"That would be considered bribery." The guard's voice took an icy tone. "I sincerely hope you weren't implying that-"

"Sheesh, I'm just checking." Herta huffed. "Mortals usually just do whatever if you give them enough gold. Master and I, being Savants, should have this available by default since we're super rich. So yeah, get out of our ways. We even got the paperwork to prove Master and I are Savants." Herta elaborated. At the mention of a Savant, both guards simply looked at each other, hints of worry only barely slipping though their stoic expressions.

"C'mon, we already went through this!" Bertha said to the guards, her patience beginning to dry up. "At least let Master through!"

"Please calm down, ma'am." Said one of them.

"I am calm!" Bertha exclaimed. "It's you guys that are being a bunch of stupid heads!"

Things seemed to be quickly deteriorating, though you thankfully were able to reign in your wives before they did something reckless like starting a fight. As much as you sympathized with Bertha here, you didn't want to chance the ire of the Academy. It'd do you well if you had a diplomat like Ayane, a smooth-talker like Ruby, or even the knight/guard savvy Gerty. At the same time you also considered sneaking in the place by yourself, as your perception gave revealed cracks in the defenses of this place. But unfortunately you couldn't bring your very pregnant wives along for this, unless you risked them getting harmed.

Both Bertha's and Herta's stubbornness tempted you to second the former's thoughts and begin punching your way into this. You doubted these could fend off a Savant, much less the strongest Warrior you knew and a literal goddess helping his side.

An unlikely face come to the rescue as Marigold arrived at the scene.

"What is the commotion this time?" She asked, annoyance clear in her voice. You're left to assume that she must be dealing with many of these sorts of things recently.

"Ma'am!" The two knights said in unison. Yet the one that was talking with you elaborated. "These people are attempting to enter the Academy grounds without permission."

"We have permission." You said, finding some slight amusement as you repeated yourself. "I believe you might recall us, Mrs. Marigold. Todred was with us at the time."

"Indeed I do, Savant." She said with some coldness. You almost forgot she didn't like Savants for some reason. This elf professor and witch gave a sigh. "I can confirm that the Savant has clearance. Let them carry on."

Though not the elf you were looking for, Marigold proved to be helpful. If begrudgingly.

After some further explanations, as the irked Marigold went about her way, you and your wives were able to go about freely in the Academy. But before that.

"Hey, Marigold." You said as the elf woman began to leave. "You know when Todred might be available?"