Chapter 225 - Catching up the elderly
Scarlett sat beside Dean Godwin on the bench, her eyes fixed on the Loci at the garden’s heart. “I appreciate your patience, allowing me to conclude my affairs before greeting you,” she said.
“Interrupting a noble lady during her personal matters is something I endeavour to avoid when possible. The tales of my impropriety are often overstated, I’ll have you know. Besides, I did not mind the chance to observe the progress of your protective spirit while I waited,” the man replied. His tone, though light, held a noticeable gravity.
Scarlett turned to look at the old wizard. “You are here concerning the incident in Bridgespell, I presume.”
“Quite right, Baroness.” He nodded. “I’ve been away from the empire on various ventures and only learned about the events upon my return. The emergence of one of the six Vile’s citadels in our lands has stirred concern among many of the empire’s influential circles. It seems, in my absence, the continent teetered on the edge of another Desolation Calamity.”
Scarlett met his intense gaze, maintaining a calm expression. As always, she had to be careful about what she said around this man, since he could detect lies.
“The situation may have appeared grave, but I assure you, such fears are without merit.”
The man observed her closely, forehead slightly creased, likely trying to determine the truth of her words. He absentmindedly stroked his neat white beard, then allowed his gaze to wander to the vibrant garden before them. “One troubling characteristic of yours, Baroness, is your ability to make me question my ring’s effectiveness. Your conviction, even when speaking such bold and far-fetched claims, is always remarkable.”
Scarlett’s attention drifted to his gloved hand, beneath which the truth-telling artifact from Fynn’s tribe was concealed.
“… I would be a fool to deceive you, knowing what I do,” she said.
“A fool to lie, certainly, but I do not think you are incapable of finding ways to navigate the facts to your favor,” he replied. “Truth has always been a fickle thing, even to someone like me who can discern it in others.”
Scarlett chose to remain quiet on the matter.
There was a brief period of silence as Godwin’s expression turned contemplative. “I’ve already looked into Bridgespell. Elystead Tower, along with the other mage towers and the Ustrum Assembly, has worked to secure the citadel’s vicinity, and we are lending our aid in exploring the situation. Our current findings indicate any immediate threat has subsided, thankfully. My contacts experienced with demons confirm that, while the Blazes are in turmoil, all the Viles appear confined to their respective domains.”