Supreme Magus

”After hearing your report and evaluating all the elements you have provided us, this committee unanimously praise you for your endeavor. Words are cheap, though, so I would like to reward you properly. Are you sure you donʼt want a higher rank or a noble title?”

”Thanks, your Majesty, but Iʼm no leader. A higher rank would only hinder me, while a noble title would chain me. I would be forced to spend whatʼs left of my life caring for the people living in my lands. They deserve better than a reluctant lord.”

Meron sighed, but he had anticipated Lithʼs reply.

”Iʼm deeply worried about your health. I wonʼt ask you to stop searching for a cure. Magic is all about research and hard work. If someone can find a solution to such a cruel fate, thatʼs you.

”I believe that with your talent, you can perform another miracle. I watched you grow and I hope to have the privilege of seeing you grow old. That said, would you be interested in marriage? I could introduce you to many noble dames.

”It would be a pity if your bloodline were to die with you. Also, I think that having someone to return to would give you even more strength.”

”Thanks again, your Majesty, but no. I know myself. If I raise a family of my own, I will not be able to leave them. Thatʼs why I made sure to teach my sister Tista everything I know. Even if I were to die tomorrow, my legacy will live through her.

”Please, take care of her in my absence.” Lith said with a rueful voice while making his eyes watery with magic.

He had no intention of having children and was well aware that being an Awakened, even a crippled life force was enough to last more than one hundred years. There was no reason for the King to know it, of course.

For the first time in centuries, Tyris had a hard time suppressing a chuckle.

ʼBy Mogar, Lith sure has his way with words. Everything heʼs said since he stepped inside the room is neither entirely true or false. He is playing Meron like a fiddle. Aside from being a cynical, manipulative, stingy, compulsive liar of a hybrid, he reminds me of Valeron.ʼ She thought.

”You have my word.” Meron said with watery eyes while considering that Tista was unmarried too. If he could secure her trust, whatever Lith left behind it would be hers. There was no harm in nurturing someone so beautiful and talented.

”Until I draw breath, Iʼll protect your family like itʼs my own.”

Lithʼs face seemed to be moved, but Tyris could see his other scaly face grinning from ear to ear like a predator in front of a dumb animal. It took her sheer willpower to not laugh at the scene.

A ceremonial sword made of silver appeared in the Kingʼs right hand.

”I wanted to avoid this, since it will surely kick a hornet nest, but you leave me no choice. No amount of money is worth your sacrifices for the Kingdom. Please, kneel.”

Lith had no idea what was happening but he obeyed nonetheless.

ʼSolus?ʼ He asked.

ʼNo clue.ʼ She replied after checking all the books inside Soluspedia.

”Lith Verhen, I bestow upon you the title of Great Mage of the Griffon Kingdom.” The King said while patting with the flat side of the sword Lithʼs left shoulder, then the right one, and lastly the top of his head.

ʼOh, fuck me sideways! I forgot about the Mage ranking system.ʼ Lith thought. ʼWhatʼs the average age for a Great Mage?ʼ

ʼFor a new magical bloodline with no noble title, around fifty.ʼ Solus replied.

ʼI knew it! No good deed goes unpunished. Now I have another target painted behind my back.ʼ

ʼItʼs not that bad.ʼ Solus tried to cheer him up. ʼThe King just promised his protection and now youʼll have access to more tomes. The glass is half full, okay?ʼ

Lithʼs inner expression finally matched the one he was showing on the outside. The General and the King left the room after congratulating him, leaving only Tyris behind.

”Itʼs been a pleasure finally meeting you.” She took his hands as a cold shiver ran down his spine. ”I hope to see you again in happier circumstances.”

After she walked out the door, Lith felt so drained he had to sit down again.

ʼSee? Half full. Seems you are on a roll with the ladies.ʼ Solus giggled.

ʼOn a roll my pale ass. Why do you think I avoided Brinja like a disease? The entrance fee for that kind of fair is marriage. A fling with a Royal would be like putting a slave collar around my neck. Speaking of flings…ʼ

Lith took his communication amulet out of his pocket and called Kamila.

”Sorry, but Iʼm really busy. Is it important?” For the first time she had activated the hologram projector. He could see her nervously turning around while watching out for her supervisor.

”Yes. I want you to hear it from me before it comes out on the interlink.” The pain in his voice was tangible. Kamila stopped abruptly and focused on him.

”Oh, gods! Donʼt tell me you got demoted? Or relocated? I was afraid some envious noble might try to get back at you. Now that Belius is safe, the trade routes will change and someone will lose a lot of money. Did they send you to a suicide mission?” She bit her nails out of stress.

”Not even Iʼm that paranoid! Donʼt kill me off like that. Itʼs complicated. Bottom line, Iʼm screwed. The King made me a Great Mage.”

”What!” She jumped off her chair, drawing the attention of all her colleagues.

”Yeah, I know. It means a lot of trouble. General Morn Griffon is already out for my blood. Between him and the ancient noble households Iʼm walking on eggshells here. I think itʼs better if…”

”Itʼs wonderful news! What did your parents say?” She cut him short.

”Nothing because they still donʼt know. Iʼm going straight home now. I need to warn them of…”

”Wait, are you saying Iʼm the only one who knows about it?”

”You, me, the King, General Morn, and some Royal Constable. Why?” Lithʼs headache was getting worse.

”Itʼs wonderful news!” She repeated with a radiant smile. ”Call me when you arrive home. See you.” The hologram disappeared as the call ended.

ʼI swear, this is just like with Phloria. Even if you keep talking women stop listening and start giggling. Itʼs not like I…ʼ

Lith stopped drowning in self-pity and replayed the conversation in his head, walking a mile in Kamilaʼs shoes.

ʼIʼm an idiot.ʼ Was the final judgment.

ʼWorse. You are self-centered.ʼ Solus scolded him. ʼYou are always focused against your enemies yet you overlook the feelings of those close to you. Youʼre lucky you two only had one date, otherwise that poor girl would probably think you are in love with her.

ʼKeep acting like this and one day, someone is going to get hurt.ʼ

Lith could only agree with her. When he reached the Warp Gate for the capitol of the Distar Marquisate, Derios, he was still cursing at himself.

Meanwhile, in the Control Room where analysts and handlers worked, the supervisor had an important announcement to make.

”In case someone missed it, Lieutenant Kamila Yehval is dating a Great Mage. Today the first round is on her.”

A booming applause was followed by congratulations as all of her colleagues wished Kamila all the best, yet all she wanted was to disappear.