"So, you are the reason why farmers and merchants cannot speculate on the food's price."
Raaz nodded.
"Exactly. Because of that, some of our neighbours resent me. They hoped to get rich by selling their provisions at inflated prices. As for Renkin, when he understood I wouldn't budge, he sent his son to do the dirty work.
Rena is untouchable, being the blacksmith's daughter in law. Gurid probably thought that you being away and with Tista's meek attitude, he could force his way into the family and change my mind."
"Dad, you are a true hero. I'm proud of you" Lith put his hand on Raaz's shoulder.
"The Kingdom should award more people like you."
- "And less like me." He inwardly added. -
"With your actions, you have saved countless lives from low-life vultures. Those who resent you were never your friends in the first place, they were just snakes in the grass. As for the others, they'll be grateful once they find out it was all a lie.
There is no such thing as an illness threatening the Kingdom."
- "Not anymore." Solus giggled. –
"Really? Are you sure?" Lith's words lifted a huge emotional burden from Raaz's conscience.
"Of course I am. Until this morning I was working as an assistant for Professor Marth at the White Griffon." He lied through his teeth so easily that it made him feel guilty. Lith hated playing with their feelings, but it was the only way he had to keep them safe.
"He had been tasked to verify these rumors and he personally told me there is nothing to worry about."
"I can't wait to share the good news with the others!"
"Sorry to burst your bubble, but no one will believe you. I am just a student and you are already considered a party po*per, do not make things worse. Wait for the official announcement to be made before gloating."
Lith and his family spent the time until after lunch to make up for the lost time, forcing him to lie about everything that had happened to Lith in the last two weeks.
After the meal, he went to find Protector telling him the background behind Tista's harassment.
"So it wasn't courting? The male's father risked his own pup's life for pieces of metal?" Even in his human form, Ryman managed to snarl.
"Humans sure have a talent for disappointment."
"Never mind that, tell me how did you manage to change so much in less than three months."
- "Yep, from Ry to humanoid and from a bright cyan mana core to a deep blue one is a huge step." Solus pointed out. –
"Soon after you left, a Scorpicore came to the Trawn woods. She was looking for a Scourge and she had learned that it was the title of the king in the west."
"She? That thing, it's a female?" Lith was flabbergasted.
"That's very rude of you." Ryman snorted. "Why 'it'? We are not things, we are living, intelligent beings, just like you, young pup. She is stronger and older than us both and most importantly, wiser. You should learn to respect your elders."
"Sorry." Lith said lowering his eyes in embarrassment.
"You know, when I talk to you I have always the impression of speaking with my magical godfather or something. You always scold or lecture me."
Ryman laughed out loud.
"Sorry, but after having sired more than fifty pups, being a father is second nature to me. As I was saying, the Scorpicore could have demanded answers from me, instead she just asked.
She was stronger than me, but instead of stealing my territory she treated me with respect and courtesy, so I replied honestly."
"Great! So she now knows where I live. What did you tell her exactly?"
"That you are not the monster she thought you were. Just a broken and twisted pup searching for its purpose."
"That's it?" Lith could not believe his ears.
"Yes. Scarlett wanted to learn about you, to decide if you are a threat that needs to be put down or one of us. I think you are safe now."
Lith didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the thought of having dodged a bullet he wasn't even aware of.
"How the heck did that lead to you becoming humanoid?"
Ryman's eyes blinked in surprise.
"I think that saving your life deserves at least a thank you."
"I'm sorry, again. I'm a rude jerk. Thank you very much." Lith gave him a small bow.
"What about your transformation?"
"Humans and your curiosity." Ryman snorted, then proceeded to tell him the whole story.