While Miles wasn't too looking forward to school like every other kid, it was still nice to be back from Europe. His time on Aeaea was unexpectedly hectic, mostly due to the shipwreck being discovered followed by another one. It would certainly put the small Greek island more on the map than as just another Animalian colony. Then he spent some time at the French colony or, as it was now officially known, Renardville. It had taken quite some time for them to settle on name. After pouring over possible literary and mythical references, the French colony had decided to follow the Spanish colony's (now known as Costa de Cabra) example and went with a simpler name.
But just as important as Renardville's new name are the expansions to it. For one thing, although Miss Juliet's school is not an extension of WSA like Samurai Prep, it soon will be. Though it may not happen yet during this semester as things were still being settled with the French education system. But things were starting to be built in preparation for that. Namely a modern school building designed like WSA to accommodate humans and Animalians of all ages and sizes, complete with its own gymnasium. The new school was being built near the village so the children there will be able to attend. Miss Juliet's own chateau would continue acting as a school, specifically for 'special needs' students who may or may not become Animalians.
Of course, the school expansions weren't the only things of interest during Miles's visit. He also was there in time for one of Miss Mallow's book signings. And it was certainly something Miles wouldn't be forgetting anytime soon.
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When Miles heard 'book signing', he assumed it was for one of Miss Mallow's romantic novels. He probably should have paid attention to the fact that the signing was being held in the casino and not Miss Juliet's library. Quite frankly, the cover of the book should have warning enough if he had looked. Traquer le cœur didn't sound like a racy title until you saw the picture of a male hound Animalian wearing no shirt and having a vixen and female rabbit Animalian draping over him, his body and the silk scarves they were wearing being the only things keeping their nipples from being seen.
Miles quickly figured out what he was getting into when he walked up to Miss Mallow's signing table and saw she was basically wearing lingerie. She was clearly not embarrassed with how much she was revealing, not when she was constantly storing and removing her pen from her cleavage. Miles tried to clear his mind of dirty thoughts as he approached the table. "Er, Miss Mallow?" he asked.
"Ah, Monsieur Miles, you 'ave come for a copy of my book?" asked Miss Mallow, putting on her sweetest French charm.
"Er, reading French isn't as easy as speaking it," said Miles.
"Don't worry, I 'ave English copies," said Miss Mallow.
"Well, this isn't just a romance novel, is it?" asked Miles.
"It is romantic, but is more, 'ow do you Americans say, grivoise," said Miss Mallow.
"Gravy?" asked Miles. Miss Mallow gave him an annoyed look. "Oh, saucy, I get it," said Miles, "So, the vixen in your book, she's not based off of you, is she?"
"Moi? Do I look like ze type 'oo would put zemselves in zeir own novel as one of ze most alluring characters?" asked Miss Mallow in half-mocking affront.
"Uh...maybe?" said Miles, "I don't know you well enough to be sure."
"Hmm, well, maybe I added just a little bit of myself, but ze vixen is a composite of ozer foxes I know of. Excepting Miss Juliet, at least ze one oo is 'eadmistress 'ere. I'm sure you've 'eard of 'er doppelganger."
"Kasumi Bindo, she still hasn't found another name yet?" asked Miles.
"I'm sure she will soon. Zese zings take time. She's a very charming young woman zough. Ze real Miss Juliet doesn't mind 'er being 'ere so long as it is clear ze are not one and ze same."
"So what is the vixen in your book like?" asked Miles.
"Read it for yourself. Just be sure you're alone when you're reading," said Miss Mallow, sliding an English copy labeled 'Hounding the Heart' over to him. She draped herself over the table as she did so, giving Miles a very good look down her front.
"Uh, sure, maybe later," said Miles rapidly before picking up the book and leaving. He mostly took the book to avoid making a scene and he certainly wanted to leave before Miss Mallow smelled his arousal.
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Miles was still working up the nerve to read that book. His parents caught him with it, it would to some very awkward questions. Never mind that they were Animalians too and still had sex despite becoming different species. Miles certainly hoped he wasn't expected to do a review on this book. But there was an upcoming thing that he might look forward to reviewing. With Labor Day weekend coming, there will also be the premier of Animalia's first original theatrical production: The Children of Dr. Moreau. Miles was quite curious to see what that play would entail.