The name sparked something in Evian's recent memory. A memory of Myrine making a small mention of her past. With that, he finally realized why the Delegate's brown hair looked familiar; It was the same shade as Myrine's.
Myron spread his arms wide, a 'delighted' smile on his face,
"Sister," he called as he took eager steps forward.
Myrine allowed herself to be embraced and despite the smile on her lips, her expression and her body language made it seem like she was unsure how to react to this surprise.
Evian heard a displeased grunt from behind and he didn't have to turn to know it had come from his Father.
Lord Stygian glared at the embracing siblings with displeasure and decided to repeat his Wife's question- The one that still did not have an answer,
"Myron, why is it you?"
The siblings separated and Myron turned toward the Stygian Lord, a smile on his face but a mocking intention so clear to see and feel,
"Averill," he said as he let his eyes roam over the Lord's impressive frame, "You look well."
Adrian took a step forward, a smile of excitement on his face,
"Uncle," he said, "What a pleasant surprise. You'll be handling my Evaluation?"
Myron raised a hand and moved it fondly through Adrian's hair,
"I am one of the Delegates, Yes. When I heard my little Nephew actually had dreams and aspirations beyond this- this place, I just had to come and oversee it."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Lord Stygian asked, "What do you mean, 'this place'?"
Myron rolled his eyes,
"Oh please, Averill. I've long made my thoughts on 'this place' known. Let's not dilly daily on the unimportant. Today is for dear Adrian and him seizing his future like the wise young man that I am sure he is."
Lord Stygian grunted again but whatever differences were between him and his brother-in-law were put on hold when the carriage doors opened and another person made their exit. Appearing to have taken their sweet time to make a more impactful disembark.
The leg showed first, long, smooth, with calves 'to die for', then came the garment of a partitioned gown before another keg followed and the figure's full form came into view.
She was a lady with that aged yet youthful look that accompanied experienced cultivators such as herself. Dressed in a red gown with a long slit, stretching almost to her waist, up her right side, and showcasing her beautiful leg in all its smooth and silky glory.
Her large bust was covered up but only thrust out all the more, calling attention. Other men on the scene might have made sure not to stare but Evian did not. Granted, he let his eyes roam over the lady's clothed body entirely but whenever his eyes fell on the peaks, he allowed himself to observe.
The lady's shiny black hair was only slightly bundled to keep stray locks out of her eyes, and as for her eyes, they were a dark pair with beautiful flecks of amber within and glared with a confidence that always so readily comes along with an impressive cultivation base.
Her red-painted lips tilted up on one side with all the hints of superiority that seemed to come with being a member of the Martial Temple.
Her steps were slow and her heels were sharp against the cobbled stones of the Stygian Estate grounds, soaking all the awe she received.
"Strong grip," Zayda said, clenching a few times to get a good feel of the strength in Evian's hand, "I'd put it at the sixth step of the Third Order or maybe even higher. And you say you're also a Stygian? Connections can be made, and Rank ascent is likely... Hmm, Are you sure you're not the one I'm here to Evaluate?"
Evian chuckled as they let go of each other's hands,
"Nah, I have no interest in joining the Martial Temple."
Silence...
Everyone stared almost like they were in disbelief at the words that just left Evian's lips and faced with those reactions, Evian looked around confused.
"What?" he asked but even as his question sounded, he got his answer in the disappointment on his Parents' faces.
It was now he understood why his Mother had been so adamant that he be present. Clearly, they had been planning that he get evaluated as well and he likely just threw a wrench in their plans by so vocally claiming disinterest while in the presence of a Martial Temple Knight.
But he wouldn't take it back.
Being stuck in a massive structure and made to study cultivation techniques that would do him no good was not Evian's plan for the future. Not when his hunger for Souls continued to grow. Not when everything he needed to be the greatest Wraith he could be was available to him through his Decadent Assistant.
-chapter
Zayda smiled,
"Why not?" she asked and with a gesture at the welcoming crowd in the courtyard, she continued, "Clearly, your family believes it a big deal and a matter of great honor, why don't you?"
Evian shrugged,
"Because it would be boring," he answered truthfully.
"Boring?" Zayda repeated in disbelief, "You seek excitement over Martial excellence?"
Evian smiled,
"The point is, I'd rather not have to pick between the two."
Zayda nodded,
"I see," she said and her eyes moved.
At first, Adrian thought attention was coming to him, after all, this was his day, this was HIS evaluation but he ultimately felt sidelined when Zayda's attention fell on the Redhead by Evian's side, who was bouncing on the ball of her feet in excitement.
"I take it you want to join the Martial Temple though?" Zayda asked.
Ember nodded, her cheeks a warm red and her eyes beholding a 1st Rank Knight with delightful awe. She didn't have to think too long for an answer. It was already at the tip of her tongue, a mantra she had lived by for quite a while now.
"If it will make me Strong?" she said, "Then Absolutely."