Chapter 530: 530 \"During my fourth year at the White Griffon, I only approached him because I needed a friend . I was tired of everyone around me, even my family, trying to turn me into the person they believed I was meant to be . \" Phloria cast a Hush spell, to make sure no one would eavesdrop .
\"Over time, I came to like Lith more and more not because he was powerful or talented, but because he was the only one that saw me for who I was and accepted me anyway . He never cared if I always had a sword with me or if I wore pants instead of a dress .
\"It was liberating after being weighed, measured, and found wanting all my life, no matter how much effort I put in . \"
Aside from Quylla, they could all relate to her words . Belonging to a noble family meant a life of duty, and competing with everyone from birth, no matter if they were peers or family members .
That was the reason why during the academy both Friya and Phloria were considering running away from their respective families . Why Gunyin's whole existence was devoted to ensuring their bloodline would thrive and continue .
Tulion had chosen to become the Ernas's black sheep to escape from such a destiny .
\"Our relationship wasn't all sunshine and rainbows . There were too many silences, too many secrets between us . I waited for him to open up and tell me, but he never did . Breaking up with him was painful, but it was the right thing to do . We both needed space to grow and we did . \"
\"Do you think Lith has opened up to Kamila?\" Quylla asked .
\"No . \" Phloria shook her head .
\"How can you be so sure?\"
\"Because I asked him . After all the things mom told us about them, I hoped that Lith had finally found someone capable of cracking his shell, or at least someone he is able to show his weaknesses to .
\"I can only pray that Kamila is stronger than I was, otherwise she's destined to follow the same path as I did . \" Phloria sighed .
\"Let me get this straight . \" Tulion looked her in the eyes .
\"After scoping out the competition, you went straight to him to see how solid their relationship is . I don't know what you two talked about, but it's pretty clear that Lith must have shared something with you that he didn't with Kamila .
\"So now you're waiting for them to break up to catch him on the rebound and make him open up when he's at his weakest . Your plan is vicious, cruel, and cunning . Mom will be proud of you . \"
\"Agreed . \" Gunyin nodded, making Phloria facepalm .
'I simply meant that, even though Lith has changed for the better during the past four years, it's still not enough . At least for me . Without trust and friendship, love is too fragile a feeling to last .
The more you love someone, the more painful it is when you realize they have always kept you at the fringes of their heart . ' She thought .
***
After several dances, the King had the musicians stop . Everyone on the first floor came down to the Ballroom, leaving a circular space around the Royals .
\"My dear subjects, I'm glad to see that even the most reclusive among us have accepted my invitation and took part in the gala . I hope you've been enjoying the evening . \"
Lith didn't miss how the King had looked directly at the undead during the first part of his speech .
\"Tonight, we haven't assembled only to enjoy each other's company, but also to honor and pay our respects to those who have loyally served the Kingdom, even at great personal cost .
Lady Jirni Ernas, step forward . \"
Jirni did as instructed, kneeling in front of the Royals with her head down .
\"House Ernas has always been one of the pillars of our Kingdom, but your meritorious acts as a Royal Constable have exceeded what any of your forefathers have ever done . For that, you are promoted to the rank of Archon . \"
The crowd was left astounded . Archons were the supreme magistrates in charge of supervising the work of Royal Constables . It was a role usually reserved for members of the Royal family because the authority it granted was second only to the Crown itself .
\"Stand up, Archon Ernas, and take the insignia of your new role . \" Jirni obeyed, her face was a mask of joy and respect . Yet Lith could see she wasn't happy . Being an Archon meant more work, more danger, more enemies .
'I was expecting to be promoted to Head Constable, not this . ' Jirni thought . 'There must be internal strife within the Royal family, and the King needs someone he can trust . '
\"Great Mage Verhen, step forward . \" The King said as soon as Jirni left the center stage .
\"House Verhen is young and you are its very foundation . For freeing the Kingdom of the eternal threat of the Black Star, for protecting the city of Othre, and for your contributions in vanquishing the monster outbreaks, I bestow upon you the title of Spellbreaker .
\"You are hereby recognized as one of the Kingdom's most trusted elite in dealing with rogue mages and as such your help will be required in times of need . The title grants you the title of Baron and the annuities it deserves even though it comes with no fief . \"
'Money for my research and no new responsibilities . ' Lith inwardly sighed in relief . After what had just happened to Jirni, he was afraid that his reward was going to be bittersweet too .
***
After the gala, Kamila exchanged communication runes with Quylla and Friya . They were truly sorry for what had happened with Kallion and were willing to make it up to her .
'They seem to be sincere, but even if they are not, they are still part of Lady Ernas's family and most importantly a part of Lith's life . He's very fond of them, so they deserve a chance . Besides, it would be nice to hear something about their days at the academy .
'Lith has never talked about his past except after I explained to him why I'm estranged from my family . I guess he's the kind of man who opens up only if I do it first . Or maybe I should just ask him instead on walking on eggshells .
'Gods, now that he's a Baron, my colleagues will never let me hear the end of it!' Kamila thought .
Jirni and Lith congratulated each other, and so did their respective families .
To Kamila Jirni said: \"Be ready to assume your role as field assistant Constable . Now that I'm an Archon and Lith is a Spellbreaker, I'm sure that your application will coincidentally take priority . \"
Her voice oozed sarcasm .
\"I hope I don't have to wait four more years to see you again . \" Phloria said with a sad smile .
\"I'm only half responsible for that . You have my contact rune and I doubt it would be hard for a Captain to locate a Lieutenant . \" Lith stressed his point by giving her a salute .
\"Even if you choose to avoid Spellbreaker Smartass here, feel free to visit us anytime . We missed you a lot and so did the kids . \" Rena hugged Phloria, making her feel guilty for her prolonged absence .
\"I'll visit you when I get my next leave . Unless it's a sick leave, I should have enough time . \"
\"Don't worry, dear . \" Jirni chuckled . \"I've asked Lith to become our family Healer and he accepted . The next time you get injured in action, I'll make sure you receive proper care .
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