Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 36 - 35 The End of Lafillin

Just as Lyle had imagined, peace was restored between the three of them in an instant.

Ralph walked ahead, with William and Lyle following behind, leaning on sticks they had picked up from somewhere; William because his legs were weak, and Lyle because of the bruises from clubs on his body.

He was only reprimanded at first, but his astute uncle discovered the reeds hidden under his uniform and, in an instant, Ralph understood with a mix of anger and amusement, and let Lyle off.

Since the existence of the giant wolf had been confirmed and even its den had been found, the investigation was over. Ralph had no reason to continue with the dangerous work with two children, and it was time to hand it over to the professionals and seek assistance from the church back in Cassandra.

As for Lyle’s reasons for escaping the giant wolf, faced with Lyle’s vague answer, Ralph didn’t show any reaction, even to Lyle’s statement, "I don’t know when the wolf just disappeared." He just nodded indifferently, without further comment.

William paused, rubbing his thighs, finally recovering from the cramps, and spontaneously went to help Lyle.

Ralph blazed the trail ahead.

"Lyle, you are a Mystic, aren’t you?"

Exposed? It was not surprising, given that he had used his talisman in a moment of desperation, which even a fool would understand, and those who spied on Mystics were often the wise.

"Yes."

"Lyle, are you, a Necromancer?"

It seemed so, albeit the dragon gentleman had emphasized the versatility and orthodoxy of Spirit Summoning Studies, studying death and spirits made Lyle equate it with Necromancy.

"Why do you think that?"

"Your work often deals with corpses, and you know more about the Ghost Dog than I do, and that mutant Nightshade must be material from your side. I don’t think a Mystic would take a job as a coroner just for personal growth."

"Are you scared?"

"How could I be? Not to mention that the Necromancy Fraction is one of the main branches of Mysticism, but even if you acted as bait on your own, I shouldn’t view you with hostility."

William didn’t care too much about these things. It was the Mystic’s way of thinking: if it’s useful, use it.

"Lyle, just like the rumors say, can you revive the dead?"

"If you mean bringing them out of their coffins for a short time, then yes, I can barely do it."

"Then, Lyle, can you, learn the wisdom of the dead, like if a Mystic dies, could you inherit their knowledge?"

"I have never tried, but most likely not." This was the truth; he couldn’t be sure about others, but the corpses he had revived could at most tell a minor story, and those were the kinds Lyle knew, from entertainment works that had travelled through time with him.

"That’s a shame."

The two chatted on and off, whispering to avoid Ralph hearing; it was like a secret shared among boys, confirming each other’s hidden identities, and growing closer. Lyle apologized for Ralph’s rough behavior, and William thanked Lyle for putting others before himself – even though it now seemed Lyle had ulterior motives, isn’t a kindness with a purpose still kindness?

They reported the situation to the Mayor of Lavren, and after a stern warning to stay away from Lafillin, the three rested in Lavren for one night.

A night without words.

The next day, the town held a funeral for farmer Mirren, and on the way back, Lyle brought back his lost arm.

His relatives were profusely grateful, and without even verifying it was his, they buried it with him.

In their eyes, this truly was a great kindness. For the church preached that those with incomplete bodies could not ascend to heaven. People took this to heart, seeing the afterlife’s bliss as their only solace.

With the Mayor’s farewell, the three boarded the carriage to Cassandra.

"Here is your compensation."

Ralph handed William a small purse.

The sound of coins jingled in William’s hands.

"So heavy, is this really fifty Yule?"

Ralph didn’t answer, his eyes closed like a statue.

Lyle curved a smile. Ralph should have paid extra for scaring William, as a kind of apology. Knowing Ralph’s mind, that might very well be hush money, too.

After all, it could be reported that an enforcer was acting tyrannically and misusing private punishment. Then, with the additional Yule, one could turn the tables and bite back, presenting a murky case before the judge. Who do you think the judge would help, the young brat or the sheriff?

Just that dark.

Being employed by Ralph was really not easy.

William’s conduct was actually quite commendable; he even took the initiative to say goodbye to Ralph when they parted.

"William is really a good guy," Lyle remarked.

"Indeed, we can hire him again next time," Ralph praised his usefulness.

"I feel like William, unless he gets his head slammed by a door, would almost never accept your commissions again."

"Old Barkin says that every time. (But in the end, he still does it.)"

"Getting your head slammed by a door is quite easy."

"Besides, you seem to have a good relationship with William. (You can play the emotional card)"

"Isn’t that a bit too dark? Using your own nephew?" Lyle joked broadly.

"Too bad you’re not durable."

"..." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"All right, you go and rest. With all those injuries, you don’t need to report in; I’ll call in sick for you."

"Is the illness ’nephew-uncle discord’?"

"The illness is work injury; you were bitten by a dog, lost half a buttock, bled too much, go home for emergency treatment."

"..."

.........

Back home, Lyle checked his food reserves; there was no need to go out and buy anything.

He cleared a space on the table and started to lightly sort through his loot.

A big handful of unnamed plants; he’d need to confirm their value with Mr. Dragon.

A total of fifteen Nightshade blossoms, now he had the capital to conduct rituals on his own.

Three pieces of Spectral Moss. A material for the talent awakening ritual. He set aside the Lich Dust, Snow Monster’s Tear, and Goose Yellow Stone given by a friend.

A few leftover Agility Talismans. Lyle had already dismantled them; the triangular paper package unfolded into a circular array full of symbols, smeared with special paint. It seemed folding them didn’t interfere with their function. Was this another mage’s discovery? As long as the array remained intact, even if bent, folded, it wouldn’t affect casting.

Lyle had a daring idea. What if the array were drawn on undergarments, or gloves? Corpse Caller Gloves? But it seemed the raw materials would be consumed, and he didn’t have that many gloves to waste; it needed further research.

An unknown howling wood. Thanks to Alianna’s favor, his tolerance for the odd sounds had increased quite a bit; facing the wood’s lament, all he did was frown slightly. It seemed to affect the listener’s spirit. Lyle didn’t continue to observe; this piece of wood that continuously disturbed the peace was stuffed back into the leather pouch.

Finally, there were a few strands of Ghost Dog hair, plucked from the animal. Ghost Dogs shed too, which was astonishing. The hair felt exquisite, like a breeze on the face when rubbed against it. Though translucent, it was quite a fine fabric, if enough could be collected.

Could one make an Emperor’s New Clothes out of it?