True Magician

Chapter 23

The Underworld. Phenex Mansion.

When I arrived, I was convinced that demons, or rather representatives of the seventy-two pillars, were spenders.

The circle teleported me and Ravel into the lobby of the mansion. And it looked damn rich: white marble, emblems of the Phenex clan, made of gold and jewelry, high ceilings and silk curtains.

- My descendants have taste. - I heard the Phenex demon mutter.

Well, not that he was entirely wrong. Though the decorations looked rich, they weren't flashy, at least not overly so. The harmonious combination of white and gold colors gave the interior a sense of style.

While I was looking at the lobby, a man's voice came from the staircase.

- Romani-san, we're glad you visited our mansion.

I turned around and saw a man in his thirties standing on the stairs. Apparently, he is the current head of the Phenex clan and the father of Ravel and Riser. However, he wasn't the only one there. The entire Phenex clan was there, but without the entourage. He himself, the woman beside him, and the three young men stared at me intently as they stood there.

And frankly, I was shocked. Riser and Ravel told them about the dream too? And their parents just took their word for it? They're aristocrats, right? Not trusting words is their rule, right? So why the hell are they looking at me with those glowing eyes?!

- Ravel, can you tell me why they're looking at me like that? - I asked, trying to maintain a polite smile.

- A couple days ago, the Great Ancestor appeared in the dreams of all of us, not just my brother," she replied easily, "So they all want to greet you personally.

My eyebrow twitched. That damn bird doesn't trifle, does it?

- You're welcome. - Phenex's voice echoed in my head again.

- Just shut up. - hissing like a snake, I said.

- Romani-san? Did we displease you in some way? - Lord Phenex asked cautiously.

And apparently, I said the words to Phenex out loud.

- Don't worry, Lord Phenex. There are times when I hear voices in my head... It's nothing like that," I shook my head and waved it away, "Anyway, my name is Romani Archaman, Wizard. Thank you for the invitation.

- It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Romani-san. - He said and bowed.

Romani-san?

- My name is Annikk Phenex, the current head of the Phenex clan. This is my consort, Leyla Phenex. And my sons Ruval, Rylan and Riser. And you've already met Rival, as well as Riser. - He introduced himself, and then his family, pointing and naming names one by one. And they made a respectful bow as they heard their names during the introductions.

Wellll... Do they have a boner for names with an "R" in them? I can't explain that they named their kids with names that start with that letter.

And when the show was over, we were transported, I realized, to the hospitality room and seated there. Lord Phenex and his wife sat on one couch, their children on the other two, and no one but me sat on the one I occupied. And my carcass taking up quite a long piece of furniture looked ridiculous, to say the least.

- Once again, we welcome you to our humble abode, Romani-san," Lord Phenex began, after we had sat in silence for a few minutes, "And as I see, you follow the rules of etiquette. It's good to know that it's not extinct in human society yet.

Heh. It's more like common courtesy. Etiquette says the host speaks first, then the guest. And since they're aristocrats, why not follow the signs?

- Well, that's how demon society works. And it would be an insult not to follow the rules of this place, right? - I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Besides, I don't mind.