Supreme Magus novel Chapter 2723

2723 The Long Game (Part 1)

"My help with what exactly?" The Council Elder tilted her head to the side, trying to make sense of the charade played in front of her face.

'In her shoes I would never call me. I'd ask Fabel Byrwal maybe even Raagu before coming to me.' Jiza thought.

'I'm certain you are aware that a bounty has been put on Lady Verhen's head" Jirni said, receiving a nod to continue. "I have reason to believe that the instigator comes from the Awakened community but I have no reach there and my daughters have no talent for politics.

"With your assistance, however, I can find and eliminate the threat. By helping me you would also be helping yourself since you'd gain the gratitude of both the Brood and the Nest. A fair trade, if you ask me."

"Oh, I see" Jiza blinked a few times in understanding "You called me here because you suspect me being the instigator. You wanted to study my reaction upon hearing that the Phoenix and Dragon bloodlines are on my alleged tail.

"Smart. Brilliant. You planned to put the literal heat on me and watch me boil."

"How can you say that?" Jirni said in outrage but inwardly cursing the Elder for seeing through her plan. "We are family. Despite our differences, we both carry Oghrom's blood and cared about Phloria."

"Oh please, spare me the emotional manipulation. Just like you, I have no feelings unless I decide otherwise." Jiza scoffed, dropping the act and revealing her annoyance.

"Look, we can dance and play with words all day or we can be straightforward and get this over with this in a few minutes. Your choice."

I hoped Jiza would be as conceited as the rest of the Council but I was wrong.'Jirni thought. "This woman isn't at my level, but she received my same training and mental conditioning. _{freewebnoveℓ.com}

'Also, she's played this game for over half a millennium more than me. Going on like this would just be a waste of time.'

"Fine." She actually said but kept her countenance. "You were there the day the Guardians swore their oath, correct?"

"Correct." Jiza nodded.

"Also, you have a niece, Cylla. She has met Lith in the past, she's of the right age, and you invested quite some resources to make her achieve the violet core just a while ago. Do you deny any of it?" Jirni asked.

"Only the part about me wasting resources! The Elder shrugged. "After getting humiliated like a child by someone younger than her and with no background, Cylla got her act together and adhered to a strict training schedule our Household prepared for her.

"She did all the hard work, I just passed on to her the secret of the violet core. My plan for her succeeded, like always. I rarely fail."

"Am I really supposed to believe this is just a coincidence, then?" Jirni's face was a stone mask. "Are you telling me that you don't want revenge for what happened to Phloria? A daughter for a daughter?"

"That's it!" Jiza snapped her fingers in triumph. "You thought it was me because you assumed this was Deirus all over again. That I'm some kind of crazy lunatic who would put her entire household at risk for a petty grudge."

"I'd be lying if I said the thought hadn't crossed my mind." Jirni stared at the Elder's face but she saw no deception nor guilt.