Supreme Magus novel Chapter 3680

Chapter 3680: Gift and Weregild (Part 1)

“There is something weird with these Harmonizers.” The Hati Queen said after examining the artifacts. “The design doesn’t match those I know.”

“Indeed.” Urhen the Balor carefully studied the enchantments with her Evil Eyes, suspicion hardening her lovely features. “Even without an imprint, their world energy flow is more vigorous and subtler than the ones the senate uses.

“This wasn’t a part of our deal. Did you add something to control our people? Do you think you can fool us just because there are no Forgemasters among us?”

“Absolutely not!” Aalejah denied the accusation with a curt sweep of her hand. “The Awakened Council has held up its end of the agreement. If you don’t believe me, ask one of your Awakened friends to examine the Harmonizers.”

“Don’t worry, Representative Eventide, we will.” Syrah clenched the armrest, trying not to bare her fangs. “But since we already are at it, do you mind explaining what these things are supposed to be?”

“As I said, Harmonizers.” If the elf was offended by their mistrust, it didn’t show. “The best Harmonizers the late Glemos crafted. There was no point using outdated designs. There are no more castes in Zelex, correct?”

Aalejah asked, and the members of the senate nodded for her to continue.

“These are all exact copies of Garrik’s Harmonizer. With them, your children will have the same chances of stabilizing their life forces once they come of age.”

It was a sweet lie, and everyone knew it. Garrik had worn that Harmonizer from birth, never took it off, and never walked out of the mana geyser per Glemos’ instructions. Xagra and the other children wore no such treasure until the Rite of Passage.

Even worse, most of them had left the mana geyser for a few hours after the ceremony, ruining their chances to have a normal life forever.

“If this is true, you have our deepest gratitude, Representative Eventide.” Syrah and the other mothers knew it was a sweet lie, but they wanted to believe. “Rena, do you mind calling Garrik and Ryla here for a moment, please?”

“Sure thing.” Rena nodded and pressed two runes on her contact amulet.

“Why do you call Rena by her first name instead of by her title, yet you call me Representative Eventide?” Aalejah finally remembered about her Yggdrasill staff and picked it up.

“Because she’s a friend who has taken care of us and our children ever since we met.” Br’ey snorted. “You and the rest of the Council only come here when you need something or to deliver bad news.”

“Point taken.” Aalejah wanted to explain how she had too little free time to use it for courtesy visits.

Her magical studies with Athung, her duties with the Council, and her role as liaison with the elven tribes and now also with the new World Tree barely left her enough hours to call her friends once in a while and not act like a Lich.

Yet the Yggdrasill wood made it clear to her there was no point in saying all that. The people of Zelex didn’t trust Aalejah and would take her words not as an explanation but as excuses.

“Hi, Rena.” Ryla greeted Lith’s sister first, then bowed to the others. “Kamila, Overlord Salaark. Syrah, Br’ey, Urhen, to what do I owe this pleasure?”

“We…” The Hati Queen felt her throat tighten. “Need your help. Garrik’s help, to be precise. Can you confirm these Harmonizers are the same as the one your son wears?”

“One moment. Come in, Garrik. Don’t be afraid. You’re among friends.” Ryla took the Harmonizer Syrah offered her and beckoned to her son.