Supreme Magus novel Chapter 433

Kamila had never been summoned in a Commander’s office except when she had been promoted from Second to First Lieutenant. After years of hard work, she hoped Berion would give her an opportunity to prove her worth.

’I don’t want to spend my life being an analyst and a handler.’ She thought while giving him a salute.

Commander Berion was a man in his early thirties, 1.8 (5’11") meters tall with pitch-black hair and eyes. His pale blue uniform could resemble a high-end coat with a standing collar over pants of matching quality and color.

The only distinguishing features were the Commander silver epaulets on his shoulders and the insignias above his heart.

"At ease, Lieutenant." Berion said while inventing her to sit down.

He didn’t mince words describing how bad was Othre’s crisis nor how important was for the army to not lose in the ongoing power play.

"I need someone to keep me constantly updated on the situation. Someone with the necessary sensitivity and competence to make use of every opening to bring the balance back in our favor.

"I can’t rely on Ranger Verhen alone. He’s barely able to give three reports a day and I’m afraid his judgment on this matter may be compromised. I’ve already made the mistake of relying on second-hand information and paid the price for it.

"Do you think you can rise to the occasion?"

"Of course, Sir." She said with confidence, even though she wanted to puke.

’This isn’t what I’ve hoped for, this is politics. The army and the Association are more worried about their measuring contest than about the lives of the inhabitants of Othre. If I refuse, I can kiss goodbye to any future chance of being promoted.’ She inwardly sighed.

Kamila Warped from Belius to the army’s headquarters in Othre. There she found a stagecoach waiting for her that went straight for the outer rim.

"I think there is a mistake." She said to the Desk Sergeant accompanying her.

"Shouldn’t we go to the Association’s branch?"

"No, ma’am. Our orders are to bring you to Ranger Verhen’s quarters. You’ll be debriefed together once the rest of the team arrives."

’Son of a...’ Kamila inwardly cursed. ’The Commander doesn’t need a liaison officer with the Association. He wants to exploit our relationship. Now I understand why he picked me and why that ridiculous claim about Lith’s judgment being compromised.

’I’m just a fucking honey trap! I remember something about an Academy sweetheart, probably the Association is playing the same game. I’ve never been so humiliated in all my life.’

Never before did Kamila resent the army. Her colleagues were her family and her job as an analyst was all she had. In her head, the images of her mother and the Commander overlapped.

Both didn’t care for her feelings or her career and were only interested in exploiting her for their ends. She wanted to cry, but aside from turning paler, her face displayed no emotion.

’Gods, I’m so stupid. I should have understood it earlier and turned down the offer. Now either I help the Commander to manipulate Lith or I tell him the truth and risk losing my job.’

Albeit brief, the journey seemed to never come to an end. Kamila was torn between her sense of self-preservation and to rise above that mess by doing the right thing. When the stagecoach reached the Swan’s Song, she had yet to make her mind.

"Excuse me, what room is Ranger Verhen staying in?" She asked the receptionist, a short man about Lith’s age who looked at her in a funny way.

"Room 201, the honeymoon suite. He is about to have lunch with his missus. Who do I have to announce?" The man replied.

At those words, Kamila really had enough bullshit for one day. She ignored the receptionist’s question and went straight for the suite. She knocked at the door in a frenzy to the point she almost fell forward when it was abruptly opened.

"Kamila? What are you doing here?" She barely registered that Lith seemed surprised and happy to see her before all hell broke loose.

Sitting on the king-size unmade bed there was the most gorgeous woman she had ever seen. She was 1.76 (5’9") meters tall with waist-length auburn hair that had several shades of red.

"The whole family. Our niece, Leria, even asked if you are a princess." _{fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com}