The World Dragon's Heir

Chapter 634: Jack Makes Questionable Choices

Jack shrugged as everyone turned to stare at him.

“What? It was before I was married. I figured if I hadn’t turned by the end of the year, then that scar on my shoulder was just one more battle scar to go with the rest of them.”

“You let her mark you? I can’t tell if that is hilarious, or if your wife is going to murder you when she finds out.” The Acolyte noted.

“The Missus passed a few years ago. The Swamp Fever. But I’ve got great-grandchildren running around already. It’s fine if I end up out there somewhere as a Vampire’s decrepit thrall.”

The Acolyte smiled. “You’ve got some experiences coming to you, good sir. And Vampires don’t stay in the state they died at, they regenerate to a more optimal level.

That’s why you rarely see undead children.

However, I don’t think that was what the Duchess was concerned about. You are the Duchess, right? The Wavemates Prince’s wife? I wasn’t provided many details before I was sent, but his titles were in the letter.”

Alexis nodded, “I am. And a Princess of the Cygnian Kingdom. Not close to the line of inheritance, if that’s what you’re wondering. But we are equally matched in status.”

“Though I see you are a Royal Paladin, so there is still a chance to advance. With most power couples like the two of you, the sky is the limit.”

Dominic winked at his wife. “I like this guy’s attitude.”

“I see how it is now. You like him because he tells you what you want to hear.

However, I have more reservations about fully trusting someone who was sent here by an unknown sorcerer from another world, using a method that just conveniently happens to summon monsters to the location before he arrives.”

The Acolyte nodded, at Dominic. “She has a strong argument for her position.”

Dominic just shrugged. “She’s smarter than I am anyhow, it’s not surprising that she’s right. Still, I don’t think that it’s entirely wrong to trust someone who has a life curse on them. We can verify that easily enough, even if we can’t get the details of it.

We’ve tortured enough people that triggering the curse is an art form at this point. I trust my judgment to tell me that you’re not lying about the fact that it will kill you if you betray.

But we’re still a bit confused as to why your Headmaster Asmodain would even bother to send me an assistant. We’ve never met before, and from what I know, he’s been gone for centuries, living in another world. It’s not as if we’re particularly close.”

The Acolyte raised his hand. “I can answer that. He is, or was, particularly close with the previous Dragon King. I am unclear on whether the man is actually dead. All the official information says that he is, but the situation surrounding his death doesn’t make any sense, even for a pacifist.

But before that, The Headmaster was loyal to the Royal family for generations.

Before he was exiled the first time, he was a General in the Alliance Army, leading Trolls and Giants into battle all over the continent.

I believe that he would support Prince Dominic just on general principle, as the last of the beast blooded Royals left on this continent. Seeing the old bloodlines continue is a priority for him, I believe.”

Alexis frowned. “Is there a chance that he is from the Wavemates lineage himself?”

The Acolyte shook his head. “No. He is a pure-blooded dragon, and not a World Dragon. He’s got some affinity for the family, but they’re not directly related to him that I know of, unless one of his ancestors married in.”

“And he destroyed all the information that could have told anyone whether that was actually the case.” Jack added.

“Exactly. He doesn’t claim to be a Prince, or any sort of Royal, though. He is simply the headmaster of the Academy, and has been for centuries.”

Dominic turned to Alexis for a decision. If she wanted this odd Acolyte tossed in the jailhouse, he would go along with it.

“Alright, come with us. We will sort out why there are monsters arriving two hours before your portal, and then you can start work.

I am certain that Julio will appreciate a trained assistant for the accounts receivable department. Advisor Jenna will be overjoyed as well. She has been complaining about the lack of staff in the department since she arrived, you see.

Dominic has just been appointed as Governor, and the number of staff needed are skyrocketing. I hope that you passed your accounting classes because you’re going to need them. Even if you try to focus on whatever other skills you were sent for.”

The Acolyte sighed. “In that case, I will be in your care, Duchess. You may assign me an employee name, or you can use my Acolyte codename, Gordie.”

“Gordie is easy enough to remember. If I had to rename everyone, I would run out of them far too quickly.” Alexis agreed.

That made the maids laugh. They operated mostly namelessly in their duties. The whole point of their uniform and position was that they were faceless and anonymous servants that could follow behind their Mistress without attracting any attention.

Using their names in public would only draw attention to the fact that they were exchanging places regularly.

“I am also trained in all sorts of magic, including the creation of new spells and devices.” Gordie offered hopefully, desperate to avoid being stuck in accounting.

“Oh, that is wonderful. We will have the Elders of one of the Mage Towers here in town come speak with you, perhaps you can find some time to tutor the Duke, and help him make new Spell Gems.

You have a few busy months ahead of you, but I assure you that they will calm down once we have a full and proper staff hired for the Governorship, as we have for the Duchy’s internal affairs.” Alexis assured him.

“Best to quit while you’re ahead. If you have other hidden talents, you should probably save them for after your official job assignment is finished, or you’ll just earn yourself more work.” Jack warned.

“Thank you Advisor. I will keep that in mind.”