Chapter 45.2- And so the Dragons Danced

“What if he hasn’t forgiven me?” I asked, looking up from the reports. I had barely been able to make out a word after Maki walked in and began to distract me.

“There’s no chance he hasn’t. You’re his precious grandson and heir. You should see the way he speaks about you to the other generals. He probably doesn’t even remember whatever went wrong with you guys”

“I said some pretty disrespectful things, and while I might not be the type to hold a grudge, my Grandfather definitely is” I said in response.

“Well, there’s only one way to find out”

“What do you mean?”

“He should be here any moment now” She said airily.

“Who?” She just smirked.

“Maki? Who should be here any moment now?” I asked, having a bad feeling build in my gut.

There was a knock at the door.

“I wonder who it could be” She said dramatically as she began approaching the door.

“Maki, don’t you dare-“ I hadn’t even finished the sentence when she swung the door open.

“Please do come in, Lord Wu. Natsu just told me he’s cleared his schedule for the rest of today so you both have the time to converse” She said, stepping around him and leaving the office while he shut the door behind himself. I couldn’t get over how old he looked already.

“Please take a seat, Grandfather” I said, remembering my manners and standing from my seat to welcome him.

He marched with an efficiency and solidness that belied his age and appearance before planting himself on the seat like it was a throne. It was one of the things I most admired about him- he had a regality to his movements that few could manage to even simulate a fraction of.

“You have done well, my Grandson.” He said, and I could hear the pride in his voice.

“Thank you, Grandfather” I said, unable to keep the crack out of my own.

“I knew you would rise in the military. I knew you would become a General at some point, but your progress is outstanding. Killer of Bumi, King of Omashu, Seizer of Ba Sing Se, slayer of the Dragon of the West. Songs will be made about you. Even if you were to retire to our lands today, you have achieved enough that the world will not forget us for centuries. And then that does not even consider your new promotion. Several Princes have been promoted to the rank of General at even younger ages, but you are the first person to ever hold the rank of High General with less than ten years experience in the military” There was so much pride there, as he listed each of my accomplishments.

There was something about the way he spoke now. Everything I’d done, I’d done at an almost breakneck pace. I never had the time to stop and smell the roses, or even to think about the effects of each accomplishment. Phrased like this, it was clear that I’d accomplished one of my most important goals- to carve my name in the history of this world- a long time ago.

“Thank you, Grandfather” I said again, while wondering where this was going.