Kyrian steeled himself before he knocked on the door. Come in, Claires voice resounded. She smiled at him when he entered. I thought you had forgotten about me. He froze up for a second, looking at the painting girl sitting near the office window. He scratched the back of his head and focused back on Claire. Apologies. I was busy with training. Taken a liking to the Sentinels. I couldve expected as much. Trian already offered you a position? Claire asked. Ah what am I talking about, go talk to Cless. She missed you. Kyrian remained where he stood, watching the girl paint for a moment before he smiled. Shes grown. She has. Quite talented that one. Snarky and annoying too, because she knows. Im just glad she paints so much, Claire said. He hesitated. She missed me? Of course she did. You took care of her after all. Painted you plenty too, in addition to the times I asked her to, Claire said. Kyrian smiled and sat down on one of the armchairs. I dont want to disturb her. Is it alright if I wait for her to finish? Claire smiled. It will take some time. But I dont mind, no. Thank you, Kyrian said. And no, Trian didnt offer a position yet. He told me I could ask once Im ready. Ive got plenty of jobs too, mostly in case you want to take a break from fighting. I assume youre staying with the Sentinels? Ilea owns plenty of nicer houses, one I kept empty for your return, Claire said. Im flattered. But the room I have in the headquarters is perfectly fine, Kyrian said. Luxurious even. He had lived in an entire keep for the past years but it was company he lacked, not space. Claire nodded lightly. Fair enough. Can I ask a few questions in regards to your adventures? He gestured for her to continue. You didnt happen to come across large amounts of gold youd need someone to manage? she asked. Kyrian sighed. No. I think whoever built the keeps left in an orderly manner. Few valuables. Even very little rotten food. Either that or they didnt have any use for such items in the first place, Claire said. But with your level as it is, and your potential adventures, just know that Im happy to manage whatever you come across. Ill invest it in a manner according to your wishes. Another thing, I know you, but things have changed somewhat since we went on Shadow missions together. A bit of an understatement, Kyrian said with a smile. Exactly. You are known to be a Shadow, or a Sentinel. If neither had been the case before, now it is. Your actions will somewhat reflect back onto Ravenhall. So if youre planning to start any wars, execute nobility, topple governments, I implore you to talk to me first, Claire said. Kyrian looked at her and started laughing. He wiped away a few tears before he cleared his throat. Im sorry that Ilea scarred you so. Claire looked at him with a deadpan expression before she rubbed her eyes. I havent slept in a while. Im not offended, dont worry. Ill make sure to consider the political and economic impacts of my actions, and I will consult you or others before taking drastic actions. But I dont plan to do anything like that for now, he said, scratching his chin. Dont scare me like that. You almost sound like you will, Claire said. Please, not another one. I understand that Liliths actions have helped cement Ravenhall as the independent power it is today, but thats not what youre talking about. I just dont know yet where exactly I want to go, what I want to do. It will take some time and I dont want to give you a promise I may not be able to keep, Kyrian said. Good. Would you agree to meet the other council members at least? Some you know already, Claire said. I dont know if I want to make decisions of that magnitude, Kyrian said. I didnt suggest you join the government. But you might be more powerful than even the Elders of the Shadows Hand. Can we count on you in an emergency? Claire asked. For you, always, Kyrian said immediately. Im sorry, Claire said, rubbing her eyes again before she summoned herself a bottle of water and a glass. Im focusing too much on your power. I know. Im aware of the position youre in, Kyrian said. Dont worry. Claire downed her water and stood up. No. Come on, Ill take a break. Are you hungry? I dont need much food anymore, Kyrian said. You didnt answer the question, Claire said. I could eat, sure, Kyrian said. Good. Remember the Golden Drake? she asked and walked over to Cless, a few enchantments flickering away. Girlie, you didnt eat lunch yet, right? Cless turned her head, her gaze moving past Claire as if she didnt exist, her eyes settling on Kyrian before she blinked a few times. Her brush fell to the floor as she rushed the man, hugging him as she giggle cried. Kyrian awkwardly patted her back, leaning down a little to reach her. Hello Cless, its okay. Claire smiled as she crossed her arms, putting the brush back near the canvas, taking a glance at the work in progress before she walked over. I know you kept an eye on me, Kyrian said. Thank you. The cries intensified, the girl looking up with tears streaming down her face before she started laughing. I knew youd come back! Thanks for believing in me, Kyrian said, lifting the girl up before he placed her on his shoulders, eliciting a giggle. Cless pointed towards the door like he was some kind of horse. What? Kyrian asked, seeing Claires stare. She shook her head and chuckled. Nothing. Come on, I think Keyla just changed up the menu again.
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