Supreme Magus novel Chapter 4079

Chapter 4079: Surprised Guest (Part 2)

Jiza was also the current leader of the Gernoff Awakened bloodline and the one who had ordered Jirni’s execution for violating Oghrom’s first law.

"Thank you for coming, Lady Gernoff." Friya said with a warm smile.

"I hope you enjoy your time with us." Nalrond gave her a polite bow and gestured for her to get inside.

It was the custom for the hosts of any important event to welcome their guests in person and avoid physical contact while doing so. Every Awakened possessed their Invigoration technique and touching someone was considered an attempt to peek at their constitution or equipment.

"Thank you for inviting me, Lady Ernas." Jiza gave them a perfect courtesy while the distinguished gentleman she had brought as her plus one bowed to their hosts. "I’m sure I will, Mister Fastarrow."

She didn’t miss how despite their polite words the warmth of their smiles didn’t extend to Friya’s and Nalrond’s eyes. That and the subtle tension in their muscles exuded the hostility of a warrior ready to fight to the death.

’They have been well-trained and have probably kept many important secrets to most people in their lives over the years, but they are no Gernoffs.’ She thought. ’They are still amateurs and can’t fool me.

’Then why did they invite me? Why even bother with this pretense of kindness?’ She pondered as she walked across the hallway and appreciated the exquisite taste of furniture and decorations.

She set her questions aside and focused on familiarizing herself with her surroundings, comparing the Verhen Mansion’s actual floor plans with the official blueprints she had memorized before coming.

’There’s no point wasting time and energy with guesses when I can just learn the answers from the Dragon’s mouth.’ Jiza signaled her date to mingle with the other guests while she remained close to the entrance of the Banquet Hall, waiting for Jirni.

"Gods, Friya, I’ve already seen your dress countless times, but it always amazes me how gorgeous you look in it." Solus said.

Despite the tradition to not outshine the bride on her day, Solus wore a magnificent golden gala dress with evening gloves and a full parure of jewels. Even if she went all-out, she would never hold a candle to Friya.

"Thank you." Friya giggled. "You and Ripha look amazing too."

The First Ruler of the Flames wore a pale blue dress whose design was identical to Solus’ and signaled her status as a grieving widow.

"I must say, this is the first wedding I don’t have to look plain or put on a puffy dress." Rena said and Elina nodded, both gorgeous in their finely embroidered gala dresses. "This is a nice change of pace."

"Lucky you." Tista grumbled. "I look like a servant who’s crashing the party!"

She wore her hair up in a simple do, her dull red dress lacked any flair, and her jewels were the smallest and most insignificant in the group. Even Kamila, with her swollen belly and her loose dress due to the pregnancy looked better than her.

"Beauty is a cruel thing, dear Tista, and if you wore anything different, I would have been forced to ruin your face with my fist." Friya said with a soft smile. "I don’t like that you-know-what will take place right in the middle of the party.

"I’m not going to let anyone else steal what’s left of my thunder."

"Fine." Tista slouched her shoulders and sighed, but said no more.

"Tyrants aren’t much compared to whatever Verhen is, but since he has no control over his abilities and no one will ever bother with human evolution unless we find a way to overcome the limitations of the Balors, their potential can’t be overlooked."

"Thanks." Jirni gave Jiza a polite curtsy, showing no sign of the satisfaction her opponent’s ignorance gave her. "Have you waited all this time to make small talk or do you have more to say?"

"That was no small talk. Just an honest assessment of your family’s status." Jiza replied. "Yet you are right. I waited for you to ask you why you had your daughter invite me.

"The number of guests is limited and it would have been much better to use this event to form allies and connections with the Awakened bloodlines. There is no way you think this will change my mind."

"Everything you said is correct." Jirni nodded. "You’re a smart woman, Jiza, and this is no mystery. I’m sure you can answer your own question if you stop for a moment and think. Have a pleasant evening."

Jirni stepped forward, offering her back to Jiza for a few seconds before she disappeared amid the crowd of guests.

Nothing in Jirni’s face or tone betrayed any emotion, and that was clue enough for Jiza.

’This isn’t some silly bravado in showing me she isn’t afraid of me or challenging me to kill her in front of so many witnesses.’ Jiza thought. ’Jirni wouldn’t have survived this long if she were that childish.

’This is a test at best and a trap at worst. She invited me here to put the Gernoffs’ resources and skills to the test.’