No one was happier about Zhao Si's return than Godrick. Seeing that he could not show off his muscles to his friend, Godrick tried another approach.
He patted his shoulder, and a little lion made of golden magic appeared on it.
The little lion, whose fur had yet to grow in fully, lay on Godrick's shoulder and let out a series of "meow, meow, meow" roars at Zhao Si.
"Look, a Golden Lion!" Godrick was plainly fishing for praise.
Zhao Si was generous with his compliments. After all, he had witnessed Godrick's progress firsthand. He could already make things with golden magic now.
"Just a kitten."
Morgott spoke from behind Godrick, knocking the illusory little lion off his shoulder with his cane.
Godrick shuddered all over. Clearly, his fear of Morgott was deeply etched into his soul.
"One day, when you become truly strong, you will have a real lion. Not an illusion you conjured up to fool people." Morgott never missed an opportunity to educate Godrick.
Godrick hung his head. "Yes, yes, I know. I just wanted to show off a little to my good partner."
To celebrate Zhao Si's return, and to soothe the increasingly irritable Fortissax while he was at it, Godrick decided to hold a banquet. A small, private banquet, with only their little circle of acquaintances.
Lansseax was invited too.
In the banquet hall, Godrick sat at the head of the table, followed in order by Malenia, Morgott, Fortissax, Lansseax, and Zhao Si.
The two girls, Irina and Nepheli, ate in the small dining room and stayed out of the adults' affairs.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Godrick brought up Rykard.
"That's why I say my good partner is amazing. He put that arrogant Rykard firmly in his place." Godrick set down his