn. Despite his claims of superior intelligence, we found ourselves back at the entrance three separate times before finally emerging victorious—if empty-handed.

The clock ticked relentlessly onward, afternoon sunlight slipping steadily toward twilight, tension growing with each fruitless search. Aria and Riven soon joined us, Aria's enthusiasm slightly dimmed but not extinguished, while Riven looked exhausted and utterly resigned.

"I swear, this professor doesn't even exist," he muttered gloomily. "We've searched everywhere."

"Not everywhere," Aria insisted stubbornly, ever optimistic. "We haven't tried the library yet!"

Riven groaned audibly, despair evident. "We'll never find her. Might as well accept the homework now."

"Absolutely not," I declared firmly, resolve hardening. "If there's one thing a future tyrant won't tolerate, it's defeat by Hide and Seek."

"Words to live by," Smaug remarked dryly.

We stormed the library next a massive, imposing structure filled wall-to-wall with towering bookshelves, ancient tomes, and mysterious scrolls. I swept through the aisles, frustration mounting, magic simmering restlessly beneath my skin. Even here, the elusive Professor Everly remained stubbornly absent.

Finally, desperation spurred creativity. "Smaug," I called sweetly, summoning my best persuasive tone.

He eyed me warily. "Whatever you're thinking stop it."

"Come on," I coaxed gently. "Your sense of smell is impeccable, and dragons are renowned trackers. Surely locating one small professor is child's play?"

He snorted indignantly. "I am not some common bloodhound."

"I'll bribe you with steak for a month," I offered immediately, watching smugly as temptation warred visibly within him.

"Two months," he countered stubbornly.

"One month, and I'll throw in those pastries you adore."

Smaug glared sourly before finally sighing, resignation heavy. "Fine. But never speak of this again."

"Deal," I agreed cheerfully.

The dragon reluctantly sniffed the air delicately, disdain clear but determination firm. Moments later, his eyes sharpened suddenly, tail twitching eagerly. "I've got her."

"Finally!" Aria cheered excitedly. "Lead the way!"

Smaug surged confidently ahead, following whatever faint trace of Everly he'd caught, determination brightening his golden eyes. He led us swiftly through the sprawling grounds, past the gardens, beyond the practice fields, into the secluded arboretum a quiet sanctuary filled with exotic plants and towering trees.

Smaug paused abruptly, head tilting curiously toward a massive willow tree near the center. "She's there," he declared smugly.

We approached cautiously, anticipation humming quietly beneath my skin. Aria practically bounced, excitement palpable, while Riven remained cautiously skeptical, wary of another misdirection.

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I peered closely among the branches and finally spotted Professor Everly perched comfortably in the willow's highest branches, leisurely reading a thick tome.

She glanced up brightly, amusement clear. "Ah, well done! Most impressive."

Aria cheered enthusiastically, immediately chattering animatedly about our victory. Riven sighed deeply, relieved, while I allowed quiet pride to blossom warmly within me. Smaug preened openly beside me, clearly expecting praise.

Everly smiled warmly. "You've passed the trial splendidly. Resourcefulness, teamwork, and creativity you've shown all three admirably."