?3124 Manipulation Attempt (Part 2)
"Nice speech." Jirni was mildly amused whereas Orion was moved. "Did you call me mother time and time again to manipulate me? I mean, you are an orphan and I'm pregnant.
"You know that only a monster would be unfazed by such a declaration of filial love."
"Yes." Nalrond nodded, making Orion spit out his tea. "Did it work?"
"No, but I like you even more now." Jirni chuckled. "I knew you were a smart cookie."
"Thanks." The Agni nodded. "Before we start, there's something you should know. Holograms are something that anyone can do, even with a weak mana core. Constructs, instead, require great strength. Or at least so I thought."
Nalrond looked straight at Jirni while telling her about how he had seen Aran and Leria shape hard-light constructs with their bright yellow cores, keeping Dawn out of the story.
"I don't know how they did it, only that it's possible. Keep it in mind during our lessons and if any of you comes up with a plausible answer, please share it."
"It takes a good man to set his pride aside and admit to having been bested by children." Orion patted Nalrond's shoulder. "I too like you even more now, son."
"What about me?" Morok asked, feeling left out of the conversation and a bit offended.
"Excellent question. I've been asking that myself for months now." Jirni replied. "If any of you comes up with a plausible answer, please share it."
***
Distar Marquisate, White Griffon Academy, a few minutes later.
Headmaster Duke Marth was surprised to hear that Quylla Ernas required access to the Warp Gate in his office, but he was always glad to meet an alumnus.
"Quylla, it's so good to see you. Congratulations on your pregnancy again." He held her hand with both his own. "Have you thought about our offer to resume your position as Assistant Professor?
"Now that you are the Royal Healer and a Light Master, you are this close to being a second Manohar." He said.
"Thanks, Headmaster, but what about Manohar the Second?" She chuckled, referring to Marth's son. "Won't he be jealous if I steal his name?"
"Dhiral, please. His name is Dhiral." The Headmaster sighed.
"Thanks for the offer, Headmaster, but I'm not here on an official visit. "She gave him a polite bow. "I came for personal matters. I need to speak with Professor Vastor."
Quylla couldn't talk about the matter with Lith, Friya was likely to be equally confused, and Morok was bound to say something insensitive that would piss Quylla off even more. Her best shot at clarity was talking with her old mentor.
Vastor had helped Quylla since she was a fourth year student. He had given her a tonic to fix her stunted growth, taught her everything she knew about light and darkness magic, and after her graduation he had taken her in as his Assistant.
Quylla was unaware of Vastor's identity as the Master, but she knew that his position in the Kingdom and his participation in the War of the Griffons gave him clearance to access the dealings between the Council and the Royals.
The old Professor was the only person Quylla could think of who would understand her situation even without knowing all the details since he also was a friend of her parents and had helped them reconcile.
"He's currently lecturing the fifth year students." Marth replied. "Is this an emergency or can it wait until the end of the lesson?"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Supreme Magus