Although Jerome had promised to help Lann in times of crisis, Lann still hoped that Jerome could stay in Cintra permanently, so he wrote to him about all the hardships he experienced. It would be a waste for a great master of magic and combat to live in seclusion at the edge of the world.
As for Kaer Seren Castle, it could not be abandoned. This former elven stronghold, now the main base of the Griffin School, was situated in a rare concentration of magical energy. Although it did not offer the rapid and drastic transformations of Kaer Morhen's Ring of Elements, it did provide a subtle and constant improvement to those who practiced magical disciplines, sometimes even greater.
According to Lann's plans, Kaer Seren would become the main center for training and research on magical matters. However, everything depended on one key factor: that Jerome stopped being a recluse in the place.
…
After writing the letter, Lann gently closed the notebook and took it back to the [Inventory].
Looking up, he took in the main hall. The others were also immersed in preparations for the ceremony, awaiting notification from the castle steward.
Of course, Ciri was there. She had put on her beloved ceremonial armor again, a white cloak covering a shiny breastplate. She ran wildly around the room, clearly still affected by the uncomfortable episode in which her previous outfit had limited her movements during the battle against the giant bear. Now, she seemed determined to fully adapt to her new attire.
However, not everyone was happy with her 'effort'.
"Our dear princess is so full of energy... I'm sure the butler of Cintra will be very relieved to see her like this," Yennefer commented, leaning against the wall while shaking a glass of red wine in her hand. "But, Ciri, if you keep messing up your clothes, don't complain later; you'll have to fix them yourself in front of the mirror."
The sorceress, dressed in an elegant black off-the-shoulder dress adorned with feather details, wore a star-shaped obsidian necklace that enhanced the whiteness of her skin and delicately highlighted the curves of her collarbone. Clearly, Yennefer was also attending the banquet, and where she was, Geralt could not be missing.
Geralt was dressed in a tight black tuxedo, clearly uncomfortable with the formality. His face wore a slight expression of discomfort, and he seemed convinced that Yennefer was enjoying his suffering.
"Maybe you should wear a cloak over that, or at least a long coat," Lann commented with a slight smile, seeing Geralt's awkward gesture.
Yennefer had insisted that Geralt wear the fashions of the nobles of the continent, a style that could not be more antagonistic than that of Skellige, which increased the witcher's discomfort.
Geralt gave Lann a grateful look upon hearing his suggestion.
Coën and Kolgrim were also in the room, both still in their armor, making it clear that they were not planning to attend the banquet. They looked at Geralt with mocking expressions, enjoying his discomfort.
Iris had abandoned the scimitar, as she seemed to have found inspiration, and was concentrating on her canvas in the corner of the room, applying colors calmly. From time to time, Ciri would run over to observe her work with curiosity.
[Knock, knock, knock!]
There were knocks on the door.
The steward of the Tuirseach clan entered with a joyous face after receiving permission to enter.
"Duke Lannister, Princess Cirilla, our... His Majesty is calling you two over. People from other clans are coming, and His Majesty wants to accept their greetings with you two."
At this time, the 'His Majesty' in the butler's words was no longer King Bran.
Lann nodded, slightly tidied his clothes, and then cast an inquiring look at Ciri.
Ciri, however, was clearly worried about her dress, which was in disarray after all that running and jumping. She looked at Yennefer with pleading eyes but received only a cold gesture of disdain from the sorceress.
"You go first, Lann. I need to fix this..." Ciri said with a hint of frustration.
Lann shook his head with a light laugh, greeted the others in the room, and followed the butler out of the hall.
Ciri watched the door close behind Lann and waited for his footsteps to disappear into the hallway. At that moment, her eyes sparkled with a childish cunning that replaced any hint of frustration.
Under Yennefer's increasingly stern gaze, Ciri skipped a couple of times until she reached Iris.
"Iris... teacher," Ciri said quietly.
Iris had been introduced as her art instructor and had recently begun giving the princess lessons.
"I heard you mention before that Lann would bring a succubus to Cintra later... Is that true?"
After her words, the room fell into an awkward silence.
Everyone, literally everyone, turned to them to listen.
During the time Lann had been back, everyone had heard rumors about that succubus. After all, Fritjof's apprentice was too unruly. Even after receiving a good beating, he insisted on returning to the forest to look for Nanomi several times.
Although Lann had said that the succubus would no longer be a problem for Skellige, Geralt and the others knew that Lann was not the type to wantonly kill intelligent races. Even Gerd had accidentally revealed that this succubus, while somewhat carefree in her behavior, did not have an evil nature.
Therefore, it was not difficult to guess how he planned to handle the situation.
However, whenever this topic came up, Lann always steered the conversation away.
Aside from Lann, the only person who knew about the succubus was Iris. However, the woman's cold and reserved personality meant that even though others were filled with curiosity, no one dared to ask her directly… let alone about a topic like this.
It was necessary for Ciri to be the one to ask.
Hearing Ciri's question, Iris turned her head and smiled slightly. "The succubus' name is Nanomi. And yes, she will return with us to Cintra."
As soon as Iris finished speaking, a collective gasp was heard in the room.
Kolgrim, with an expression of shock and satisfaction, muttered, "I expected nothing less from Lann. To accomplish something like that so easily…"
"I've heard of succubi having affairs with humans, even witchers, but this is the first time I've heard of anyone bringing them home," Coen commented, nodding in admiration.
Geralt wanted to say something but stopped when he noticed Yennefer's piercing gaze.
Ciri's expression became solemn.
Ciri began to pace around the room. She finally took a bearskin cloak and placed it over Geralt's shoulders. "Geralt, could you use your witcher senses to find out if there are any traces related to that succubus in Lann?"
Geralt blinked, clearly amused, and shook his head. "For that, I would first have to analyze the succubus' pheromones and then make a comparison. But don't worry, Ciri. Although Lann has new traces of pheromones on his body, they are not as strong. That means he hasn't been with anyone as close as he was with me… let alone you."
Satisfied, Ciri narrowed her eyes and then, without saying a word, removed the cloak from Geralt's shoulders and tossed it aside.
...
Lann followed the butler to the banquet hall, which was already full of people.
Unlike the last time she saw him, Eist now wore a dark-hued iron crown. It lacked precious gems or engravings of noble metals. The crown had the distinctive style of the islanders.
At this moment, Eist was sitting in the most prominent place in the hall, as if he were a good luck mascot. He was absentmindedly drinking wine while exchanging greetings with vassals and lords who came to pay homage. It was clear that he was terribly bored. As soon as he saw Lann enter, his eyes lit up.
"In my entire life as king, this is the experience I least want to relive. I never thought I'd have to go through this again," Eist said with a bitter smile. Then, he glanced behind Lann. "Where's Ciri? Why didn't she come with you?"
Lann scratched his left cheek in some discomfort. "She's not ready yet. She needs some more time…"
Eist shook his head and sighed. "That little one…" He commented, as he grabbed Lann by the arm and pulled him to his side.
Just then, a Lord came over to greet Eist. He was someone known.
"Uncle Torgeir!" Eist exclaimed, opening his arms enthusiastically to embrace the middle-aged man in front of him. Although his hair and beard were completely white, his bearing was still vigorous. Two thick braids held his long beard in place so as not to interfere with his movements during combat.
"Your Majesty," Torgeir replied, bowing first in a formal obeisance before returning the hug. They slapped each other's backs hard as they laughed heartily.
"I never imagined I would address you as king again in this life," Torgeir added.
Eist laughed. "I hope to count on your help in coordinating preparations for the future military deployment."
"Of course, I have been waiting for this moment." Torgeir raised his goblet and toasted Eist. "I remember when my ax made the City of the Golden Towers moan, in those days I took you, Bran and Crach to face Nilfgaard. They are not as fearsome as they seem!"
Torgeir let out a loud laugh. But the next moment, his expression turned serious. "Bran… What a pity about Bran. By the way, where is he?"
Eist's face tightened for a moment. In a low voice, he replied, "Birna has caused trouble, and Bran is busy sorting out his family matters. He will come to apologize to the other jarls later. I hope you can support him."
Although Eist did not specify what happened, Torgeir seemed to have guessed and cursed: "I said long ago that the woman was not fit to be his wife, but Bran was bewitched by her at that moment! This child, this child!!"
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