In the midst of this heartfelt conversation at the bedside, the head butler’s entrance heralded Sirium’s arrival and the trio’s reunion.
Bursting into the room with an urgency that spoke volumes of his concern and pent-up emotions, Sirium practically tackled them, wrapping Lassim and Lustria in a heartfelt embrace.
His eyes, shimmering and moist, conveyed the turmoil within as he uttered a choked apology for his perceived delay and helplessness during the crisis.
"I should have been faster, stronger," he stammered, his voice thick with emotion as he took in Lustria’s appearance. Filled with resolve he uttered, "I won’t let this happen again. I’ll train relentlessly to sharpen my senses and be the fastest. If only I had noticed sooner and warned you, or had been able to block it by being faster, you wouldn’t have all these scars."
Lustria and Lassim, touched by his earnest declaration, sought to soothe his self-reproach, reminding him of the strength and courage he had already shown. "We’re a team," Lustria whispered, her voice steady despite the trauma and minor internal wounds still healing, "and we’ll grow stronger together."
Gratitude and a resolve sparkled in Sirium’s eyes as he then recounted his visit to the apothecary in Evergreen City. He had arrived about half an hour later and ensured Lustria’s initial care was taken care of, and that Lassim had made his way to Myriad Spirit City. He even settled the debt incurred by Lassim in the haste of emergency.
Lassim, moved by Sirium’s thoughtfulness, attempted to repay the kindness, only to be met with a gentle but firm refusal. "Between friends, such things are trivial," Sirium stated, his words showing their former bond and friendship.
The conversation and reunion had brought about the noon hour, which came with it an invitation to dine with Frederyc and Elisa for lunch. This was an opportunity for Lassim to formally introduce Sirium and Lustria to his grandparents.
In the grand dining hall of the Rohese estate, under the gentle clinking of fine silverware and the murmur of polite conversation between the masters of the estate, Lustria and Sirium presented themselves with the grace befitting their noble statuses.
"I am Sirium Giffard, of the Giffard merchant family," he began, his tone respectful yet confident. "Recently, my father has been honored with the title of Baron, here in the Aurora Kingdom, elevating our family to new nobility."
Lustria followed, "I am Lustria Alisone of the Alisone family." She curtsied towards the masters of the estate.
Lustria and Sirium, taking their seats alongside Lassim, carried themselves with the poise and grace expected of their noble heritage, sitting prim and proper.
Sirium, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve, offered a respectful nod to Frederyc and Elisa, saying, "It’s an honor to dine with the esteemed Rohese family. Thank you for your swift action in aiding Lustria. It is deeply appreciated by both myself and the Giffard family."
Frederyc, with a welcoming smile, replied, "Your gratitude is noted, young Sirium, but it was our duty as grandparents to help Lassim’s friends. After all, the bonds formed between friends, let alone noble families, should be more than just formalities; they should be a source of mutual support in times of need."
Elisa, turning her attention to Lustria, inquired gently, "How are you feeling, dear? The healers have assured us of your recovery, but you must tell us if you need anything at all."
Lustria, her voice still soft from recovery, responded, "I am much better, thanks to your family’s healers. I am indebted to you... and to Lassim for his quick actions." Her gaze aiming at Lassim before turning back to Elisa with red tinged cheeks.
The conversation flowed smoothly, touching upon various topics from the recent mission to broader discussions about their families.
Sirium, seizing a lull in the conversation and adhering to his father’s new noble training, expressed his admiration for the Rohese’s renowned architectural prowess, his eyes roaming the grand dining hall’s intricate designs and structure. "The designs and quality made by your family are legendary. The Giffard family has always aspired to commission a project with the Rohese.
Perhaps, in the future, we could discuss potential collaborations?"
Elisa, intrigued, replied, "That would be most welcome. Building bridges, both literal and metaphorical, is a legacy we Rohese pride ourselves on."
"My family would deeply appreciate it. Thank you." He half bowed from his seat.
As the meal drew to a close, they said their goodbyes and thanks to Fredryc and Elisa. The trio departed from the Rohese estate and made their way back to the academy to turn in the mission.
The journey back to Myriad Spirit Academy was filled with conversation, mainly centered around the harrowing events they had just endured.
Upon their return to the academy and entering the mission hall, the trio approached the registrar, their expressions serious. Lassim presented the Nightshade Bloom, but before the registrar could congratulate them, he interjected.
"We completed the mission, but we need to report an encounter with a highly dangerous creature not mentioned in the briefing. A Viper-like falcon attacked us, nearly costing Lustria here life," Lassim explained, his voice firm, conveying the gravity of their experience.
The registrar’s eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly took notes on their encounter. "This is very concerning. I’ll ensure that the mission details are updated immediately to reflect this new threat, and have the reward increased for the higher difficulty. Our details are meant to be the most accurate to prevent mishaps, so that students can confidently accept missions within their power level.
I apologize for the oversight, so we can offer this bit of consolation. However, do understand that every mission you accept that has a hunting aspect to it can be lethal. It’s best to err on the side of caution at all times for your own safety."
After acknowledging their successful completion of the mission, the registrar commended them for their bravery and promised that their encounter would be reviewed, with additional points being assigned after the academy’s information gathering department confirmed the situation. Their academy points immediately went up an additional 800 points from the Nightshade Bloom’s delivery itself though.
With the formalities concluded, the trio exited the mission hall, the weight of their adventure lingering in their minds. While they had triumphed over unexpected dangers, the experience served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and peril inherent in their path as spirit warriors.
As they stepped outside the mission hall, Sirium checked his jade bracelet, his face lighting up with a broad smile. "I finally have enough points for the wind technique I’ve been eyeing," he announced, a palpable excitement in his voice. "I’d like to start training with it right away."
Lassim clapped Sirium on the back, sharing in his friend’s enthusiasm. "That’s great, Sirium. Make the most of it, and show us the power of your new technique next time!"
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Acknowledging the renewed intense focus on their individual paths to power, Sirium bid farewell, his steps quickening towards the academy library, his thoughts already on mastering the new wind technique. He hoped to surprise his friends the next time he sees them.
Lassim, feeling the urgency of his delayed meeting with Master Ferrum, after having missed reporting at the daily scheduled time for lessons, nodded to Lustria. "I should also head to see the headmaster. I’m late, and need to explain what happened. However, I imagine Master Ferrum is probably aware of everything by now. Regardless, I still need to report in and apologize for the delay."
Lustria, still recuperating from her ordeal, smiled weakly. "Yes, go ahead, Lassim. I’ll need some time to recover and think about how I can strengthen myself further. Let’s all meet up again soon..."
With a mutual understanding of their shared goals and the challenges ahead, Lassim promised to reach out soon for another gathering. "Take care. Let’s get stronger and face the next challenge together. I promise I’ll grow so strong that I’ll always be able to protect you. I’ll never forget that I caused those scars and I’ll find a way to take care of you. I swear on it!"
Slightly embarrassed by his own announcement and promise, he quickly turned away to head up the mountain to see his master, hiding his blushing face.
Stiffly frozen by the sudden proclamation, Lustria twirled her twin tail on her right side with her fingers as she stared at his disappearing figure. "It’s a promise." Smiling, she then headed off towards her cultivation cave.
Lassim, slowly calming himself again and dispersing thoughts of his intense care for Lustria, hastened his pace towards the headmaster’s abode. His mind switched to be filled with a mix of concern over his tardiness and the need to discuss what happened.
He realized he was still much too weak to protect others confidently and needed a defense art of some kind that could allow him to protect his friends. He had some ideas for passive and active types of barriers, but he’d need his master’s input to see what was possible or what he recommended.