Supreme Magus novel Chapter 185

Going back to the Ernas mansion was a matter of minutes. As soon as they were away from Elina’s ears, Orion briefly explained to Lith how the act of murdering someone had affected his two companions.

Lith just listened, pondering about what he could do about their mental state. The situation appeared to be hopeless.

When they walked out through the last Warp Steps, Jirni Ernas was waiting for them. The surprise froze Orion long enough to allow her to take the initiative.

"Dear Lith, I heard a lot about you. I’m Duchess Jirni Ernas. It’s a pleasure making your acquaintance. I think our meeting is long overdue." She gave him a curtsy before offering him her right hand.

By introducing herself first, the lady of the house had done him a great honour. It was a really uncommon situation, to which there was only one possible answer.

"The pleasure is all mine. I’m at your service, my Lady." Lith half kneeled while kissing the back of her hand.

Their eyes met, studying each other’s expressions and reactions.

- "This woman is being too polite toward a commoner. She clearly has a hidden agenda. If she hopes to catch me off guard with her petite build and kind visage, she’s sorely mistaken. Whatever she sells, I don’t buy it."– Lith’s thoughts were spot on.

- "So young and so knowledgeable of rituals and etiquette." Jirni thought. "This is the perfect occasion to see if the reports about him are correct. I should be able to test his worth and if he is a potential suitor for one of the girls."–

"Jirni, dear, what are you doing here?" Orion said with a stiff smile, making them both furrow their brows in disapproval for his poor acting skills. It only lasted for a split second, but they noticed each other’s reaction.

Lith and Jirni became immediately aware of the ongoing mutual deception and changed their plans accordingly.

"My dear husband, I understand how sensitive this matter is for you and the children. I just wanted to introduce myself to our esteemed guest. He must know how grateful we are for his help in times of need."

Her voice was worried, but her eyes were hard as steel.

- "Which translates into: I don’t trust putting my family in the hands of a stranger without letting him know he cannot afford to screw up."–

Lith’s interpretation was once again correct.

"I’m grateful for your trust, my Lady. A true friend can’t remain idle when you ask for his help. I’ll do the best that I can, it’s all that I can promise you." Lith’s voice was kind while his eyes were cold.

Like Jirni, he kept up the polite façade but didn’t try to fool her anymore. Due to their similar nature, they had established a silent understanding and respect between them.

- "So you came here only at my husband’s insistence and you don’t think there’s much that can be done. So far so good, young man."–

Their conversation between the lines was driving Orion insane, but he didn’t know how to make them stop without being terribly rude. Luckily, Phloria came to his rescue.

"Hi, Lith." Her cheeks reddened seeing him. Phloria was still self-conscious about their last call. She was wearing a sleeveless emerald evening dress, that highlighted her fair skin and back hair.

Lith gave her a cold but polite bow to which she awkwardly responded with a curtsy.

Jirni didn’t miss a single detail.

"Sorry to bother you, mom, but the staff is having problems setting the dining hall, they need your supervision."

Her words forced Jirni to take leave of them and follow her daughter.

"That’s the boy who made you change your undergarments?" She asked with a whisper as soon as the door was closed behind them.

"No!" Phloria blatantly lied turning beet red up to her ears.

"Really? Then why are you finally wearing a gown instead of your beloved pants?"

"Maybe because you pestered me all day about putting a dress on at least for dinner?" Jirni clicked her tongue, Phloria was right.

"Too bad he doesn’t seem interested." Jirni continued, not willing to let her have the last word.

"I always told you, to capture the heart of a man, the best undergarment is no undergarment at all."

***

"Usually by this time Yurial is already sleeping." Orion guided Lith through richly decorated corridors until they reached the guests’ quarters.

"Wait here, I’ll let you in as soon as he is fully awake." Orion knocked on the door before entering, leaving Lith alone with his worries.

- "The only thing I know for sure is that Yurial’s father and Orion must be really desperate. My schoolmates already performed a background check on me, hence the parents should know my past as well. Seeing how I turned out, what kind of help do they think I can provide?"

"Consider this an opportunity to help them and yourself at the same time. You never had anyone to share your burden with. First you had to protect Carl, then to feed yourself and save Tista." Solus said.

"Your quest for power lead you to a lonely path. You couldn’t allow anyone to know what you were going through, always shouldering everything yourself. Think of them as of the young Derek. Tell them what you would say to your younger self if you had the opportunity."–

Solus’ words reminded Lith what his therapist back on Earth had told him multiple times. That for his wounds to heal he needed to be open and honest about his feelings.