Chapter 32: Until later
Ethan leaned back in the carved wooden chair of the private hall, Nexus pulsing in his hand as he focused his divine energy. A golden flame danced between his fingers before expanding into a translucent veil.
He was using his divine energy to connect directly with Eldranor.
"Aeris," he called, his voice firm yet almost casual.
The veil quivered, and seconds later, the priestess’s face appeared on its shimmering surface. She seemed to have been interrupted from something, still dressed in her white ritual robes adorned with Aurelia’s symbol.
"Ethan?" Her voice carried clear relief, quickly tempered by a shadow of hesitation. "My lord, are you well?"
"Better than ever," he replied, his smile unwavering. "Things here moved quickly. I plan to establish a route from Argenne to Eldranor so our cult members can reach our kingdom more easily. The local princess will help us."
Aeris tilted her head slightly, her eyes betraying a hint of discomfort. "She... she accepted that easily?"
"She understands it’s more advantageous this way," Ethan said, briefly glancing aside as if arranging his thoughts. "And she trusts enough not to question."
Though Aeris was probably the person who trusted him most, or rather, trusted the herald, he still had no intention of revealing his new magic to anyone.
For a moment, Aeris was silent. When she spoke, her voice was softer. "She trusts... or is she interested?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow, his smile intact. "Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Aeris."