As joy overwhelmed Solus, she couldn't help but wonder what would've happened if she had made her move before Kamila did .
Solus was hurt and so was Lith . Maybe it could have been the right time to reveal him her human form . Maybe, by sharing their weaknesses they could have grown closer and stronger .
Unfortunately, happiness was but a temporary respite before her wounds ached again . Their bond made them experience each other's suffering . The combined emotional pain was unbearable to her .
'I need some time to understand how much of what I'm feeling is because of him and how much it's because of me . ' She thought as Lith brought her back to the mana geyser near Lutia .
In her tower form, Solus could remain separated from Lith for a prolonged time without any of her abilities being diminished . As soon as he left, Solus asked Tista to join her .
In the past, Scarlett had told them that Lith was corrupting Solus . Back then, she had given no importance to those words . After what had happened with the wargs, she needed time, distance, and a friend to make sure that they didn't hold any truth .
***
House Ernas, Ernas Grand Duchy .
Jirni's birthday was nearing and the entire household was busy with the preparations . Usually she would keep things simple, making it a social event of small importance . Her job as a Royal Constable coupled with her personality didn't make her very amiable .
The events in Othre, however, had forced her hand . The Crown had decided to award Jirni for her services during the celebration, using her as an example for the other ancient noble households .
This made her guest list much longer than usual and not limited only to her closest friends and family members . It was the reason why she had recalled home all of her children and invited most of Lith's family .
Aside from her eldest son, Gunyin, who would inherit the title of Duke in case anything happened to his parents, everyone else hadn't attended to a real social event in years .
After finishing the academy, Quylla had been working in the light department of the White Griffon . After a couple of failed attempts as an adventurer, she was usually too busy with her research to take part in any non mandatory celebration .
Becoming a Professor without solid achievements was impossible . After realizing she wasn't a fighter material, Quylla was resigned to obtain that role by contributing to expand the magical knowledge of the Kingdom .
That kind of discoveries required time and effort . Quylla was also determined to having a family of her own, so between her research and her social life she didn't have much free time left .
Jirni missed her, but at the same time was really happy that Quylla had overcome her trauma and managed to live independently . Also, she seemed to have the most successful romantic life among her sisters .
"Are you finally going to introduce to me this boyfriend of yours?" Jirni asked while the butler served tea and pastries as the entire family was taking a break in the living room .
She already knew everything about him . She had performed a full background check the moment Quylla had mentioned him twice .
When she started to speak with Jirni about her boyfriends, it meant things were getting serious and so would Jirni . She feigned ignorance only to not make Quylla feel pressured or scare him away .
Most young men would quake in their boots just by hearing Jirni's name . Everyone had something to hide and even if they didn't, their families would .
"I hope so, mom . " Quylla sighed . Time and her adoptive parents loving care had turned the skinny and child looking small girl into a pretty young woman . She was now 1 . 65 meters (5'5") tall with long brown hair with shades of silver which proved her affinity for light magic .
"I really like Anathor, but I'm starting to fear he doesn't feel the same . Either that or he has something to hide, which would be even worse . He's making too much of a fuss about meeting you and dad . It's suspicious . "
'My thoughts exactly . ' Jirni inwardly nodded .
"Don't worry, dear . Maybe he is just shy or he doesn't feel yet ready to marry . " She actually said, not wanting to sound paranoid . Yet she was proud of her daughter not letting her feelings preventing her from using her brain .
"For a noble, meeting the parents is a big step forward . "
"Yeah, or maybe he's just another jerk . " Quylla grunted . Being a member of a very powerful family and a powerful mage, she had learned most of her lessons the hard way . Men would usually approach her and her sisters with a hidden agenda .
"Well, at least you have someone . " Friya snarled while sipping her tea .
"I'm single for months and my last boyfriend lasted less than the effects of a potion . "
After Nalear's attack, she had become wary of both men and women . Friya was a gorgeous girl, 1 . 67 meters (5'6") tall, with long black hair with shades of red held up in a ponytail .
Her soft curves and ample bosom usually brought her the wrong kind of attention . After leaving the White Griffon, she had founded her own mercenary group which had a remarkable turnover of its members .
Most of them would leave after making and failing a pass at their indomitable leader . Friya didn't join the army to not have to compete with Phloria again and she had learned from her time as Assistant Professor that she didn't enjoy teaching .
The missions regarding monsters were so difficult and most requests from the nobles so disgusting that she was seriously reconsidering her career .
'If I have to risk my life again for pocket change, I may as well join the army or the Association . ' She inwardly grumbled . After paying for the equipment and covering the travel expenses, even killing a tribe of monsters didn't pay much .
"That's because you have high standards and you travel too much . " Phloria shrugged .
"Unless you start dating the members of your unit, only gold diggers will be willing to put up with your crazy schedule . "
"Said the one who didn't have a single date for over a year after dumping her boyfriend . " Friya's retort made Phloria spill most of her tea on the table . It was an unwritten family rule that only their parents were allowed to mention Lith in front of her .
"Boot camp is no vacation . After that, I was just too busy . " Phloria quickly regained her cool .
"Please, even I don't need over six months to get a date . I think you made a mistake breaking up like that . You could have just taken a pause . " Friya was still angry at her sister .
Lith was Friya's best friend and the only man beside Orion she was able to fully trust . She blamed Phloria for cutting him off their lives .
"Agreed . " Quylla, Jirni, Orion, and even Lucky said in unison .
The big dog had evolved into a magical beast, becoming able to talk and reason . It had also earned him a spot at the family table and a strict diet .
"It's not because of lack of trying on my part . " Phloria said while blushing violently, noticing that most of the house staff was nodding at the family's statement .
"In fact, I do have a date for the gala . " She said leaving even the butler with his mouth wide open .
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