Supreme Magus novel Chapter 415

"After hearing your report and evaluating all the elements you have provided us, this committee unanimously praise you for your endeavor. Words are cheap, though, so I would like to reward you properly. Are you sure you don’t want a higher rank or a noble title?"

"Thanks, your Majesty, but I’m no leader. A higher rank would only hinder me, while a noble title would chain me. I would be forced to spend what’s left of my life caring for the people living in my lands. They deserve better than a reluctant lord." _{freewebnσvel.cѳm}

Meron sighed, but he had anticipated Lith’s reply.

"I’m deeply worried about your health. I won’t ask you to stop searching for a cure. Magic is all about research and hard work. If someone can find a solution to such a cruel fate, that’s you.

"I believe that with your talent, you can perform another miracle. I watched you grow and I hope to have the privilege of seeing you grow old. That said, would you be interested in marriage? I could introduce you to many noble dames.

"It would be a pity if your bloodline were to die with you. Also, I think that having someone to return to would give you even more strength."

"Thanks again, your Majesty, but no. I know myself. If I raise a family of my own, I will not be able to leave them. That’s why I made sure to teach my sister Tista everything I know. Even if I were to die tomorrow, my legacy will live through her.

"Please, take care of her in my absence." Lith said with a rueful voice while making his eyes watery with magic.

He had no intention of having children and was well aware that being an Awakened, even a crippled life force was enough to last more than one hundred years. There was no reason for the King to know it, of course.

For the first time in centuries, Tyris had a hard time suppressing a chuckle.

’By Mogar, Lith sure has his way with words. Everything he’s said since he stepped inside the room is neither entirely true or false. He is playing Meron like a fiddle. Aside from being a cynical, manipulative, stingy, compulsive liar of a hybrid, he reminds me of Valeron.’ She thought.

"You have my word." Meron said with watery eyes while considering that Tista was unmarried too. If he could secure her trust, whatever Lith left behind it would be hers. There was no harm in nurturing someone so beautiful and talented.

"Until I draw breath, I’ll protect your family like it’s my own."

Lith’s face seemed to be moved, but Tyris could see his other scaly face grinning from ear to ear like a predator in front of a dumb animal. It took her sheer willpower to not laugh at the scene.

A ceremonial sword made of silver appeared in the King’s right hand.

"I wanted to avoid this, since it will surely kick a hornet nest, but you leave me no choice. No amount of money is worth your sacrifices for the Kingdom. Please, kneel."

Lith had no idea what was happening but he obeyed nonetheless.

’Solus?’ He asked.

’No clue.’ She replied after checking all the books inside Soluspedia.

"Lith Verhen, I bestow upon you the title of Great Mage of the Griffon Kingdom." The King said while patting with the flat side of the sword Lith’s left shoulder, then the right one, and lastly the top of his head.

’Oh, fuck me sideways! I forgot about the Mage ranking system.’ Lith thought. ’What’s the average age for a Great Mage?’

’For a new magical bloodline with no noble title, around fifty.’ Solus replied.

’I knew it! No good deed goes unpunished. Now I have another target painted behind my back.’

’It’s not that bad.’ Solus tried to cheer him up. ’The King just promised his protection and now you’ll have access to more tomes. The glass is half full, okay?’

Lith’s inner expression finally matched the one he was showing on the outside. The General and the King left the room after congratulating him, leaving only Tyris behind.