Supreme Magus novel Chapter 518

Lith had no idea why she included the dog on the list. Lucky’s only worth was that it made Phloria happy, otherwise Lith would consider it just an overweight lump of fur.

"First things first." Lith took out the first part of his gift from his pocket dimension.

"I wanted to give you this now, so that you had the opportunity to wear it at the gala. If you like it, of course. This is my birthday present." He handed to her a finely decorated circlet.

Since Jirni was blonde, Lith had made it out of silver, so that the contrast would emphasize the beauty of its wearer. The diadem seemed to be made out of small and thin feathers, each one with a small black diamond set near its end.

"It’s beautiful. Almost worthy of a Queen." Jirni wasn’t being polite. Although the circlet was really light, each feather was so life like that she expected to see them fly away at the first gust of wind.

The ’almost’ was required, since to be perfect, the diadem needed a big black diamond on its center, where Lith had left an empty space. It wasn’t just a matter of him being stingy.

The Verhen household had no fief nor noble titles. Any more effort on his part would be interpreted as showing off or even make the circlet appear like a betrothal gift. That was the reason why Lith had left it perfectly imperfect.

"Now it’s time for my anniversary gift." Lith said.

"Please, give me your hands."

Jirni did as instructed, feeling a warm sensation spread throughout her body the moment they touched. Lith used Invigoration while chanting some gibberish to spot and fix all bone, muscle, and even intervertebral disc damage.

Normal healing magic only sped up recovery, so internal scar tissues and calluses had accumulated inside Jirni’s body over time, due to her line of work and aging.

"Good gods. Not only do I look ten years younger, but I also feel that way now." Jirni knew her body well enough that it only took her a few steps to realize what had happened.

"Healers capable of using rejuvenation magic are already rare, I would’ve never thought to meet one also capable of dabbling in cosmetic magic." Jirni said with a grin, making Lith lose his poker face for a split second.

Rejuvenation magic was a rare branch of healing magic that allowed the mage to restore an aged body to its prime condition. Even the three Great Countries had very few mages capable of using it, and they were all as elusive as Manohar.

It made his gift extremely valuable. Each treatment was valued at five gold coins for a regular person, but over a dozen for the battered body of a veteran fighter.

"Cosmetic magic?" Lith had never heard of it, not even during his studies at the White Griffon academy.

"No need to feign ignorance." Jirni laughed. "I had my suspicions since the first time I met your parents. I would have never been sure if Lucky hadn’t ratted you out."

"Lucky did what?" As if to answer Lith’s confusion, a small Ry entered through one of the doors waggling its huge tail. It was as big as a pony and had the characteristic crimson fur of the wolf type magical beast.

"Sorry, brother. I didn’t know it was a secret." He said with an apologetic tone while offering Lith his huge belly in sign of contrition. He also hoped for a conciliatory scratch, of course.

Lith sighed in relief while checking Jirni’s condition with Invigoration.

’What the heck? Cosmetic magic my ass. An Awakened just removed some impurities from her skin and hair. I wonder if they are doing it because they need money, or simply to get connections with the most important families in the Kingdom.’ He pondered.

"When did this new trend start, exactly?" Lith asked.

"About a few months ago, but the shop has moved around for years. Cosmetic magic is not officially recognized because only one mage knows how to use it and its exorbitant cost makes it impractical.

"Mage Hossa returned recently from the Gorgon Empire. Princess Syntilla decided to give it a try and got one heck of a makeover. After that, all the homely and rich heiresses became her clients, forcing the pretty ones to do the same."

"Well, for starters it’s safe." Lith replied. "There is no damage to your life force, but I must warn you, the treatment will barely last for a week. Unlike me, Hossa can make big changes, but they are temporary."

"Can you do better?" Jirni had an expectant look.

"No, but I can make it last longer. With my skill, I can make it last for at least a month, but I must ask you to not divulge my secret. I don’t want this Hossa to feel threatened nor do I want to spend my life treating vain people." He said.

’More importantly, she would discover that I’m an Awakened just like her. Maybe Hossa could put me into contact with the Council. She could be a precious ally if properly handled.’ He actually thought.