Chapter 4475: Shared Grief (Part 1)

Baron Wyalon had faced winter as usual, using the nearby woods and twin lakes for extra food as soon as the supplies dwindled and merchant caravans became unreliable.

The Baron had become a leading figure for the local nobility as much as the Larks were in Lustria, and not only because both nobles owned a military-grade DoLorean.

Wyalon knew how to take care of his people, never delegating the harshest tasks and always leading his troops into battle.

His citizens admired and respected the Baron because he led by example and was the first to do everything he demanded from others. He was the rule to his rules, not the exception.

"Please, you can give me a parade later." Lith raised his hands for silence, and the people of Jambel complied as one. "First, you need to get yourself something to eat that’s not fish or game. Then we’ll treat all your wounds and illnesses.

"Please, split into orderly lines and step forward one at a time." Lith took out the supplies all at once, and the Baron’s soldiers split them into individual packages.

Lith, Solus, Tista, and even Aran and Leria took part in the distribution. The children were Awakened, skilled Healers, and most importantly humble. They always admitted when the task was beyond their abilities and never hesitated to ask for help.

Wyalon also stood in line, and all those in front of him offered to let him go first, but he refused.

"Before the Supreme Magus, I’m just an ordinary citizen." The Baron said. "You need food and healing as much as I do. I can wait my turn."

"But you are also our lord and protector." A man said. "You are the reason no monster tribe broke past our city walls, and my family lived to see this moment. If you don’t go first, I would feel like the most ungrateful person on Mogar.

"Please, my lord, I’m not doing this because I have to, but because I want to."

"I can’t refuse your gratitude without being a jerk." Wyalon sighed and stepped forward. "But I really don’t mind waiting."

Yet no one moved a single step until the Baron stood before Lith, receiving magical treatment and the supplies for his family. Then it was his wife and children’s turn. No one complained or made a peep.

The citizens of Jambel smiled, living the honor of their lord like their own.

"Where’s Kotu’s girlfriend?" Lith asked.

"She’s not a member of the family, yet. She can wait in line like everybody else." Wyalon’s voice cut the air like tempered steel.

"Dad!" Kotu said, blushing in embarrassment.

"Shut up, lad, and don’t you argue with your father." Mirias snarled, her voice even colder than her husband’s. "Remember where we are. Remember who we are!"

Kotu had spent his life watching his parents argue over the silliest things, so when they agreed on something, he knew he’d better keep his mouth shut.

Jambel had expanded significantly since Lith’s last visit and its population had increased, yet it took less than an hour to hand out the supplies and heal everyone.

The people of Jambel were polite and respectful toward each other, giving the Healers a small bow before making space for the next person in line.

"It’s nice to meet you, Clila." Lith said, surprised to find her in his line. "How is Jambel treating you?"

"It’s nice to see you too, Magus Verhen." The young woman had fully matured since their last encounter in Amrok. She had gained weight and muscle in the right places, gaining a rosy complexion despite the cloudy weather.

"Jambel is great, and its people are amazing. I only wish that Elfy could be here with me. He would have loved this place. I can almost hear him planning tours of the lakes and organizing fishing expeditions for nobles."

"That’s actually a great idea." Lith replied. "Maybe he wasn’t the only one with the knack for business."

"Maybe, but the pain is still too fresh." Her eyes became veiled with tears. "If only-"

"So, I’m guessing you aren’t Kotu’s mysterious girlfriend, then." Lith knew the pain of losing a brother better than anyone else, and rushed to change the topic to something he knew would make grief the least of Clila’s worries.

"No!" She went from crying to blushing up to her ears.

"I wish!" The Baron sighed loudly enough for everyone to hear.

He had remained by Lith’s side to keep him company and oversee the distribution of supplies.

"Dad!" Kotu blushed just as hard as the entire Jambel chuckled at his expense.

"I’m not dating anyone." Clila was holding back the line, but everybody loved gossip, so they listened quietly while pretending to chat with the person behind them. "I’m too busy getting used to my new life in Jambel for that.

"Besides, the young lord is a noble, whereas I’m just a store clerk."

"Nonsense!" Mirias dismissed Clila’s objection with a shake of her head. "No one is ’just’ something. My Eiros was ’just’ a soldier, and look at him now. If you change your mind and want to get to know my son, dear, you’ll always be our honored guest."

Clila had a squeaky-clean past, and Lith personally taking care of her trip to Jambel after asking the Wyalons to take care of her, made the young woman an ideal daughter-in-law.

"Mom!" Kotu blushed even harder as the people of Jambel giggled and commented on what a cute couple they would make. "Not you too!"

"Thank you for your offer, Your Ladyship. I’ll never forget your hospitality and generosity." Clila cleared her throat in embarrassment and desperately tried to avoid giving the Baroness a clear answer.

"See? So humble and respectful." Mirias looked at the young woman with a starry-eyed gaze. "Not like a certain someone I know."

"How can you say that, Mom? You’ve never met Asryl!" Kotu wished for Mogar to swallow him whole, but the planet had no intention of ruining its fun.

"I was talking about your sister, but thanks for the heads up, son. I’ll remember that." The Baroness gave her children a withering gaze that brooked no further argument.

Kotu silently cursed his own big mouth while Irie joined her brother in his plea for a sudden demise.

Clila finally understood that anything she said would be twisted and used to further the Wyalons’ agenda, so she gave Lith a quick bow and disappeared amid the crowd.

Once the Verhens finished distributing the supplies, the Baron invited them to his home for lunch and to stay in his guest house for as long as they wanted.

"We gladly accept, Eiros, but only if you let me do the cooking and we use my ingredients." Lith replied. "It wouldn’t be fair to force you to consume the food I just gave you to feed my family."

"More for me, then!" The Baron said with a laugh.

"Dear!" Mirias paled at his bluntness, restoring the family dynamic. "Please, Magus Verhen, there’s no need for that. We have plenty of chefs, and our pantry is full."

"I insist." Lith said with a smile, putting an end to the argument.

The only thing ruder than making a guest work was rejecting a kind offer.