While Kamila cooked, Lith took a shower and assessed his mental condition . He had never spent so much time away from Solus, so he had never had the opportunity to understand how much their bond influenced his way of living .
Without her, Mogar was an awfully silent place . He felt no pleasure while the hot water ran over his body, washing away both his physical and mental fatigue . Everything felt like a waste of time to him, so Lith mulled over the progress he had made in his research to bind his soul to Mogar .
'Becoming a cursed object is a no go . The Black Star proved that even years of planning can be screwed up by a small mistake . Turning into an undead is feasible, but aside from attaining lichhood the other species have too many limitations .
'After comparing notes with Kalla, even if I use her research as a base, it would still require a lot of work . There is no precise method, each person has to find the proper way for their soul and life force to be split and stored .
'The process is unique just like the individual attempting it . There is no cookie cut version or shortcut . Fuck Dungeons & Looting, here sacrificing innocents makes you a sociopath, not a Lich .
'So far, my best shot is Arthan's Madness . If Thrud made it, so can I . There are too many people on Mogar that don't deserve to live . Thanks to Invigoration and Body Sculpting, I can turn anyone into a proper vessel . At least in theory .
'I'll keep that as a backup plan if I can't find something more definite . Repeating the process is a hassle, not to mention Solus might not be enthusiastic at the idea . '
Only the thought of his loved ones prevented him from considering human lives in terms of statistics or in terms of a cost-benefit analysis .
'The bad news is that I'm still a monster and that without Solus my family is the only thing that prevents me from acting as a living Lich . The good news is that now I'm able to care for someone even if they have no use to me .
'Back when I attended the academy, I wouldn't have given a damn about someone like Kamila . Yurial and the others were just a means to an end . Even though I'm alone, I regret treating Yurial like I did and letting Phloria go without fighting for her .
'Now, instead, my feelings for Kamila are strong enough that as long as we are close, I can fight the void in my soul . I don't want to screw things up with her as I did with Phloria .
'I never thought the day would come where I would say it, but I'm happy Solus and I are separated . I've become so dependent on her that my self control and emotions are almost impaired . '
Lith joined Kamila in the kitchen . The wonderful smell spreading from the oven made his stomach grumble again . He used spirit magic to set the table while thinking about how to bring up the latest news .
'Every time I said "we need to talk" Phloria thought I was going to break up with her, just like Kamila finds "I need to tell you something" ominous . I'm out of opening lines, and without Solus, I only have the direct approach left . ' He thought .
Kamila had prepared the Mogar equivalent of lasagna and practice had made it delicious .
"It was supposed to be enough for a second meal!" Kamila said as Lith cleaned the oven dish with some bread after taking his third serving .
"I was hungry . "
"All that work in the kitchen and you ate everything in just a few minutes . You could have at least chatted a bit, maybe have even complimented the cook instead of eating like a famished troll . " She grumbled .
"It was really good, Kami . You make a great cook . I'll do the dishes to make up for my gluttony . " Lith said hoping she wouldn't remember that with darkness magic it would take him less than a minute to perform his 'herculean labor' .
Kamila was delighted at his offer . There was a lot of stuff to clean and she could use some help . The compliment sweetened the deal and made her heart flutter .
"I've been invited to Lady Ernas's birthday and I was wondering if you wanted to come as my date . " Lith dropped the news like a live grenade, making Kamila's fork fall onto her plate .
"Isn't that a really big event?" She said swallowing a big lump of saliva .
"Yes . Jirni's birthday is also the day of her wedding anniversary . This year she and her husband celebrate their 25th . She and I are going to be awarded for the mission in Othre, so there will be a lot of stuck up nobles, part of the royal family, and mages . "
"I'm not a big fan of galas . " Kamila's stomach was churning .
"I have never attended one, I have nothing to wear for it, and my etiquette is rusty at best . Also, if I come with you, all eyes will be on me . It would be incredibly awkward . Thanks for the invite, but maybe it's better if you take Tista . "
"Actually, my whole family has been invited already, so Tista will come with her own date . I've been friends with the Ernas ever since I dated their daughter, Phloria . I can understand if you would prefer to…"
The lasagna in Kamila's stomach rose like a Romeo longing to be reunited with the Juliet waiting for him on the plate .
"I've changed my mind . I'll gladly accompany you . " Kamila cut him short . The opportunity to meet her mentor was already a strong motivator, but Lith's family's presence and the potential threat of an ex gave her all the courage she needed .
"When is the gala?"
"A couple of weeks from now . I received the invite right before the mission in Maekosh . I didn't bring it up earlier because you already had a lot on your plate . " He explained before she could ask, just to play it safe .
"Oh gods, I have a lot to do . I need a dress, a few etiquette lessons, and time to practice . " Kamila stabbed at the remaining lasagna like it had betrayed her .
"I can provide you everything you need . You're my guest, so it's my treat . Unless I get called for an emergency, I can be by your side the whole time . " He took her hand and kissed it, making Kamila blush .
"Really? Would you do that for me?" Even the simplest gala dress was bound to be expensive . She was aware of what it meant for someone as stingy as Lith .
"Of course . I will even craft some jewels for you . " She took his offer as affection, but it was actually a way to save some money . Thanks to Rena's father-in law, Zekell the blacksmith, Lith could obtain the materials at a discounted price .
Lith had long since learned to use magic in the forge to shape precious metals without the need of a goldsmith . Even in the past every piece of jewelry he had gifted someone had been made at cost .
"Thank you so much . " Kamila was almost moved to tears .
"If there's anything I can do to repay you, you just have to ask . " She rubbed his hand against her cheek before kissing it .
"Actually, there is . Speaking of plates, are you going to eat that?" Lith pointed at the remaining lasagna .
"Yes, of course I will . " She took a big bite to emphasize her point . Lith had ruined the moment for her, the least Kamila could do was return the favor .
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