Supreme Magus novel Chapter 4385

Chapter 4385: True Colors (Part 1)

"What I’m trying to say is that Osyan got fed up with being the only one without a good memory or story about his parents to share and told everyone a sweetened version of how you two met.

"He made no mention of your memory loss or anything that might damage your public reputation, but his story is problematic anyway. Osyan claimed to have spoken with you twice, which is true, but also that you are friends.

"Half of the foster kids believe him, but the other half has called Osyan’s bluff. His birthday is in a few days, and they dared him to prove his words by having you attend. I want to be clear, Osyan never asked me to contact you.

"He wants to keep you out of it, but I can see how badly this is affecting him. Osyan knows that when his birthday arrives and you don’t show up, those who never believed him will call him a liar.

"Even worse, he will lose the trust of his foster siblings who had his back and find himself isolated. Once a brand like that sticks, the kids won’t believe anything he says. Osyan will become a pariah, and that might affect his recovery.

"This is the end of my report. Rhami Ahsol out."

"This is awkward." Lith said a few seconds after the message ended.

"Why awkward? It’s just a birthday." Solus replied. "All you have to do is show up, give Osyan a gift, and then claim there is some secret mission that requires your attention. It’s more than enough to make the kids die of envy."

"Only if Osyan doesn’t die of fear first, Solus." Lith frowned. "I’m the root of his trauma. He saw what I did to his parents and remembers what the Void told him. If his rage towards me is gone and he’s getting better, seeing me might ruin any progress he made."

"I know, but not seeing you wouldn’t do much better." Solus sighed. "You know how kids are. They would never let Osyan hear the end of it. He might be even forced to move to another foster home, and it would only be a matter of time before the same problem arises."

***

Nestrar Region, City of Zeska, Rivenfall foster home, a few days later.

"Happy birthday, Osyan!" Mirika, a blonde girl, said while hugging him. "You’re seven now, just like me."

"Thanks, Mirika." Oshek returned the embrace with a smile that didn’t extend to his eyes.

He felt guilty for his deceit, and the more fiercely his friends defended him, the stupider he felt.

’Me and my big mouth.’ He inwardly cursed. ’All I had to do was shut up and listen while the others told their stories around the fireplace. Heck, I could have even made up a few good memories with my... parents, and everyone would have believed me as long as I didn’t make it too cheesy.’

Just recalling his parents’ faces was enough to send a cold shiver down Osyan’s spine, but the idea of painting them in a good light made him retch.

"Happy birthday indeed." Usul, a tall boy about thirteen years old, said with a mocking smile. "Today Osyan’s best friend, the Supreme Magus of the Kingdom, will honor us with his presence.

"Unless Osyan is a liar and Magus Verhen doesn’t even know he exists, of course. Time will tell, Osyan. Tick, tock."

"Don’t start this again, Usul. Not today." Geldrid Rivenfall, a plump middle-aged woman with a kind face, said.

"I didn’t start it, Geldrid." The tall boy snorted. "Our resident Liar Magus did. I’m finishing it."

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