The First Legendary Beast Master

Chapter 1404 Dealing With Guests

Karl and Lukas went to the main entrance to wait for the guests, while Cara and Rue continued to train.

The Princess was now in Dragon form, learning new combat styles from Cara, who had used [Greater Beast Form] to enlarge herself to something resembling Rueʼs dragon size.

The sight was enough to terrify the maids, though not out of fear for themselves. It was more concerning to think of what a dragon sized badger could do to the castle and its contents.

Even if she was only the size of a teen dragon.

At least when she was small, the items that were bolted down seemed safe enough.

The carriage pulled up in front of the gates, and a group of women in overly ornate dresses climbed down with excited smiles on their faces.

”Oh, this one is totally for you. They even sent you some variety, I smell black dragon and what might just be a Divine Fire Dragon in that mix.” Karl whispered.

The girl with glowing golden eyes snapped her attention to Karl, startled that he could tell her species by scent.

Even most dragons couldnʼt do that. They would just think that she was a red dragon cleric.

”Perhaps they are here for you. I hear that Cyhosasa is quite open-minded about such things. You might not be Royal, but you are an Avatar of the World Dragon and a friend of the Supreme Lady.” Lukas teased.

”Iʼm not that cruel. My wife would kill them for even thinking about it in her presence. Sheʼs adorable when sheʼs protective.”

The thought of a Divine Fox acting offended and protective was actually an adorable thought, Prince Lukas decided. Though, he wouldnʼt want to risk his belovedʼs anger just to see it. So, if they were really consort candidates, it would be up to him to sort it all out.

The girl that Karl had identified as a Divine Fire Dragon cleared her throat. ”Your Highness, Lord Avatar, donʼt get the wrong idea. I am not a courtesan or a bed girl. I was not sent here to entertain you in that fashion.” She insisted.

”Well, thatʼs a relief. But what were you sent here for? I am sure that you can see how a carriage full of lovely young dragons of marriageable age could be misconstrued as an attempt to woo the delicate sensibilities of our Crown Prince and steal his innocence.” Karl asked.

The girls covered their mouths to hide their laughter. Crown Prince Lukas was a new father, what innocence would they be stealing?

”I know what it looks like, and it was intentional. We are from the Royal Crafting Guilds, sent here to interrogate Lord Avatar Karl about the strange magical techniques that he has displayed since his arrival.

Our Elders have yet to properly identify the techniques used to build the new training room in the Palace, and that was deemed unacceptable.

Then, there is the matter of the rumoured advancement potions that were given to Princess Rue to accelerate her growth, and the matter of you being able to teach skills that are not part of the skill tree without using a skill book.” She explained.

”Iʼm a pretty good cook too. Donʼt forget that part.” Karl agreed.

The dragoness sighed. ”Is that attitude optional? Because I really donʼt have the patience to deal with being teased all day long”

”Sheʼs got you there.” Lukas laughed.

”Fine, I will help you with your studies. And the cost wonʼt even be too high.” Karl agreed.

The Divine Fire Dragon laughed, ”Oh? Now I am curious. What do you find to be a reasonable price to instruct others in lost and obscure crafting skills?”

”Princess Rue needs loyal companions. In exchange for my teachings, I want you to swear loyalty to the Princess, never to betray her trust.” Karl announced. Everyone, even the Butler and Prince Lukas, stared at Karl in shock. While the price sounded reasonable, it would normally be an oath given to the master craftsman not to betray their secrets, not loyalty to the Princess, who was not even a student of his. At least not in that sense.

”If that is the price, we will agree. There is no real harm in swearing not to betray the Princess, but such an oath wonʼt override our oath to protect the nation. Should she one day be a threat to the Kingdom as a whole, we will not aid her.”

The others nodded, and Karl smiled.

”Wonderful. Come inside, please. We will get you all settled, and then we can start your training, and introduce Rue to her new best friends.”

Lukas sighed. ”Are you sure that you know what youʼre doing? Theyʼre all from top Noble families, and not even all from Gathuzan.”

Karl smiled. ”Everyone needs loyal companions to make their life better. You have Nyx, and while these ladies might not have all of his impeccable fashion sense, theyʼre still going to be important to Rueʼs future.”

The ladies laughed at the mention of the Incubus. He was generally considered an oddball, but his skills were undeniable.

”What crafting guilds sent you? I can help with inscription, Runecrafting,

alchemy, tailoring, and cooking” Karl explained.

”You werenʼt joking about being able to cook?” One of the ladies asked.

”Not at all. I have access to the Mystic Cooking skill. The finest of magical food products for advanced constitutions and rapid growth require it.”

None of them had heard that before. But they did know of the skill. It was a requirement to work for the Royal Kitchens, as the Kingʼs closest family members were treated to it at most meals.

”Most of us came from the Alchemists, but the others came from the Obscure Magic Research Department of the Dragon Church.” The Divine Fire Dragon

explained.

”Oh? I would have expected more blue dragons.” Karl noted.

”How would we have passed them off as marriage candidates to sneak them out of the Palace? If you send more than one blue dragon somewhere, theyʼre definitely going to study something. Itʼs not a believable cover.”